Aerobars have a reputation for being uncomfortable, twitchy and sometimes even downright dangerous. And when they're improperly used, that's true. But with the right adjustments they can make for smooth, fast and safe cycling, which is exactly what
-bars.Triathletes took note of Lemond's extraordinary average speed of 54.5kph on that final stage and were soon running, cycling and swimming to their local bike shop to buy a pair of aero-bars. The use of these new bars became so common in triathlon that they even
cadence you would maintain on the flat. You can add variety by using your aerobar position (if you have them), seated normally or riding out of the saddle. 3 Find a nice flat stretch of road and ride at 55-65rpm, at an effort where you could still talk
, the guys in the first Ironman in 1978 got round just fine without clipless pedals, aerobars or fancy nutrition. The challenge of the event was there, irrespective of which equipment was used.Bryce Dyer Bryce Dyer is Senior Lecturer in Product Design
adjustments that make you lower or smaller to the oncoming air resistance, while making sure you are still comfortable. Many triathletes use aero-bars to make them smaller at the front so they slip through the air.Tight-fitting clothing and an aero-helmet also
. Main: 45 minutes on rolling terrain keeping cadence moderate and changing gear when pedalling slows down. Cool-down: spin 5 minutes Lunch: RUN: 30 minutes steady. Evening: CYCLE: Warm-up: using gears. Main: 45 minutes concentrating on a tucked
in the second half of the pedal stroke. To correct this flaw, practise pedalling with just one leg on a stationary bike while concentrating on using your muscles to lead the pedals in complete circles (of course, you'll need toe clips to do this).The second
time. "Part of a 'post-event review' is to deconstruct what worked well and what didn't, and to use those observations to get better next time," says Thompson. Find whatever positive you can in your own particular situation. Mark may not have completed
