Switch Aero System

[gummibear]

[gummibear]

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/redshift-sports-switch-aero-system-first-look-37527/

[Capricorn]

ooo more gadgets! love the idea. I'm sure the racers will come point out all the problems (dont think this was meant for those who can afford dedicated machines), but it seems they've covered quite a few bases quite nicely: a few things come to mind: the front geo doesn't change which affects handling at speed: slacker being better; is the bike fit correct for either position or how much of a compromise?; additional weight?

 

still, very cool!

[gummibear]

I was also wondering about the set up.

Would you look at a happy medium.By moving the seat forward would you have to lift or lower the seat to?

[Capricorn]

I was also wondering about the set up.

Would you look at a happy medium.By moving the seat forward would you have to lift or lower the seat to?

 

depends on the resultant hip angle in the aero position. But my first stab at it would be to drop the saddle slightly to open up the hip angle again. Ultra aero positions squash the diaphragm, which results in lower physiological performance, countering the improved aerodynamics. There's some info out there about optimal aero positions. I reckon the saddle movement would be to find that sweet spot again.

 

But if you have to move the saddle up or down, then its outside the capabiltiies of the switch system, unless you are advocating a roadie dropper post as well

[redshift]

I'm one of the creators of the system, so I thought I'd jump in and answer a few of the questions that have cropped up. Glad you guys are interested! Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions and I'll do my best to answer them (keep in mind that I'm in the US, so probably won't be very responsive during your daytime .

 

ooo more gadgets! love the idea. I'm sure the racers will come point out all the problems (dont think this was meant for those who can afford dedicated machines), but it seems they've covered quite a few bases quite nicely: a few things come to mind: the front geo doesn't change which affects handling at speed: slacker being better; is the bike fit correct for either position or how much of a compromise?; additional weight?

 

still, very cool!

 

@Capricorn - You hit the nail on the head. The system isn't intended to replace a properly fitted TT bike because you can't really replicate the same position that you can achieve on a low-stack TT setup. Instead, it's designed to let people ride a better (not necessarily perfect) aero position on their road bikes, without spending a ton of money, and without sacrificing their normal road setup.

 

If you have measured road and TT fit dimensions, you most likely will not be able to replicate both positions exactly. You'd have to choose one to match exactly (probably the road position), and then accept that the other position (probably the aero position) may be slightly different than you ideal TT setup. The aerobars are essentially the same weight as other aluminum clip-on aerobars, at around 500g for the set. The seatpost is around 300g, which is heavier than a good regular Alu seatpost, but we think the aero benefits and the more efficient riding position afforded by the seatpost far outweigh the increased weight.

 

I was also wondering about the set up.

Would you look at a happy medium.By moving the seat forward would you have to lift or lower the seat to?

 

@gummibear - thanks for starting this thread! We designed the seatpost so that the BB to saddle dimension stays constant in both positions. Our testing showed that this was the best position for the widest range of different riders. As a result, the seat moves up slightly as it moves forward.

 

depends on the resultant hip angle in the aero position. But my first stab at it would be to drop the saddle slightly to open up the hip angle again. Ultra aero positions squash the diaphragm, which results in lower physiological performance, countering the improved aerodynamics. There's some info out there about optimal aero positions. I reckon the saddle movement would be to find that sweet spot again.

 

But if you have to move the saddle up or down, then its outside the capabiltiies of the switch system, unless you are advocating a roadie dropper post as well

 

@Capricorn - see my response to Gummibear above.

 

Thanks guys - love to see that our idea has made it all the way across the globe!

Edited June 7, 2013 by redshift

[Capricorn]

Now that's awesome: redshift coming all the way over to our little corner of the world to explain their system!

Edited June 7, 2013 by Capricorn

[gummibear]

Welcome to The Hub guys

If you guys do a search there have been many threads about converting a road bike for triathlons.

 

Get hold of Victor Momsen @ info@twowheelstrading.co.za

He imports a few aero products to South Africa.

[davem]

What a great idea!