Hi TR fans,
What’s the take on training sessions in the drops.
For the past few sessions, I’ve tried to do them all in the drops. Not easy but I figure this will help when I’m on the road in windy conditions or just trying to be more aero for some extra speed.
It’s a good idea to train in that position if that’s how you’re going to ride on the road.
For me, personally, I am never in the drops except when I’m pushing hard (like a race) or this morning when I am fighting the wind (cross wind) and the position is more stable. I have zero problems pushing the same power in either position, and actually feel that the drops feel natural in a race.
The drops should be used for cornering and descending. A more aerodynamic position is “aero hoods” position. It gets upper arms narrow and forearms invisible to the wind. I train in aero hoods position all the time. I don’t train to put out power in the drops.
Yes, I switch between the drops and what you say as aero hoods. I grab the tops of the hoods and rest my forearms on the bar. I am not yet able to keep this position for more than 15 or 20 minutes so I go to the drops to get some “rest”. I see some people just rest their forearms directly on the bar tops… eeks… I dont have the confidence to do that, yet. Maybe I’ll have to check my bike fit. I just got the SQLab TT saddle and that’s quite helpful.
Sounds like you’re far ahead of where I was when I started using that position. First few weeks it was tricep torture. Now can hold that position for 3+ hrs (not super comfortably just yet, but an hour is no problem).
I wouldn’t bother going to the virtual aero bar (VAB) position. The aero hoods position with hoods turns inwards is probably within 5-10 W while under 30mph, and offers far better bike control, and for me, better power output ability.
I only move to VAB when over 30mph air speed and when planning to stay that way for a while, but not supertuck. So, pretty rare.