Rolling start to take the clip in and acceleration phase out of the equation? Three runs for each setup to minimize random noise? Formulating a theory about the result afterwards? This is how you do science. Emma once again proves how great she is, hope the other presenters take notes for future science episodes. Really well done.
Totally agree! Please keep it this way :) Also the shorter runs means you can repeat them more times, and the wattage is more within what us mortals can relate to! (albeit being twice heavier)
However, she could pair the aero and drop tests (1-1) instead of first 3 runs on the aero and after 3 runs on the drops. But she corrected for it by using the average power :)
One variable not mentioned that comes to mind is the potential of wind direction/speed change during the course of testing. This would be especially impactful if it occurred close to the position changeover point. Alternating positions throughout the test would minimize the impact of wind on results.
I got clip-on aero bars last winter and I thought I was going faster and I could hold the position for a longer time than the drops. Emma's experiment, analysis, and results confirmed my own thoughts. I really appreciate Emma controlling the experiment more (compared to Simon or Dan or Tom putting on glasses!). Replicate measurements are really helpful/important. P.S. Emma looks so strong hitting an uphill at 30 km/h!
Oh dear dear dear, i knew getting a mulit linguist phd scientist on board would be a mistake. She’s only taking averages of runs and limiting variables. This is NOT how GCN does ‘science’. This is too darn useful.
jokes aside, this is unscientific because the experiment design doesn't account for rider fatigue. Of course runs 1-3 will be faster than runs 4-6, because the same rider will fatigue over time!
@@JoveCana it is unscientific, but not because of the fatigue. Emma was putting out the same power. Clearly not fatigued. But it is a not controlled environment. Wind direction line choice etc etc- hence the averaging.
Would be interesting to see this with the hands /arms pointed up more so they close off that gap between chin and hands and direct the air around the body. It always seems to me that the gap is like an air scoop that will really slow you down.
Aero bars were the first upgrade I made to my bike. Not because I expected them to help me go faster, but because I naturally wanted to rest my elbows on my handlebars on long hauls in aero position on the drops. My first 60 k ride out with them, I averaged 2kph faster than my previous fastest 50 k. I'm definitely a believer, and I find them more comfortable.
absolutely loving the improved experimental design (multiple trials! looking for outliers!) in GCN does science. It's like GCN hired a trained researcher or something (a fast on too)
You also need to consider the length of the time trial (e.g, 180 km in an IM) width of the drop bars in relation to the shoulder width, height of the drops, the flexibility and age of the athlete and terrain being ridden which are all likely to have a big bearing on the results. My preferred bike is a gravel bike (which have higher drops) running 28mm tyres with a pressure of about 100psi. My aging body simply doesn't like staying in the aero (bar) position anymore so I lose considerable power in it over the duration of 180kms. I'm expecting (hoping) to be able to ride better and more comfortably for longer which should allow me to run much better off the bike for 42kms! My experiment for IM Australia 2021!
You got everything right! Aero = lower frontal area = less air to push out of your way = higher speed, and, the O2 requirements the upper body needs just to hold yourself up when in the drops (haha) , can now be consumed by the heart and legs.
Got my first road bike shockingly given to me recently. Wondered what exactly the bars and pads in the middle were for. Had no idea they were so cool. I was shocked the first time riding a road bike at how easy it is to go incredibly fast, compared to the mountain bikes, cruisers, BMX bikes, I had ridden. It has ignited a fire in me. I truly love it. The bike is an upgraded Cannondale Six13. I'm enamored with it, it reminds me of a Cannondale road bike I used to stare at through the bike shop window as a child. Hope anyone who read all this is having a fantastic day.
Aero bars surely give an advantage and that's why they exist, but why balance the weight? The advantage of aero bars is aerodynamics while the advantage of not having aero bars is less weight. By balancing the weight you kill the advantage of the drops-only setup and ensures the win of the aero bars.
I love the idea of aero bars, just some questions about the method of this trial: How were the trials arranged? Alternating, all aero runs followed by all drop runs? Were fatigue or environmental factors taken into account? I would think that it would be "fair" to do this test as follows: Day 1: aero bar run followed by drop run. Day 2: drop run first Day 3: aero first Day 4: drop first This would give equal fresh attempts for both positions, limit any effect of fatigue, and possibly show different weather implications. As it is, the results were conclusive enough for me, I just see some areas where people could argue the methods. Another good video, thank you
Fatigue was obviously not a factor if she averaged more power in the drop bar test. Environmental, we're assuming she would have rerun if there was a significant issue. Hence, the 3 tests.
I added aerobars to my Fuji roadie and rode today. Big difference already seen, I noted that my average pace on flat course consistently went up by 1.5kmph. Say 25kmph to 26.5, 27->29. If I train myself on posture, it is worth it than drop bars. I do have slightly broad body base, so one more thing to consider to cut through and reduce drag between shoulders and body.
Great video! I’m curious also what the time difference would be with the forearms flat on the hoods - you’ll often see this on solo breakaways or at the front of the peloton and I have heard that it’s a more aero efficient position that the drops, although perhaps slightly less stable.
I've just bought some Profile T+3 aero bars for my Giant TCR for Ironman UK next month. Think I'll use them after seeing the time gains in this video. Cheers Emma 👍
SAF1981 If your this close to your first race with aero bars, especially an ironman, put some serious time into getting them fit, as well as getting used to the new position, it is radically different for bike control.
Colin Richard cheers Colin. I'll be fitting them and honing the position on my turbo trainer asap. Plus they'll be used as a rest station too on the IM 😅
Turbo trainer doesn't cut it. The bike handling is wildly different. You'll probably be alright, unless you aren't. The IM should give you quite a bit of time to get used to them. Worst case is you ease into them, which is no worse than not having them. Those profile designs are heavy. I went with no-name carbon. Cheap and half the weight, but not adjustable. Worked for me though. For an ironman (not that I've ever done one) I'd think you'd want to go whole hog and move your seat forward and up, and the bars forward.
I love it, great video, and nice touch that you did this at a speed that mortals can actually achieve. I've put a few comments recently pointing out aero bars as possibly the cheapest upgrade for speed, and the noname carbon ones are the lightest and cheapest. Many people don't ride mountains and don't draft. TT bikes are made for that. I wouldn't go full TT for recreation, but clip-ons are great, some road shorty's at least. Aside from being faster than drops, they are much easier to sustain, which also means energy savings and reduced fatigue and, well... faster. Do be careful getting used to the handling and anticipate when you need to be back on the hoods or drops. I find aero bars are also a great comfort option. It does hurt your neck to be too low but it rests your arms and hands, so adds a good position to rotate through. Optionally.. for best results on flat terrain, move the seat forward a few cm and up a cm. Be careful to get used the new handling. It's good, bad, and different. Emma's position looks like a road bike position with clip-ons, not a TT position. That's ok, but it's not as fast.
Hi, instead of riding on the drops, more aero is riding on the brake hoods. Therefore, get easily available 38cm bars which are 36cm at the brake hoods (that's what I have), or 32cm at the brake hoods (Jan-Willem van Schip, height: 194cm, weight: 84kg).
I don't have aero bars but after seeing this video I was curious on testing something by tucking in my elbows and placing my hands on top of bar very close to the stem. I repeated this method vs drops and noticed by tucking in the elbows I was producing 2 km faster in speed while pedaling. Amazing from just a simple change in position you can produce such result.
Cool video, really interesting hearing from a TT world Champ! I love when people criticize Emma for needing more data or not being consistent like this is some peer reviewed journal. First, it's a video to give some general insight into how much of a difference, or not, aerobars make. Second, she's a world champion, I think she can gauge how much of an effort she can make consistently. Third, she has a PhD in an engineering field. She knows the importance of good data, and, back to point 1, this isn't up for peer review! If 6 tests aren't "good enough" how is is 12 totally fine? She clearly should've spent a whole day out there collecting data points at different wind speeds, temperatures, and fatigue levels /s. Publish a paper in aerodynamics of cyclists comparing different positions if it matters that much to you.
Loving the scientific rigor. As a small suggestion, to control more effectively, the runs perhaps could have been interlaced. Obviously that would have added production time through mounting and de mounting the aerobars each run to be fair. Excellent!
Got to say another great video from Emma there! Love it, I guess not a surprising result to see that a change of position can have a big impact on your performance but very interesting to see that even with such a small alteration of position that you can make a big difference. Thanks for this! Really intersting. Was that just some of Emm's Palmares on here back there?! That is a super tricked out aero suit! V Jealous of it!
Normally during time trials cyclists rest with the front end below their elbow on the aero bar arm -rests so the under arms don't bend and to put the arms & elbows in a more forward aero position so they won't touch the knees soon. Resting more towards the elbows is also much more comfortable and therefore probably even faster then the kind of short aero bar arm rests setup Emma was using , where she was resting with her upper body weight on the front part of her forearms bending them at the same time .
I spent months doing 40-70 km TT training rides with a guy who had bars when I didn’t. Over time it got harder and harder to keep up with him and he began to put several minutes on me. Then I got bars and, as the video suggests, knocked ~5/6 mins off 40km time just like that and was way ahead of him. Takes a while to get comfortable doing long periods in position but worth it.
one thing that strikes me as im about to watch this video is that Emma will lose time in the aero bar position to change gears compared to the drops/ a proper regular aero bar setup... i know its not a TT bike test vs a road bike test, but it puts it into perspective on how much more time could be saved with a proper TT machine. Great video! Thanks
A theory about why the aero bar position is quicker despite the larger frontal area; as mentioned in the Guide to Aerodynamics vid, sometimes reducing the A can also increase the Cd. The corollary to that must be that sometimes increasing the A (ie, sitting a bit more upright) can decrease the Cd. In this case, Emma's slightly more sloping back with the clipon aeros is more similar to the desirable teardrop shape than the more traditional flat-back. Just a theory. It would also mean, of course, that Emma is wasting energy by getting so low when on the drops, and she'd be faster sitting slightly more upright. If my theory is right. Which it might not be.
Excellent vid - thank you! Haven't watched GCN in a minute and this seems like a big step up from what I remember. This feels more like useful information; I have some sense that I can count this as information.
I've always used them. They are great if only for different hand postions, places to mount electronics, but when by yourself speed will increase by 1 to 2 mph when you get in the aero position. I can also pull a group of cyclists pretty much indefinitely as it feels like I'm drafting when I'm in the lead. I've never crashed because of my aero bars. The commandment that though shalt not use aero bars in a group does not apply to leading a group as most people think. If you've never used them, you don't know what you're missing.
I suppose I knew from fluid dynamics classes that frontal area was the most important factor... But that much of a difference is a surprise. Kudos to Emma for doing some excellent science. Multiple runs? Eliminating variables? Love it!
Emma - Tim Williams did my daughters bike fit (and she is the same size as you) for road / TT and cross I was most impressed with one simple thing he added on her TT bike - one of those stems that adjust to raise the bars up for touring comfort. But he put it on upside down to lower the TT bars much lower than otherwise possible, just above the 650c wheels That £25 part gave a bigger aero gain than anything else, by far
While I'm sure there's an advantage to the clip-on aerobars, you should probably go back and have a look at your other video on the effect of drafting (even 20m) behind a camera bike. There were some shots (in both bar configurations) where the bike was much closer than 20m. I hope you had the video bike 'in front' the same amount of time for both runs.
Awesome video. Those improvements on the higher but narrower aero bar position would also suggest aerodynamic improvements using narrower drops. Maybe a nice test for the next GCN Does Science.
Great video, Emma! This was exceptionally helpful for those of us who don't ride competitively...usually out on the road alone for an hour or two. Adding a set of aero bars seems to be a cost effective way for me to add some speed and reduce some resistance while I ride.
Great video. Though I disagree with adding the equivalent weight back on - the extra weight is a completely valid (though minimal) penalty when adding aero bars. Noone would ever go "well I'm not using aero bars so I'll add some weight elsewhere".
Awsome video! Really well structured. And with a surprisingly higher resulting difference than I anticepated. Congrats. I have two questions, though: a) what about with the position many pros use on the road when they have to go aero with the side of the hands slightly on the hoods but with the arms bent (not the one in which they mimic the aerobars without them, please)? How would it handle against the aerobars? b) do you think riding on the drops, leaving you more tucked in and aplying more preassure on the diafragm/stomach area, also makes it more difficult to breathe propperly thus reducing your overall abillity to produce sustained power at medium-high intensity?
The difference I think came really from the frontal area, with the aero bars Emma had a smaller frontal area, so it kind leads to less drag, while in the drops although lower the frontal area was a little bigger. One of the main contributors for the "drag force" is the area, so reducing the area exposed to the flow you tend to reduce the total force against the movement. Off course this is a general as possible, flow dynamics is a more tricky subject. Great videos, Emma is the best. Cheers,
Agreed with Bernhard, but adding TT as well The run sequence should have been Drop (road bike) Aero (road bike) Aero (TT bike) Or now another test Aero road bike Aero TT bike on the same cource
Hand on the drop is like a f3 tornado wings extended forward subsonicflight , and on aero its like the same f3 tornado wings fully swept back for supersonic flight
Interesting thanks. Not sure I 100% buy into all the methodology though. The clip on aero bars' additional weight will negatively impact the ride in nearly every real life race scenario (bar a bike that is right on the lower edge of an event weight limit), so surely it should be included in the test rather than compensated for with a handicap for the 'on the drops' rides? Also, though much less of an issue given the calibre of rider, wouldn't it make sense to change the running order so aero runs aren't all at the beginning when Emma's at her freshest. Now obviously GCN does science is a bit of fun and this is more 'serious' than it usually takes an issue. Probably just being a contrarian given the amount of praise for the accuracy of the testing in comments section, and definitely looking forward to more of Emma's videos.
5:54 yay I was waiting for that point, few people would be able to stay in that position for that long and be efficient at the same time ! I admit I don't like short aero bars though. When the road is bumpy you feel each and every hit in your forearm it's painful over time, long aero bars is the way to go if you want to go fast IMO
Matbe you can now do the same experiment but also include a timetrailbike. Because now with the aere bikes i think the speed difference between a tt bike an a aero bike with clip ons is smaller then some people think.
Look at your frontal view and you’ll see how with aeros the wind is broken up by a smaller front section, whereas with drops, the wind hits your exposed chest area. Nice video👊🏼🇨🇴
Two tricks to get lower for shorter people. First, shorter cranks raises your saddle height and allows you to get your body lower relative to the saddle, if the frame is the limiting factor. In addition it also gives more room to fold your legs against your stomach or hip range limitations. Second, consider 650b wheel bikes like from Canyon women's range.
Great video, Emma showing she's worthy of the position with GCN. Still think we might be playing a little fast and loose with the word 'science', but certainly heading in the right direction!
Well, I definetly need to buy clip-on aerobars and stop riding likapro style with my elbows on the handlebar... First, for safety reasons - even pretty sticky lizard skin bartape not able to deal with my sweaty arms. And second, I cant go really aero with wide elbows. Really impressive that Emma still has significant speed bonus despite having her head higher on aerobars. And I think Danny should do the same test!
Agreed that using tribars allows upper body to relax and allow that energy output to focus on my aging legs. I have chronic lower back pain and using bars has given me longer and faster rides.
Another interesting experiment: fake aero bar position vs physical bars? Of course in the fake position it's even harder to maintain stability compared to both physical bars as well as the drops
Tobias Bouma A great experiment is to ride a 20 kg Aero bike and see how fast it is vs a 14 alloy $270 bike I can guarantee you that Aero bike would be dropped like a rock. So does Aero really mean "Aero" or "Super Light Bike" ? . Never seen a 20kg Aero Road bike which is ironic since it is suppose to be "Aero" nowhere does it mention Weight lol.
Excellent comparison between aero bars or being in the drops. I ordered a set of aero bars just today. Besides I think riding with the aero bars just really looks good.
I think a significant (not devastating) issue with these kinds of tests is that average power doesn't directly relate to average speed even in perfectly identical conditions. If you ride one ride half (in time) at 100w and half at 300watts vs the same ride at 200watts, you will get a faster time by quite a bit for the latter. Posting average power is a good check, but of course it's important to really keep that power steady through the ride. Still, from my experience, I believe these results.
Very interesting. It would be interesting to see what the difference would be by just gripping either side of the stem on normal drop bars, then you have the front profile of aero bars but without the weight, however you may not be in a very comfy position, but saying that, riding in the drops isnt very comfy either..
I'm only 5'3". And you are right, once I put on my aero bar, I actually tend to "sit" more upright than if I were on the drops. So, could you maybe help to do another video on TT or tri bike selection for smaller rider?
You can also factor in a more stable upper torso with the aero bars as you have basically locked out the wrist and lower arms thus giving a better platform for the body.
Rolling start to take the clip in and acceleration phase out of the equation? Three runs for each setup to minimize random noise? Formulating a theory about the result afterwards? This is how you do science. Emma once again proves how great she is, hope the other presenters take notes for future science episodes. Really well done.
Thanks Buff Viking
Totally agree! Please keep it this way :) Also the shorter runs means you can repeat them more times, and the wattage is more within what us mortals can relate to! (albeit being twice heavier)
However, she could pair the aero and drop tests (1-1) instead of first 3 runs on the aero and after 3 runs on the drops. But she corrected for it by using the average power :)
That might be how science is done, but that's not how GCN does science 🤣
One variable not mentioned that comes to mind is the potential of wind direction/speed change during the course of testing. This would be especially impactful if it occurred close to the position changeover point. Alternating positions throughout the test would minimize the impact of wind on results.
I got clip-on aero bars last winter and I thought I was going faster and I could hold the position for a longer time than the drops. Emma's experiment, analysis, and results confirmed my own thoughts. I really appreciate Emma controlling the experiment more (compared to Simon or Dan or Tom putting on glasses!). Replicate measurements are really helpful/important.
P.S. Emma looks so strong hitting an uphill at 30 km/h!
Cheers Peter, glad you enjoyed the experiment
Oh dear dear dear, i knew getting a mulit linguist phd scientist on board would be a mistake. She’s only taking averages of runs and limiting variables.
This is NOT how GCN does ‘science’.
This is too darn useful.
Yes, I signed up for "experiments," not actual experiments.
I was thinking the same. They should call these new videos “GCN ‘actually ‘ does science”.
This is unscientific. Clearly changing your music each run will have an effect on performance!
jokes aside, this is unscientific because the experiment design doesn't account for rider fatigue. Of course runs 1-3 will be faster than runs 4-6, because the same rider will fatigue over time!
@@JoveCana it is unscientific, but not because of the fatigue. Emma was putting out the same power. Clearly not fatigued. But it is a not controlled environment. Wind direction line choice etc etc- hence the averaging.
This is unscientific because the position of the universe is not the same every trial.
@@JoveCana but she maintained the same power output?
Just casually watching an in depth demo presented by a world champion at the topic. No big deal 😀
So glad Emma's joined the team!!!
Emma raises the standards on "GCN does science" to the next level! 👍
Thanks Simon
Nice to see Dr Pooley doing GCN science properly :D
great to see those rainbow bands, too
Thanks!
Aero bars are nice but i much prefer malteasers.
much more calories
Emma's best vid to date. Quite precise data, imagine if she had science glasses on how accurate it Could've been.
Man I miss Emma so much. She was such a boss!
I believe with the aero bars your arms are guiding the wind around your body, on the drops the wind still hits you square on the chest.
Agree. Drag is a big factor. Just look how helmets and aero shirts make a difference!
Would be interesting to see this with the hands /arms pointed up more so they close off that gap between chin and hands and direct the air around the body. It always seems to me that the gap is like an air scoop that will really slow you down.
Aero bars were the first upgrade I made to my bike. Not because I expected them to help me go faster, but because I naturally wanted to rest my elbows on my handlebars on long hauls in aero position on the drops. My first 60 k ride out with them, I averaged 2kph faster than my previous fastest 50 k. I'm definitely a believer, and I find them more comfortable.
Brilliant. Emma’s enthusiasm is infectious. Keep up the good work GCN. Oh, and kudos for the 4K too.
wellster6 Cheers
Emma is putting out so much quality content so fast
Cheers Daniel
i think those drop bars are a bit wide for Emma's build.
Phone her and tell her
Well done Emma. You've made a positive contribution to the show sharing your experience and knowledge. GCN are better for it. Chapeau👍
Cheers Gaz, we're stoked to have Emma as part of the team 👊
What’s amazing is not the result, but the fact that you found a flat road in Alta Badia ;-)
Awesome stuff Emma. Thanks for sharing.
Craig Jensen Emma is awesome.
She is an awesome addition to this show.
This test was extremely well done! Thank you, Emma!
Thanks PCUser1024
absolutely loving the improved experimental design (multiple trials! looking for outliers!) in GCN does science. It's like GCN hired a trained researcher or something (a fast on too)
what clip on bars did u use in this video? I’m interested
You also need to consider the length of the time trial (e.g, 180 km in an IM) width of the drop bars in relation to the shoulder width, height of the drops, the flexibility and age of the athlete and terrain being ridden which are all likely to have a big bearing on the results. My preferred bike is a gravel bike (which have higher drops) running 28mm tyres with a pressure of about 100psi. My aging body simply doesn't like staying in the aero (bar) position anymore so I lose considerable power in it over the duration of 180kms. I'm expecting (hoping) to be able to ride better and more comfortably for longer which should allow me to run much better off the bike for 42kms!
My experiment for IM Australia 2021!
You got everything right! Aero = lower frontal area = less air to push out of your way = higher speed, and, the O2 requirements the upper body needs just to hold yourself up when in the drops (haha) , can now be consumed by the heart and legs.
Got my first road bike shockingly given to me recently. Wondered what exactly the bars and pads in the middle were for. Had no idea they were so cool. I was shocked the first time riding a road bike at how easy it is to go incredibly fast, compared to the mountain bikes, cruisers, BMX bikes, I had ridden. It has ignited a fire in me. I truly love it. The bike is an upgraded Cannondale Six13. I'm enamored with it, it reminds me of a Cannondale road bike I used to stare at through the bike shop window as a child. Hope anyone who read all this is having a fantastic day.
Awesome video btw if you happen to see this!!!
Aero bars surely give an advantage and that's why they exist, but why balance the weight? The advantage of aero bars is aerodynamics while the advantage of not having aero bars is less weight. By balancing the weight you kill the advantage of the drops-only setup and ensures the win of the aero bars.
I love the idea of aero bars, just some questions about the method of this trial:
How were the trials arranged? Alternating, all aero runs followed by all drop runs?
Were fatigue or environmental factors taken into account?
I would think that it would be "fair" to do this test as follows:
Day 1: aero bar run followed by drop run.
Day 2: drop run first
Day 3: aero first
Day 4: drop first
This would give equal fresh attempts for both positions, limit any effect of fatigue, and possibly show different weather implications.
As it is, the results were conclusive enough for me, I just see some areas where people could argue the methods.
Another good video, thank you
Fatigue was obviously not a factor if she averaged more power in the drop bar test. Environmental, we're assuming she would have rerun if there was a significant issue. Hence, the 3 tests.
I added aerobars to my Fuji roadie and rode today. Big difference already seen, I noted that my average pace on flat course consistently went up by 1.5kmph. Say 25kmph to 26.5, 27->29.
If I train myself on posture, it is worth it than drop bars. I do have slightly broad body base, so one more thing to consider to cut through and reduce drag between shoulders and body.
Whenever I see a TT helmet I just think, "Commence primary ignition" boooooooooowwwwww..........
Great video! I’m curious also what the time difference would be with the forearms flat on the hoods - you’ll often see this on solo breakaways or at the front of the peloton and I have heard that it’s a more aero efficient position that the drops, although perhaps slightly less stable.
I've just bought some Profile T+3 aero bars for my Giant TCR for Ironman UK next month. Think I'll use them after seeing the time gains in this video. Cheers Emma 👍
SAF1981 If your this close to your first race with aero bars, especially an ironman, put some serious time into getting them fit, as well as getting used to the new position, it is radically different for bike control.
Colin Richard cheers Colin. I'll be fitting them and honing the position on my turbo trainer asap. Plus they'll be used as a rest station too on the IM 😅
Turbo trainer doesn't cut it. The bike handling is wildly different. You'll probably be alright, unless you aren't. The IM should give you quite a bit of time to get used to them. Worst case is you ease into them, which is no worse than not having them. Those profile designs are heavy. I went with no-name carbon. Cheap and half the weight, but not adjustable. Worked for me though. For an ironman (not that I've ever done one) I'd think you'd want to go whole hog and move your seat forward and up, and the bars forward.
Let us know how you get on!
SAF1981 listen to big ring, at those distances it's not as simple as they present here.
Quality video Emma. Just fitted some clip-ons to my road bike to try and get my times down on the club 10 so hopefully...
Let us know how you get on!
I love it, great video, and nice touch that you did this at a speed that mortals can actually achieve.
I've put a few comments recently pointing out aero bars as possibly the cheapest upgrade for speed, and the noname carbon ones are the lightest and cheapest. Many people don't ride mountains and don't draft. TT bikes are made for that. I wouldn't go full TT for recreation, but clip-ons are great, some road shorty's at least. Aside from being faster than drops, they are much easier to sustain, which also means energy savings and reduced fatigue and, well... faster. Do be careful getting used to the handling and anticipate when you need to be back on the hoods or drops. I find aero bars are also a great comfort option. It does hurt your neck to be too low but it rests your arms and hands, so adds a good position to rotate through.
Optionally.. for best results on flat terrain, move the seat forward a few cm and up a cm. Be careful to get used the new handling. It's good, bad, and different. Emma's position looks like a road bike position with clip-ons, not a TT position. That's ok, but it's not as fast.
Hi, instead of riding on the drops, more aero is riding on the brake hoods. Therefore, get easily available 38cm bars which are 36cm at the brake hoods (that's what I have), or 32cm at the brake hoods (Jan-Willem van Schip, height: 194cm, weight: 84kg).
I don't have aero bars but after seeing this video I was curious on testing something by tucking in my elbows and placing my hands on top of bar very close to the stem. I repeated this method vs drops and noticed by tucking in the elbows I was producing 2 km faster in speed while pedaling. Amazing from just a simple change in position you can produce such result.
Cool video, really interesting hearing from a TT world Champ! I love when people criticize Emma for needing more data or not being consistent like this is some peer reviewed journal. First, it's a video to give some general insight into how much of a difference, or not, aerobars make. Second, she's a world champion, I think she can gauge how much of an effort she can make consistently. Third, she has a PhD in an engineering field. She knows the importance of good data, and, back to point 1, this isn't up for peer review! If 6 tests aren't "good enough" how is is 12 totally fine? She clearly should've spent a whole day out there collecting data points at different wind speeds, temperatures, and fatigue levels /s. Publish a paper in aerodynamics of cyclists comparing different positions if it matters that much to you.
Loving the scientific rigor. As a small suggestion, to control more effectively, the runs perhaps could have been interlaced. Obviously that would have added production time through mounting and de mounting the aerobars each run to be fair. Excellent!
Got to say another great video from Emma there! Love it, I guess not a surprising result to see that a change of position can have a big impact on your performance but very interesting to see that even with such a small alteration of position that you can make a big difference. Thanks for this! Really intersting. Was that just some of Emm's Palmares on here back there?! That is a super tricked out aero suit! V Jealous of it!
Fascinating... now you must repeat the same test with aero handlebar versus round classic handlebar and aero handlebar versus clip-on aero ends.
Normally during time trials cyclists rest with the front end below their elbow on the aero bar arm -rests so the under arms don't bend and to put the arms & elbows in a more forward aero position so they won't touch the knees soon. Resting more towards the elbows is also much more comfortable and therefore probably even faster then the kind of short aero bar arm rests setup Emma was using , where she was resting with her upper body weight on the front part of her forearms bending them at the same time .
I spent months doing 40-70 km TT training rides with a guy who had bars when I didn’t. Over time it got harder and harder to keep up with him and he began to put several minutes on me. Then I got bars and, as the video suggests, knocked ~5/6 mins off 40km time just like that and was way ahead of him. Takes a while to get comfortable doing long periods in position but worth it.
one thing that strikes me as im about to watch this video is that Emma will lose time in the aero bar position to change gears compared to the drops/ a proper regular aero bar setup... i know its not a TT bike test vs a road bike test, but it puts it into perspective on how much more time could be saved with a proper TT machine. Great video! Thanks
Very true loffjr, maybe a comparison for the future!
Very good point
A theory about why the aero bar position is quicker despite the larger frontal area; as mentioned in the Guide to Aerodynamics vid, sometimes reducing the A can also increase the Cd. The corollary to that must be that sometimes increasing the A (ie, sitting a bit more upright) can decrease the Cd. In this case, Emma's slightly more sloping back with the clipon aeros is more similar to the desirable teardrop shape than the more traditional flat-back.
Just a theory. It would also mean, of course, that Emma is wasting energy by getting so low when on the drops, and she'd be faster sitting slightly more upright. If my theory is right. Which it might not be.
That's it. I'm so getting aero bars on my Electra cruiser!
Good job for controlling variables and replicating results. Nice to see a science-minded woman on a bike. Go Emma Go!!!
Multiple trials, adding water weight when aero bars are gone. Emma is really upping GCN’s science game!
So good to have a real scientist do science. Lovin' Emma on GCN!!
Thanks Matthew
Excellent vid - thank you! Haven't watched GCN in a minute and this seems like a big step up from what I remember. This feels more like useful information; I have some sense that I can count this as information.
I've always used them. They are great if only for different hand postions, places to mount electronics, but when by yourself speed will increase by 1 to 2 mph when you get in the aero position. I can also pull a group of cyclists pretty much indefinitely as it feels like I'm drafting when I'm in the lead. I've never crashed because of my aero bars. The commandment that though shalt not use aero bars in a group does not apply to leading a group as most people think. If you've never used them, you don't know what you're missing.
Very interesting. I’ve been thinking of using clip on bars for some Triathlon races next summer. Based on this test I will be using them.
Awesome Shaun, let us know how you get on
That’s great! Do make sure yo practice with them first!
Emma Pooley Yes of course. I’ll fit them 4-6 weeks out and make sure I’m happy with the position etc first.
Thanks for doing multiple runs! the previous 1 run only on previous vids were open to obvious anomalies
Another great job, Emma. Are you having fun? Perhaps add some laughter to your shows or just displaying the joy of cycling. Love watching you.
Quite true it is much more relaxing with aero bars and less muscles to hold your position. Thanks Emma ...
I suppose I knew from fluid dynamics classes that frontal area was the most important factor... But that much of a difference is a surprise. Kudos to Emma for doing some excellent science. Multiple runs? Eliminating variables? Love it!
Emma - Tim Williams did my daughters bike fit (and she is the same size as you) for road / TT and cross
I was most impressed with one simple thing he added on her TT bike - one of those stems that adjust to raise the bars up for touring comfort. But he put it on upside down to lower the TT bars much lower than otherwise possible, just above the 650c wheels
That £25 part gave a bigger aero gain than anything else, by far
Emma is the the GCN MVP!
While I'm sure there's an advantage to the clip-on aerobars, you should probably go back and have a look at your other video on the effect of drafting (even 20m) behind a camera bike. There were some shots (in both bar configurations) where the bike was much closer than 20m. I hope you had the video bike 'in front' the same amount of time for both runs.
Awesome video. Those improvements on the higher but narrower aero bar position would also suggest aerodynamic improvements using narrower drops. Maybe a nice test for the next GCN Does Science.
Thanks Kevin
Great video, Emma! This was exceptionally helpful for those of us who don't ride competitively...usually out on the road alone for an hour or two. Adding a set of aero bars seems to be a cost effective way for me to add some speed and reduce some resistance while I ride.
Like that you add the location in the subscription now. It's nice to see where theses awesome places are located. Love the videos!
Sounds like Aero bars is the future version of Drop bars to be frank!
Great video. Though I disagree with adding the equivalent weight back on - the extra weight is a completely valid (though minimal) penalty when adding aero bars. Noone would ever go "well I'm not using aero bars so I'll add some weight elsewhere".
Hey Matthew, that's true but for the experiment, we wanted to make the comparison as close as possible 👍
Awsome video! Really well structured. And with a surprisingly higher resulting difference than I anticepated. Congrats.
I have two questions, though:
a) what about with the position many pros use on the road when they have to go aero with the side of the hands slightly on the hoods but with the arms bent (not the one in which they mimic the aerobars without them, please)? How would it handle against the aerobars?
b) do you think riding on the drops, leaving you more tucked in and aplying more preassure on the diafragm/stomach area, also makes it more difficult to breathe propperly thus reducing your overall abillity to produce sustained power at medium-high intensity?
The difference I think came really from the frontal area, with the aero bars Emma had a smaller frontal area, so it kind leads to less drag, while in the drops although lower the frontal area was a little bigger. One of the main contributors for the "drag force" is the area, so reducing the area exposed to the flow you tend to reduce the total force against the movement. Off course this is a general as possible, flow dynamics is a more tricky subject.
Great videos, Emma is the best.
Cheers,
Love Emma’s voice. Reminds me the young lady soldier who is in Foyle’s War. Very posh!
Dan might kill me for this, but I actually built a complete aero bike with fixed aero bars from a Cervelo Soloist Carbon. It's a great aero bike.
Very helpful !!! Thanks for your effort. I just ordered a set of aerobars for my road bike.
Impressive, science settles the argument. I would not have believed aero is better but Emma proves it.
Excellent experiment, Emma and team! I really enjoyed the methodology and results presentation. Keep up the great work!
That aspect ratio, stunning! cinematic GCN for the win
Agreed. For me I always found aerobars major benefit was how much more relaxed I felt.
Agreed with Bernhard, but adding TT as well
The run sequence should have been
Drop (road bike)
Aero (road bike)
Aero (TT bike)
Or now another test
Aero road bike
Aero TT bike on the same cource
Hand on the drop is like a f3 tornado wings extended forward subsonicflight , and on aero its like the same f3 tornado wings fully swept back for supersonic flight
Interesting thanks. Not sure I 100% buy into all the methodology though.
The clip on aero bars' additional weight will negatively impact the ride in nearly every real life race scenario (bar a bike that is right on the lower edge of an event weight limit), so surely it should be included in the test rather than compensated for with a handicap for the 'on the drops' rides?
Also, though much less of an issue given the calibre of rider, wouldn't it make sense to change the running order so aero runs aren't all at the beginning when Emma's at her freshest. Now obviously GCN does science is a bit of fun and this is more 'serious' than it usually takes an issue. Probably just being a contrarian given the amount of praise for the accuracy of the testing in comments section, and definitely looking forward to more of Emma's videos.
CapnBristol, thanks for your comments, some things we can look at in the future 👍
5:54 yay I was waiting for that point, few people would be able to stay in that position for that long and be efficient at the same time ! I admit I don't like short aero bars though. When the road is bumpy you feel each and every hit in your forearm it's painful over time, long aero bars is the way to go if you want to go fast IMO
Matbe you can now do the same experiment but also include a timetrailbike. Because now with the aere bikes i think the speed difference between a tt bike an a aero bike with clip ons is smaller then some people think.
Look at your frontal view and you’ll see how with aeros the wind is broken up by a smaller front section, whereas with drops, the wind hits your exposed chest area. Nice video👊🏼🇨🇴
Graeme Orbree of course would argue that flat bars are fastest :)
Yaaaaa GCN does science!!! These are your best videos!
Two tricks to get lower for shorter people. First, shorter cranks raises your saddle height and allows you to get your body lower relative to the saddle, if the frame is the limiting factor. In addition it also gives more room to fold your legs against your stomach or hip range limitations. Second, consider 650b wheel bikes like from Canyon women's range.
Gotta love the Wahoo Ride Start sound n_n
Looks to me like GCN now does science a little more scientifically! Loved the video.
Thanks Stuart
Great video, Emma showing she's worthy of the position with GCN. Still think we might be playing a little fast and loose with the word 'science', but certainly heading in the right direction!
Emma, did that little hump on your back help the aerodynamic?
Jason Lang i'm corious about that too. many or almost all TTist using that. I thought it was radio before...
I think some of them are. But I also saw others shaped so smoothly didn't look like a radio box at all. My guess it works similar to a helmet tail.
yeah , we need confirmation about this, because i've starting to put my spare tire on my back, in assumtion
Well, I definetly need to buy clip-on aerobars and stop riding likapro style with my elbows on the handlebar... First, for safety reasons - even pretty sticky lizard skin bartape not able to deal with my sweaty arms. And second, I cant go really aero with wide elbows. Really impressive that Emma still has significant speed bonus despite having her head higher on aerobars. And I think Danny should do the same test!
I'm really new to bicycle, all this info is amazing! Thank you.
You're very welcome Spencer, glad we could be of service
Emma needs to do a video on TT helmet visor vs. no visor
Agreed that using tribars allows upper body to relax and allow that energy output to focus on my aging legs. I have chronic lower back pain and using bars has given me longer and faster rides.
Another interesting experiment: fake aero bar position vs physical bars? Of course in the fake position it's even harder to maintain stability compared to both physical bars as well as the drops
Tobias Bouma I've done the fake aero bars position on a mountain bike and left a guy on a road bike behind.
Tobias Bouma A great experiment is to ride a 20 kg Aero bike and see how fast it is vs a 14 alloy $270 bike I can guarantee you that Aero bike would be dropped like a rock. So does Aero really mean "Aero" or "Super Light Bike" ? . Never seen a 20kg Aero Road bike which is ironic since it is suppose to be "Aero" nowhere does it mention Weight lol.
Thanks Emma for another great video.
Note: you're wearing a TT helmet on both areo and drop. Is that OK? (Just asking) cheers, GCN
I thought for sure the aero would be slower,since you have to keep reaching to shift. But,I was wrong. Great video!
Thanks for the video. I find aero bars great on my commuter bike, especially on those strong headwind days.
That is super fascinating! I must try that myself too!
I enjoy the more frequent posting lately of videos concerning tweaks most cyclists can do, instead of dropping 12k on a P5X.
Use a wind tunnel and save the suspense. 😉. We’ve known for 10 years that blocking the wind with your arms is more aero.
Excellent comparison between aero bars or being in the drops. I ordered a set of aero bars just today. Besides I think riding with the aero bars just really looks good.
I think a significant (not devastating) issue with these kinds of tests is that average power doesn't directly relate to average speed even in perfectly identical conditions. If you ride one ride half (in time) at 100w and half at 300watts vs the same ride at 200watts, you will get a faster time by quite a bit for the latter. Posting average power is a good check, but of course it's important to really keep that power steady through the ride. Still, from my experience, I believe these results.
Very interesting. It would be interesting to see what the difference would be by just gripping either side of the stem on normal drop bars, then you have the front profile of aero bars but without the weight, however you may not be in a very comfy position, but saying that, riding in the drops isnt very comfy either..
I'm only 5'3". And you are right, once I put on my aero bar, I actually tend to "sit" more upright than if I were on the drops. So, could you maybe help to do another video on TT or tri bike selection for smaller rider?
You can also factor in a more stable upper torso with the aero bars as you have basically locked out the wrist and lower arms thus giving a better platform for the body.
Looking sweet in that world champs kit