Comparison of Aero-Bars Versus Traditional Cycling Postures on Physiological Parameters During Submaximal Cycling

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the difference in energy expenditure between traditional cycling handlebars and aero-bars during outdoor submaximal cycling. Eleven trained cyclists (age = 29.3 ± 1.9 years, weight = 69.4 ± 3.8 kg, VO2max = 58.1 ± 2.0 ml∙kg−1∙min−1) were randomly assigned a sequence of three hand positions: brake hoods (BH), drop-bars (DB), and aero-bars (AB). Subjects cycled at 30 km∙h−1 in one position for 5 minutes, then recovered until HR fell below 120 bpm. This was then repeated for the other hand positions. All cycling was completed on a standard racing bike fitted with aero-bars. Tire pressure was held constant for all trials. A portable telemetric system (Cosmed K-2) was used to measure VO2, VE and heart rate (HR) during the trials. No statistical differences were observed between AB and DB. Significant differences (p <.05) were found between BH (VE = 66.1 ± 2.7 L∙min−1; HR = 152 ± 4 bpm; VO2 = 1.56 ±.15 L∙min−1) and AB (VE = 61.3 ± 2.8 L∙min−1; HR = 146 ± 4 bpm; VO2 = 1.31 ±.10 L∙min−1). AB provides an energy savings over the traditional BH cycling posture. Key words: aerodynamic handlebars, oxygen consumption, field testing, portable telemetric system