The Low Down
Been dialing in the fit on the TT bike over the last few weeks. In a search for more speed without too much sacrifice of comfort, I've embarked on lowering my frontal position. I think I've finally settled on a new position and will see if it's the sweet spot or a little too aggressive for my aging body.
I've effectively removed 30mm of stack height and lowered my stem angle from a -6 degree to a -17 degree. At the same time, I've narrowed the pad spacing on the aero bars resulting in a much smaller hole to be punched into the wind.
Again, we'll see if it's making a difference next week. I didn't race the TT series last night so the key will be catching similar conditions as two weeks ago. Certainly less scientific that Lance, Levi, or Fabian's approach, but most sufficient for this fat, old dude.
Slipstreamin'
Making the fast faster, eh? Move as little air as possible. Good strategy, especially if you can do it and still be comfortable.
Wow
That sounds like about 2 inches more drop! That will almost certainly give the wind less of a target.
Listen to your shoulder with that low position though. You probably have shifted your bias a bit.
shoulder update
I've been seeing an orthopedic chiropractor who's doing wonders for the shoulder. It really feels better and I have even been on the s/s a couple of times with no stiffness or soreness. He practices myofascial release, which essentially is a scrubbing (with a plastic tool) on the shoulder. It's hard to describe. The process is somewhat painful, but afterwards I get e-stim and man has my shoulder really started to feel better.
I'm also doing more exercises to increase range of motion and build-up the surrounding area. All in all good news, but yes I'm still mindful of the possibility of the shoulder revolting the new position.
Good news on the shoulder
Glad to hear your ortho-chiro is doing the job for you. You didn't miss anything today -- other than a long, slow, hot 100 (just blogged).