Noctiluxx wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2019 11:55 pm
I just ordered the clip on bars similar to the Madone Speed for my Madone SLR. Just out of curiousity, how close would my Madone SLR (rim brake) with Bontrager XXX-6 wheels come to a full Tri/TT bike with similar wheels?
It all depends on what position you can attain. Cycling weekly did a video reciently on this and an aero bike set up properly with aero bars pretty much matched a tt bike. Now, it depends on the bike, but in identical positions... they should be in the margin of error. But the (front end) adjustability of a TT bike is more likely to get you in a proper position vs aero road bike.
I forget how adjustable the bars and aerobars are for the madone... but I will hazzard that your options are limited. Proper aerobar height is key for keepign you aerodynamic. Proper pad reach and width is key also, as is aerobar length and tilt. If your fitment options are literally a few bolts in the pads, and stem lengths... you are most likely to be in a compromised position in a road bike with aero bars... and
an optimized position on a tt bike will crush a sub-optimal position on an aero road bike as we all know 70+% of aero is the rider. That is the problem with proprietary aero bars. At least with older round bars, companies like profile design could provide you with clip ons with prettly solid adjustability.
The difference between aero road with clip ons and a tt bike is also around the economy of your riding. My tri bike is new to me, but with the more vertical seattube, and forward saddle, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: AN ALMOST INFINATLY ADJUSTABLE FRONT END, I am in a very aerodynamic position... and I am putting out personal best power numbers.
UCI is the limiter for tt bikes and road bikes. A zero offset saddle can help however (I use one). As can an ISM style saddle as it helps you be comfortable in the aero position (warning, my ism saddle alone weighs almost half as much as my road bike... but it is magic in an aero position). Finally, shorter cranks allow for better mechanics in a low aero position. My size 51 road bike has 170mm cranks. My 51 tri bike has 165. Given how agressive I ride low/aero with my road bike, I am now seriously considerign going with 165mm cranks on that too.
If you look at my felt IA above:
- airfoils on the frame - ILLEGAL (break the 3:1 rule but is more efficient)
- saddle position - ILLEGAL (allows me to put down huge power comfortable in a very aero position)
- Aero bars - ILLEGAL (too long, but they alow me to get long and low to minimize what the wind sees)
- Aero bar tilt - ILLEGAL ( a mantis position of sorts... which has proven to be faster for many riders)
10 watts saved right there, just for having matching stripes LOL
