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Click to view azazello's profile Amateur
azazello
12 posts since
Jun 11, 2008

Jun 11, 2008 9:08 PM

Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

Hey,

I wonder if there are of some you out there with experience on this
special seat tube that is supposed to allow for a tri / TT position on
a regular road bike with aerobars on by changing the seat tube angle to
78 degrees and thus moving the body forward by 4 cm. I am giving
serious thought to buying this goodie for my 70.3 next month. It seems
to be a great bang for the buck (especiall since I certainly can't
afford a tri bike) but I've heard opinions that at longer distances
(50K+) you get very sore thighs because of sitting just above the
pedals instead of sitting slightly behind them - i.e. your pedaling
position is drastically different to on a road bike (I hope I've put
this in an understandable way).


So, any input would be very welcome - it might "only" cost 150 $ where I
live but that's way to much to spend if it results in legs unable to
run on.


Here's a pic of the tube:


http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/4573/fast_forward.jpg


cheers,

Levente

Click to view toddshep's profile Rookie
toddshep
2 posts since
Oct 2, 2007
1. Jun 12, 2008 4:40 PM in response to: azazello
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

I used the Fast Forward seat post for six years with great success. I have done three Ironmans with it and many 100 plus mile rides. It's a great way to convert a road bike.

Good luck in your race,

Todd

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Click to view azazello's profile Amateur
azazello
12 posts since
Jun 11, 2008
2. Jun 12, 2008 11:40 PM in response to: toddshep
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

Hello Todd,

Thanks for the answer. I take it you have not experienced any of the soreness mentioned above? This is good. I'll probably buy it.

best,

L

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Click to view azazello's profile Amateur
azazello
12 posts since
Jun 11, 2008
3. Jun 13, 2008 7:18 AM in response to: toddshep
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

Forgot to ask: have you made any other adjustments or changes to your bike? E.g. a shorter stem maybe?


thanks,

L

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Click to view toddshep's profile Rookie
toddshep
2 posts since
Oct 2, 2007
4. Jun 13, 2008 9:57 AM in response to: azazello
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

I can't think of any added soreness on top of what one would normally get with a long ride. Aside from adding aerobars I made no other adjustments, such as a shorter neck. It took a little bit of time to tweak fore and aft seat adjustment and proper seat height for the most comfortable position.

Shep

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Click to view Murphdog0_0's profile Rookie
Murphdog0_0
1 posts since
Nov 16, 2007
5. Jun 13, 2008 6:11 PM in response to: toddshep
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

I too have the Fast Forward seat tube and it's great. It helps to have the bike fitted to you though. Make sure that when you remove the old seat stem you mark how deep it was inserted with some electrical tape. That way when you want to go back to it you know exactly how deep it should be in the tube. It helps to have aerobars specially with a strong head wind when your doing a century ride. You may want to put the nose of your seat down for comfort if you haven't already.


Murphdog.

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Click to view azazello's profile Amateur
azazello
12 posts since
Jun 11, 2008
6. Jun 14, 2008 4:41 AM in response to: Murphdog0_0
Re: Is anyone using a ProfileDesign Fast Forward seat tube? (road to tri bike position)

Thanks for your help guys, I really appreciate it. I am just about to order the seat post and will probably have it by Tuesday. Just wish it wasn't so pricey compared to US retail prices... :/

Yes, I have already put the nose of the saddle down slightly, and that helps too. Good advice.


One last thing: I've read that for every cm you move your seat forward you should elevate the seat post by half a cm to maintain proper leg movement. Sounds logical from a geometric point of view. Have you perhaps done this?

best,

Levente

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