Getting comfortable on a tri bike

You will get more comfortable as time goes on.

For any descent you feel uncomfortable with you can just switch out of aero position, but try to stay low and as aerodynamic as possible with your hands on the horns for more control.

Don't get too stiff on the descents. Keep your shoulders loose--this will allow your elbows to absorb a lot more of the shock, which feels like it's magnified x10 in the aero position. Also, make sure you've been fitted by a GOOD fitter, not just your average joe working at your LBS. Get a Retul or 3D Body Geometry (video) fit. This will help maximize comfort on all aspects of the ride.

Getting comfortable DESCENDING on a tri bike takes time, the handling is totally different feeling, twitchier etc.

I've had mine for 5 years, though I had 2-3 years I couldn't use it, and have only recently started to get comfortable with some of the real descents in my aero tuck.

There is a bit of a penalty to going down in the horns, but you can still get REALLY quick getting low on them, and you have the benefit of your hands by the brakes as well as the easier handling.

Use the horns for this triathlon, or any others, until you're REALLY comfortable on them. I still use the horns depending on the terrain, and need to slow down, for obvious reasons.

We don't spend THAT much time descending, so you're not going to see much penalty, so I wouldn't be too worried!

It will never be as comfortable descending as it is on a road bike. However as you spend more time on it you will get more used to it. Most people will come out of aero on technical descents. straight descents should be fine to stay aero, that being said once I'm over about 45mph I put my hands on the horns. There is not much time to react at those speeds and I'd rather be safe then slightly faster.

I am lucky that I do have access to a very good fitter. I live less than a mile from Specialized HQ so there is a LBS that has been fitting pros for years. Full set up with multiple cameras, video, software to measure angle etc. We spent almost four hours getting it all dialed in.

The bike felt great from the start on all but the descents. I think having been hit once with two major surgeries probably plays in to it as well.

This is what I am currently doing. I think I will take both bikes but I do have a day before the race to check out the course. My preference would be to use the tri bike.

Thanks,

I haven't tried this yet, but the last 2 times I was on our local course I was basically getting into tuck, but stretching out more, getting further back on the seat, allowing my torso to drop, but not as low as I've seen some guys who are in front of the seat basically riding the top-tube.