Conference noted::bicycle

    
    	The UCI has banned clip-on bars.  I assume that the USCF
    is enforcing the ban, though I haven't seen a 1990 rulebook.  I
    hope that you bought these for something other than USCF racing.

    Were the bars banned in all competition or just in peloton events?
    
    I thought they were allowed in non peloton events, like time trials.

    	My understanding is that in USCF races, all tri-bars were verboten 
    in mass-start racing by the end of last year if not earlier.  The new 
    UCI rule is no clip-ons ever.  One can still use Scott DH or 100K bars 
    in a time trial since they're not clip-ons.  The carryover from
    UCI to USCF is not a given, though.  In some circumstances (local
    races?), the USCF will allow spoke covers as a poor-man's disc even 
    though the UCI says no.  There.  Clear as mud? 

    In the article that I read concerning the banning of clipons, it
    indicated that the TdF could make their own decision concerning their
    own race as the UCI ruling only applied to the world championship
    races.
    
    That or anything else could be true however.
    
    ed

    USCF 1990 Rules: Aero bars (clip ons or full bars) allowed only
    in TTs (same rule as last year).
    
    New this year in USCF: Disk wheels and wheel covers are allowed
    in all races, including mass start events such as RR's and crits.
    
    

    		Thank you for the definitive word.  Anytime I can add
    confusion, just let me know...  [this is how rumors get started.]  
    How many weeks passed between your license showing up and your 
    rulebook arriving?   
    
    	This surprise and guessing stuff isn't too neat.  I found out 
    about one new and improved rule from a ref two weeks ago.  Any 
    licensed rider must wear his/her helmet while riding near a race 
    site, on course or off.  Actually, what he said was: "Hey you!  Get 
    your helmet on now or you're out."  My ski hat didn't count.  

    I just put on a set of Profile for speed II clip ons, and went for a 
    quick ride (getting dark).  I only went for about 10 miles so I did not
    have much time to play around on them.
    
    My first impression is that I don't like them.  Should I try to return
    them now, or does it take some time to get used to them.  
    
    What I don' like is the stress in the rotation in my shoulders.  I felt
    more relaxed with my hands sort of overlaping.  
    
    I put on the Med. with bars.  The large are only an inch wider, and the 
    shop owner said that they were two wide for my shoulder width, and that
    the med. was the size to go with.
    
    How long does it take to get used to / strech into this position before
    it becomes comfortable,  or is that just the way it is.
    
    I got them not for the added speed but for taking the weight off my 
    hands and wrists.  I was looking for comfort on long rides.......
    
    Did I make a mistake???
    
    John_who_could_bring_em_back_today_but_not_later_than_that..

    
    John,
    
    I am trying to get re-acclimated to my Profile clip-ons.
    It takes a while.  Comfort is definitely a reason for using
    clip-ons, so your reasoning is sound.  Many people (the general
    concensus) report greater comfort and greater speed.  In my case,
    I'm not so sure about the speed.
    
    Part of it has to do with how your bike is set up, and your
    stance on it.  You might get somebody (e.g., at the shop that
    sold you the bars?) to check your fit out.  They should be able
    to do this, since they sold you the product, right?  If not, ask
    them to extend the return period 'til you can find someone (at another
    shop?  in your racing club?) who can look at your fit.
    
    Good luck. 
    -john

     Don't pull the trigger too soon. You will require experimentation
    with seat adjustment, seat post adjustment, handlebar stem (height)
    adjustment, stem length (maybe)... It isn't easy to (usually) to
    get comfortable and maintain a comfortable drops, brake hood and
    tops riding position.
    
     IMHO they are defintely worth the adjustment hassle (if you're after
    that seriously). Understand that they do represent a radical departure
    from the parochial positions we've all grown to love.
    
     Give 'em a chance... My guess is unless your body is grossly dis-
    proportional, you'll find that sweet spot...
    
       Chip

    Update on my Profile clip-ons......
    
    I went for a quick ride right after work.   I did a 31 mile loop that
    has some long open straight sections.  I figured that this would be the
    perfect place to get used to the new bars.
    
    It went so so in the begining.  I then stopped at a friends house to
    get some water, and catch up on some news.  I made a seat adjustment
    while I was shooten the shi%.  
    
    I moved the seat forward 1.5cm and up .5 cm (now .5 over the "MAX"
    line).  I would still like to bring the seat up a bit more, but am out of 
    seat post :-(
    
    It was a bunch better!  I need to have my stem replaced (factory
    recall) and will get a 10mm shorter one.  I think it will be just right 
    then.
    
    The rest of the ride went well.  I found that my in the flats speed 
    a full 2 mph faster in the aero position, and in the head wind in one
    section 3-4 mph faster.
    
    I did the ride with an ava. speed of 18 mph (with 5 lights).  
    
    The comfort is better with the seat change.  
    
    Now to get used to changing gears etc. when on the bars!  I stuck my
    indix finger into my front tire just after the seat change.  It is
    amazing how much a difference 1.5 cm is!  I thought I was grabbing the
    shift lever and got my finger in the wheel what a surprise.
    
    John_who_thinks_he_will_like_them :-)
    
    

>    
>    Now to get used to changing gears etc. when on the bars!  
>

	You'll know you're really used to them when you can reach
	down, grab a bottle, and take a drink without coming off the bars
	or taking up a whole lane!

	chris

    I think the key to being used to them is when you can take 90 degree
    turns on downhills ...
    
    I still have problems there...
    
    ed