alright, I’m lined-up for a stage race (September 2-5) which includes a ~9km ITT with a ~4km climb @ ~3.7% (if I got my numbers right http://www.gmsr.info/bigworld_ITT.php). Never used clip-on aero bars (to go on my road bike set-up) and was wondering if it would be to my advantage if I had some during that race provided I had practiced a few hours on the F1 track with them? If yes, could I lent someones bars for 2 weekends (as of august 26)? What do I need to adjust (just put the saddle a bit to the front?). Alternatively does someone has some purchase advice?
The clip ons will help you go faster. I think that advice is for people just starting triathlons and maybe not in the best shape to hold themselves in the uncomfortable position required.
You probably won’t be as comfortable but you will be faster. Clip on Bars and an Aero helmet will get you most of the way to the performance of a TT bike. This will be really important on the downhill portion of the TT where you will be going pretty fast
There is actually a pretty strong link between Aero position “comfort” and actualized performance (as opposed to aerodynamic efficiency), even for the pros. A research group is doing some simultaneous wind tunnel and fitness testing and found that the extremes for aero actually hurt overall TT performance.