Clip on Aerobar setup - Triathlon Week

10-21-2006, 04:08 AM

I just purchased a pair of syntace c2 clip on aerobars. i was wondering if
anyone had any pointers for setting them up on my bike (separation width /
length) and how i should feel or look when riding in the aero position.

thanks

10-21-2006, 04:08 AM

"Rob K" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:Xns98625CA2DC541robaveliyahoocom@199.45.49.11 ...
>I just purchased a pair of syntace c2 clip on aerobars. i was wondering if
> anyone had any pointers for setting them up on my bike (separation width /
> length) and how i should feel or look when riding in the aero position.
>
> thanks

If you've not used them before, you may take a while to get used to them.
Without access to a wind tunnel you're going to have to tweak the set-up to
get the best out of it.

A few things that seem to work (for me and people whose bikes I've set-up).

Pad width: what's comfortable. Start wide to help getting used to riding
on elbows. then come in a bit at time until they're the same or slightly in
from the width your knees are. The aim is to mask your knees with your
arms.

Extension length. I don;t think the Syntace bars are adjustable (unless
you've got a hacksaw). So you just move the pads for and aft if possible.
You'll soon feel if the pads are too far forward. you won't be able to rest
on them comfortably. try and get your forearms horizontal. A friend
looking from the side is handy for that.

Bar height. If you've got drop handlebars, make sure that you can still use
the drops without stretching. Start off high, and once you get used to it
start lowering a little at a time. Ideally your back will be close to flat
(although the fastest cyclists very rarely have a flat back!). Your range
of movement may limit this, and you may be faster in a more comfortable
position.

Saddle position. As you get your shoulders lower, you rotate your whole
position around the cranks. this means moving your saddle forwards, and up
a bit to keep the saddle height the same. This really should be done in
little steps as it can feel very wierd and 'slower' too.

Don't look too closely at the top guys in TT or Tri. They've had time to
get the right position for them, often with a wind-tunnel. What works for
you may well be different.

Also, try not to use them where you might need to get on the brakes
(corners, downhills, traffic etc). They're not much use either
ergonomically or aerodynamically at low speeds (below 18-20mph say,
roughly). Nice for tired arms though.

Put a little grease on all bolts, and use good quality tools. Be very
careful if you have composite bars. Syntace's instructions are at
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I hope that helps

Skippy
E&OE