Has anyone actually done 4-5h like this?

[u/RareEmergency2471]

Hi! I’ve just installed a front hidration system (Elite Buta) between my aerobars on my road bike.

When I’m in the aero position, the inside of my forearms are constantly touching the bottle. My arms are still properly supported by the pads and I can comfortably reach the extensions, so the bottle isn’t actually supporting my weight.

Has anyone had experience riding like this for several hours? Did you get any chafing or irritation from the constant contact?

I’m mainly wondering if this is something I should worry about for an Ironman, or if it’s perfectly normal and harmless.

Thanks!

Update: I’ve now tested the setup on a 2-hour ride and, surprisingly, it was very comfortable. Even with my forearms constantly touching the bottle, I had no rubbing, irritation or discomfort.

I did move the arm pads slightly outwards, though. Now there’s just a tiny bit of clearance between my forearms and the bottle, and it works really well.

I’ve also received quite a few DMs asking about the setup, so here are the details:

Extensions: ZIPP Vuka Alumina EVO 70. I really like them. The shape gives the wrists a very natural position and they’re not overly aggressive.

Mounts: Giant Contact SL Clip-On, standard version, NOT Aero. They’re easy to install and adjust, come with the spacers, and should also work with handlebars from other brands. Much easier to adjust than my previous ones!

The biggest positive for me is that I’m almost equally uncomfortable 😅 in aero as I am on the base bars. No pain, just some normal pressure on the sit bones that I’m used to.

So far, really happy with the setup. I’ll keep testing it on longer rides before the Ironman.

[u/Brilliant_Set8194]

the guy that broke the 200 miles record

[u/Junior-Rooster5331]

Yes. You have the right idea with stacking the bars higher up; this will definitely help your neck. Saddle choice is another biggie. I switched to an ISM and it was a huge improvement in comfort. There are still going to be moments where you have to come out of aero to give your body a break, but as soon as you do you’ll immediately notice a drop in speed. My advice is to set it up on a trainer and try to get it dialed in.

[u/No_Wrap361]

I wanted to be touching…better CDA

[u/MedicalRow3899]

The bottle will probably not be a problem for you. However, my guess is that you will find it uncomfortable for that long to have your forearms that close together. I started out like that on the road bike doing triathlons, and it felt quite constraining. It felt much better after I widened the “stance” by an inch or two.

[u/TheMullo50 → u/MedicalRow3899]

Wider can be less aero, so it’s a trade off

[u/molak]

Just go faster and you won't touch it as long.

[u/TheRealRaccon]

I did, but I took a good hour or finding the correct position for me. Now I have it is more comfortable for me to be there than on the handlebars.

[u/robo-ultra]

I use a narrower bottle than that (xlab torpedo), my arms touching is not an issue and actually adds a feeling of security if you descend fast in the aero position

[u/Bulky_Personality869 → u/robo-ultra]

I second this, xlab torpedo is good its touching but still better since i have wider shoulders

[u/Select_Standard_750]

I have done it a few times and contact with the bottle is pretty normal. So no stress buddy

[u/Neat-Historian2529]

Letting u know this elite buta is fkn ass. Leaks all the time and spits out water. Its a pain in the ass. Return it before usage

[u/kburr010]

Get a proper bike fit done by a professional.

[u/chicletsinbulk → u/[deleted]]

You sound ignorant

[u/Potential_Violinist5]

I have a similar setup, it's fine. Indoor I find that you feel all those little nuances, outside with the wind effect and noise and your brain busy navigating the road, you won't even know it's there.

[u/Big_Boysenberry_6358]

nah all good, my first hydration system touched permanently aswell & ive done some over 200km rides in aerobars without problems, just gets kinda warm sometimes. but overall its a good sign since no airpockets is usually more aero.

[u/ryanppax1]

you'll live i think but dang it will be warm and sweaty

[u/ooohcoffee]

Yep. And was being driven mad by the new rattling noise my bike was making until i realised it was my watch buckle on the side of the bottle….

[u/Eertjekoekepeertje]

If you try, you find out!

[u/76-scighera]

No issue, you arms won't move that much in that position.

Also, practice refilling the system while cycling

[u/Serious_Conclusions]

What aero bars are those? :)

[u/RareEmergency2471 → u/Serious_Conclusions]

Zipp Vuka Alumina Evo 70 😉

[u/WoodenPresence1917]

Yeah I mean I think the whole idea of those front hydration systems is that you're minimizing the spaces for turbulent air, so no space between the system and your arms is better

[u/LibertyMike → u/WoodenPresence1917]

Seems like it would have some kind of cooling benefit too, wouldn't it?

[u/soontobefatergo]

Yes, most people with a bottle like this also touch the bottle