First time using Aerobars

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2009-07-03 11:16 AM

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Subject: First time using Aerobars
Just thought i would share my experience so us beginners have more thoughts on clip on aero bars.  I put aero bars on my road bike a few weeks ago but have only been on the trainer with them for now.  Took a ride this morning and was actually surprised.

I figured i wouldn't be all that steady since i never was comfortable in the drops.  I rode about a half mile to the nearest school and practiced about 2 miles on them.  Felt like i was back in my motorcycle class with riding around in a square, turns, figure eights.  I was quite comfortable on them, even rode them in them on the rode (not while cars were behind me).

I still figure i need a lot more time in them, but i have a fairly flat triathlon in 2 weeks, and think i can spend a decent amount of time in them.  I'll probably raise my seat slightly, and should also either get a new seat post and/or new seat, but i'm going to work on that slowly.

I say if you're on the fence about aerobars, go for it.

Mike

2009-07-03 11:26 AM
in reply to: #2260241

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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
Congrats!  I put mine on a couple of months ago and love them.
2009-07-03 1:55 PM
in reply to: #2260241

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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
I put mine on about a month ago also, and really like them, although it did take me a couple of rides to get comfortable using them.

I still avoid them while going down hill or riding roads with any real traffic, but I think that is common with most people.



2009-07-03 2:11 PM
in reply to: #2260241

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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
Nice!  I put some on a little over a month ago, tried them out once, and then used them pretty extensively for my first 70.3 (totally flat) two weeks later.  I can be a little wobbly still, so I use them mostly on flats and come up for corners.  Practice, practice!
2009-07-06 8:32 AM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
I posted about drops vs hoods last week and the conclusion was that clip on aerobars are the way forward.

All your positive comments are useful and no-one talking of how difficult or uncomfortable it can be...great, I'd best get them on my birthday list!
2009-07-06 8:41 AM
in reply to: #2260241

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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
I'm new to tri and road biking and the first time I used them I was scared to death but it's the transition from up to aero that's intimidating rather than just the actual position.  Fortunately my shifters are already on my aero bars and that makes it easier to stay in that position.  It seems to stress my hips in different ways, but I think I've finally got the right adjustment for the bars.


2009-07-06 10:24 AM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
Going to practice maneuvers was a really smart thing to do.
2009-07-06 1:24 PM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
I hear ya but I had the opposite experience. I changed my saddle position, stem and added clip-ons to my road bike. Hated everything about it but gave myself a few months to adjust. I never did, I just hated it more so I took them off, got the right stem and now I like riding my bike again and feel like I've got better balance, better handling and lot more power. I'm willing to give up some aero.
2009-07-06 9:39 PM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
I was riding today in an aero position.  There was a 15-20 mph crosswind.  A guy game the other way.  I kept my left arm on the aero bar and lifted up to wave with my right arm.  The wind caught my hand and turned my bike.  Note to self, don't do this again.
2009-07-06 9:46 PM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
NeilsWheel - 2009-07-06 9:39 PM I was riding today in an aero position.  There was a 15-20 mph crosswind.  A guy game the other way.  I kept my left arm on the aero bar and lifted up to wave with my right arm.  The wind caught my hand and turned my bike.  Note to self, don't do this again.


Yeah, I've had this happen a few times, too.  So now, whenever another cyclist waves to me...I just uncurl my fingers from the bar and wave that way, so that I can still keep the palm of my hand on the bar for control. 
2009-07-06 9:48 PM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
Actually finding the aeros easier and easier.  Over the weekend about half way thru the ride, pulled out a granola bar.  Trying to ride one handed opening the wrapper wasn't working.  Dropped down on the aeros, used my elbows to steer while I opened and ate the bar.  Down hill speed is on the drops but everything else is pretty much on the bars now.  Now I just need to get faster!

2009-07-07 8:02 AM
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Subject: RE: First time using Aerobars
mandsberry - 2009-07-03 2:55 PM I put mine on about a month ago also, and really like them, although it did take me a couple of rides to get comfortable using them.

I still avoid them while going down hill or riding roads with any real traffic, but I think that is common with most people.





Interesting to hear you say you avoid them while going down hill.  That's when I think they pay off the most and I always get on the aero bars going down hill.  I have a tri bike with a base bar and aero bars, but I don't think that matters much.  Do you feel less in control in the aerobars?
Greg
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