Comparison of aero-bars versus traditional cycling postures on physiological parameters during submaximal cycling

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 E = 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