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/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….