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Unstable on aerobars
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 2009-08-16 8:41 PM |
New user  8 |  Subject: Unstable on aerobarsHi all, I'm new to this whole tri thing. I have done a couple of "less than" sprints and decided I loved it and wanted to ditch my very, very old bike. A friend sold me her triathlon bike. I can already tell this is going to be so much better. I bought the shoes (it had the clipless pedals) and tried it out - promptly crashed stopping to say hi to a kid from a tee ball team I coach...  So I get back on the thing and I'm really doing well on it, but I feel so wobbly in the aerobars so I quickly come back up to the handlebars - making shifting harder. The falling off the bike hurt enough at a stop I'd hate to see what would happen if I crash at 20mph!! So what do you all suggest for me to get more stable on the aerobars? My next race is next weekend and right now I'm thinking I will do the whole thing on the handles...Thanks!! Val |
| 2009-08-16 10:43 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
Veteran 335   Wilmington, NC | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Time in aero is really the only way to get stable and comfortable there. If you have a really bad bike fit, it would make a difference, but it would really have to be off. If you have to really stretch to get into aero and shift, then a shorter stem would help. As far as next weekend...I would either ride your old bike if you still have it, or plan on being on the bulls for the majority of the race. Not a great time to "practice" being in the aero position. |
| 2009-08-16 10:44 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
Expert 2555  Colorado Springs, Colorado | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars This is all new to you so it will take some riding time to get a feel for it. You're trying to adjust to both the aerobars and the clipless pedals. There's also a good chance the bike fit is not quite right for you unless you've already taken the bike to your LBS for a proper fitting. That would be the place to start. Get the bike fitting done, then just add a little more time in the aerobars on each ride. Maybe start with a 10 mile ride where you stay aero for about 10-20% of the ride overall and work up from there as you get more comfortable. It takes time. |
| 2009-08-16 11:03 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
Champion 5782 Northridge, California | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Just to emphasize what's already been said: Fit absolutely can make a difference. When I took the bike I bought earlier this year out for a trial ride with only a quick roughed-in fit, it was very difficult to control. With the proper fit (and not a custom tri bike fitting, just the initial full setup by the LBS), it is just fine. |
| 2009-08-16 11:37 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
| Veteran 294 Boston | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars practice, practice, practice. I remember my first days on the aerobars and they were definitely a bit precarious. You may not feel comfortable riding them in your next race, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although looking cool can sometimes be more tempting than being safe (..what? :D ), you have hopefully dozens of triathlons in your future and hundreds of training opportunities to learn and love the tribars. If you want to get ahead of the natural learning curve, try increasing (or starting) some core strength exercises - that's a large part of what keeps you stable and comfortable when riding aero. Good luck - and have fun in your race, no matter what you decide!  |
| 2009-08-17 7:49 AM in reply to: #2352119 |
New user 8 | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Thanks y'all - the first thing I did after I got the bike was take it to LBS for a fitting (should have mentioned that in my original post). So I will spend as much time in aero as is comfortable/safe this week and see what happens (aero or not) next weekend. Thanks everyone!! |
| 2009-08-17 9:17 AM in reply to: #2352119 |
| Regular 81 | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars it takes about two weeks of riding to be generally comfortable in the aerobars.... |
| 2009-08-17 10:26 AM in reply to: #2352119 |
Champion 7136 Knoxville area | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Good luck, it gets easier with time As far as wrecking goes, I've walked away from every high speed wreck with road rash, but broke my collarbone at about 5mph, so don't sweat it too much |
| 2009-08-17 10:38 AM in reply to: #2352119 |
Regular 117 Carrollton, TX | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Agree with fitting. I adjusted my bars about a quarter inch from where my LBS had them, and it made a huge difference as far as control goes. |
| 2009-08-17 12:59 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
| Member 87 Central NJ | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Try to find a big empty parking lot and practice going in and out of aero. Earlier this year when I was getting used to my new bike it took a while to get comfortable in that position, after about 10 miles worth of circles figure 8's and going in and out of aero I’m more comfortable. That and a lot of core work the more stable my core is the easier it is to ride in the aero position. From what I have seen a crash at 20mph results in road rash, a crash at a stop or 5mph results in road rash + head injury. But everyone differs a little, my friend crashed at a near stop and she has a pretty good concussion from it, broke her helmet in 3 places. |
| 2009-08-17 1:01 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
Extreme Veteran 547 Canyon Hills (Lake Elsinore), CA | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars Also, the bike is much more stable at speed so it's easier to be on the bars when going faster. |
| 2009-08-17 1:21 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
| 71 | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars One point that has been overlooked - It is possible (though unlikely if you're new to aero positions) that your proper fit is actually LESS stable than an improper fit. I recently adjusted my fit to a steeper seat angle, which effectively moved my front end forward. I'm more aero, and have more power. Unfortunately, my bike's geometry is not designed for my very steep position (it has less front-center than would be ideal), and it is noticibaly less stable than it was. This is because I have so much more weight on my front wheel. Unfortunately, the only way to fix that problem is to deal with it or get a new bike. |
| 2009-08-17 1:27 PM in reply to: #2352119 |
Veteran 183 Bellingham, WA | Subject: RE: Unstable on aerobars I just glanced through the other replies, but didn't see any mention of core strength. Having a strong core will definitely help you stay stable while in the aero position. And make sure to practice reaching down and getting water bottles out while aero as well, that's a good skill to have |
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