Originally Posted by
Johno59
One of requirements for an efficient setup is to save energy where possible. The bullhorn straight arm position gave some rest. Lemond's Tri bars allow you to rest most of your upper body on the bones of upper arm sparing your biceps and triceps and your back muscles as well. This guy's back isn't particularly horizontal and he's supporting all his weight on his armd and back muscles.
The bars and seatpost are very aero but his muscles are burning fuel he can ill afford to waste.
To be fair, the subject bicycle is a mid-1980s model. Up until 1989. the UCI forbade any device that was strictly for aerodynamic purposes. Prior to the 1989 Tour De France, attempts to use clip-on aero bars were deemed illegal by the UCI. For some unknown reason, the UCI decided to let Lemond use them in the 1989 Tour de France. In my opinion, it was a case of hidden agenda politics.