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Question:
*Aero bars...Is there a natural loss of CT power & efficiency when 
you drop into aero position?  If so, what is "typical", or should it be only 
temporary until legs adapt?  I tried my tri bars for first time and noticed a drop 
in form/watts.  It was much more difficult to maintain my spin scan @ 70% (probably 
dropped 3-5% on avg.) and watts dipped 5-15 too.  [I plan to get re-fitted soon.]

Answer:
Not natural at all to lose power when riding in the aero position.

See my article on Bike Fit on my website.  You are not in a good position 
set-up as made evident by your drop in power & efficiency.  

Note that only 4 months ago before you had a computrainer, you had nothing 
to indicate this drop in power/efficiency, other than a vague sense of not 
feeling right.  Referring to my Bike Fit article once more, comfort is an 
easy indicator of whether you are well positioned or not.  

So many people ride in the aero position because they feel they must do so, 
but as the race progresses and they tire in this uncomfortable position you 
always see a large percentage of folks riding flats upright on the drops 
because their so-called aero position is unfavorable.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Hawaii which is a largely aero position
course.  Nevertheless, the return trip sees countless riders eschewing the
aero position and riding high on the drop exposed to the winds.



 


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