Triathlon Arm Rests: Everything you Need to Know with Custom Bike Fit
Source: Custom Bike Fit Youtube Channel: Triathlon Arm Rests: Everything you Need to Know
Video Triathlon Arm Rests: Everything you Need to Know with Custom Bike Fit
Video Triathlon Arm Rests: Everything you Need to Know with Custom Bike Fit YouTube Channel.
Triathlon Arm Rests: Everything you Need to Know
The Importance of Armrests in Triathlon and Time Trial Bikes
When it comes to triathlon or time trial bikes, the armrests play a crucial role in supporting the rider in the time trial position. The quality of the armrests can significantly impact the comfort and performance of the rider. In this article, Michael from Custom Bike Fit will take a deep dive into the world of armrests, examining their importance, key features to look for, and reviewing popular armrests found on existing bikes.
What to Look for in an Arm Cup
According to Michael, the first and most crucial aspect of an arm cup is its ability to cradle and support the rider. The arm cup should have a cup shape that effectively holds the rider in position, providing essential support during the race. Additionally, the size of the arm pad is crucial, as a small pad may not provide adequate support for the rider’s arms. Furthermore, the arm cup should offer an ample amount of fore-aft movement, allowing the rider to adjust the position of the pad to their preference.
Review of Popular Armrests on Existing Bikes
Michael proceeds to review several popular triathlon and time trial bikes and examines the armrests they are equipped with. He starts with the Giant Trinity, where he finds that the first generation armrests are small and lack fore-aft movement, while the newer generation still falls short in providing adequate support and adjustability. Similarly, the Liv Avow, a female version of the Trinity, presents similar limitations in its armrest design.
Moving on to the Felt IA, Michael notes that the armrests on this bike also lack sufficient real estate and fore-aft movement, which hinders the rider’s ability to find an optimal and comfortable position during the race. The Specialized Shiv and Canyon Speedmax CF SLX also receive criticism for their limited fore-aft movement and small arm cups, which fail to offer the desired support for the rider.
However, Michael identifies some standout armrests in the market, highlighting the Sync Ergonomics armrests, which feature a large cup shape and ample fore-aft movement. Although he points out that the armrests might be too narrow for some riders, they are suitable for bikes like the Giant Trinity and Liv Avow. The Profile Design Ergo Armrests also receive accolades from Michael for their generous real estate, cup shape, and extensive adjustment options, making them one of the most versatile armrests available.
Moreover, Michael introduces the armrests from Revolver, which are known for their exceptional design and functionality. The Revolver Ergo Armrests are commended for their rear arm cup support and high adjustability options, catering to riders who prioritize comfort and functionality. He also discusses the Pro Rock Armrests from Revolver, which stand out for their depth and support, offering a comfortable and stable position for the rider during the race.
Considerations for High Hands Position
In a high hands position, where the rider’s hands are placed close to the face to reduce frontal surface area, armrests play a crucial role in providing stability and support. Michael advises that riders should be proficient in bike handling when using armrests designed for high hands positions, as they limit movement and control of the bike. He also highlights the need for proper pad size and support in achieving a comfortable and effective high hands position.
Best Value and Recommended Armrests
According to Michael, the Profile Design Ergo Armrests stand out as the best value and most versatile armrests on the market, offering extensive fit options and a cup shape design. He emphasizes that these armrests are commonly seen on various bikes and provide unmatched functionality at an affordable price. However, for riders seeking higher levels of comfort and functionality, the Revolver armrests are recommended, despite their higher cost, offering exceptional support and adjustability for a premium riding experience.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In conclusion, armrests are a crucial component of triathlon and time trial bikes, significantly influencing the rider’s comfort and performance during races. Michael emphasizes the importance of choosing armrests that offer ample support, adjustability, and functionality to ensure an optimal riding experience. He encourages riders facing comfort issues with their current armrests to reach out for personalized assistance, demonstrating his commitment to helping riders achieve the best fit and performance on their bikes. By providing insights and expert recommendations, Michael aims to improve the riding experience for triathletes and time trial enthusiasts, promoting the use of high-quality and ergonomic armrests for enhanced comfort and performance.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Custom Bike Fit and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.
