Well, educated myself the last few days with Bike Fitting for both Road Bikes and Tri-Bikes. Seems like you set them up a little differently. What I found most challenging, however, is setting up a Road Bike to be both comfortable and aerodynamic. My road bike geometry is not as upright as a Time Trial (or Tri) geometry. My seat tube angle on my road bike is 73.5 degrees compared to that of a TT bike which is more upright- around 76 degrees. Anyway, having spent some time on the fit..I think I was able to optimize my position that would be comfortable, aerodynamic and mechanically optimized for max power output. Here's a pic of my aero position. Keep in mind, as I said, that this stretched out look/position is NOT because I prefer this to a more forward position..it's just that I can't get there with my current frame geometry. Besides, I herniated my L5-S1 disc in my lower back..and it doesn't seem like I'm going to get any flatter. Guess I'll have to live with the arched/egg-shaped back for now. Oh, my seat is maxed out as high as it's going to go...and forward as well....in case you were wondering. I suppose I could shorten the stem some more (I've already shortened it to 120mm) and drop the handlebars (already have a 2.5-3 inch drop from seat top to handlebar tops) but don't want to go any lower as I will most surely compromise comfort. Afterall, I'll probably be doing group rides and long century rides 90% of the time..and Time Trials the other 10%. If anyone has any suggestions on optimizing what I believe is an already "optimized" fit for me..please let me know. Thanks Rob
Friday, December 28, 2007
Bike Fit 101
Well, educated myself the last few days with Bike Fitting for both Road Bikes and Tri-Bikes. Seems like you set them up a little differently. What I found most challenging, however, is setting up a Road Bike to be both comfortable and aerodynamic. My road bike geometry is not as upright as a Time Trial (or Tri) geometry. My seat tube angle on my road bike is 73.5 degrees compared to that of a TT bike which is more upright- around 76 degrees. Anyway, having spent some time on the fit..I think I was able to optimize my position that would be comfortable, aerodynamic and mechanically optimized for max power output. Here's a pic of my aero position. Keep in mind, as I said, that this stretched out look/position is NOT because I prefer this to a more forward position..it's just that I can't get there with my current frame geometry. Besides, I herniated my L5-S1 disc in my lower back..and it doesn't seem like I'm going to get any flatter. Guess I'll have to live with the arched/egg-shaped back for now. Oh, my seat is maxed out as high as it's going to go...and forward as well....in case you were wondering. I suppose I could shorten the stem some more (I've already shortened it to 120mm) and drop the handlebars (already have a 2.5-3 inch drop from seat top to handlebar tops) but don't want to go any lower as I will most surely compromise comfort. Afterall, I'll probably be doing group rides and long century rides 90% of the time..and Time Trials the other 10%. If anyone has any suggestions on optimizing what I believe is an already "optimized" fit for me..please let me know. Thanks Rob
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