Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

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2011-01-20 9:07 AM

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Subject: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

Figured I would try the Clydesdale Forum first, see if any fellow guys have the same issue.  I'm 6'8 290(give or take) and I'm having issues with my arms/shoulders in my aero bars.  I had a specialized transition elite(2005) that I picked up for a great deal, but was never fit to it.  I couldn't ever get comfy on it last year but made it work.  This year I just picked up a 2011 Felt B14,had the shop do the fitting.  It still seems to be an ongoing battle with not being able to stay in the aerobars, due to my arms/shoulders getting tired/sore.

I'm guessing,
1.  My position is still not right
2.  My arms are to weak for my height/weight?

Any suggestions or past experiences would be great!!!

2011-01-20 11:15 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Kentucky
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

As for myself, I am 5'10", 170lbs., and I too have had this problem in the past. For the first month or so after getting my new bike (a Cervelo P2) last spring, my shoulder and triceps ached. Although it wasn't your complete, uber-expensive, 3+ hr fitting, I was fitted to this bike. After that "break-in" period though, my body accomodated and the position became rather comfortable.

If you are just switching to a new bike (after having ridden a different bike the previous season), I'd be willing to bet your body is just adapting to it. Given your size and weight there may be other factors at play here, but that is my experience. Best of luck to ya, I think at the very least you should look into a pro fitting, given your unique body frame.

2011-01-20 11:40 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Edmonton, AB
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
Same here, it's a weird position to hold for an extended period of time.  In addition to just practicing I would totally recommend getting a bike fit.  The difference in a half-inch forward or backward with the rest pads can affect everything, especially when you hold that position for hours.

Good luck!
2011-01-20 12:33 PM
in reply to: #3310756

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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
Thanks guys, Since its kind of piecing things together to make the aero bars perfect.  I said screw it and machined my own brackets, so I can adjust to any angle, direction, so on.  Im trying to work with those some, but figured I would ask to see if anyone thought it was the fit.
2011-01-20 5:44 PM
in reply to: #3310756

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Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
Is it both arms/shoulders?  if yes, is it on the outside or presure? if presure as if you have too much weight on your elbows, the pads may be too low inmrespect to the rest of the fitting.  if the pain is int he outside of your shoulders, the pads may be too close to each other (After getting fitted at a shop,  i experienced with both of these adjustments until I got it right).

If you made your own brakes, that is pretty cool and it might make it easier to find the exact spot that makes your ride more confortable.

good luck
2011-01-20 8:56 PM
in reply to: #3310756

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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
Thanks for being more in depth, I would say its more  of what was said further up.  More of my triceps and shoulders than anything.

2011-01-21 9:56 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Jenison , MI
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
My first thought when I seen this was that your bars are to narrow. Last year I had a fit done and they ended up going to a set of bars that were 50 mm wider (yes almost 2 inches) and man it felt like I had a new bike.
2011-01-25 4:48 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Townsville, Australia
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
B14.. nice...

is it pain from what feels like excessive weight bearing ? I personally do not feel like there is much load at all on the pads.. and I'm a big dude.

sometimes you just have to change things.. one at a time.. and see what happens. 
2011-05-28 11:27 PM
in reply to: #3310756


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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

Bump because I'm struggling with the exact same thing.  Just installed a set of T2's to widen the bars but after a brief trainer session I'm afraid the pain is still there.

Frankly, it just feels like burning after holding up my upper body.  Deltoids are totally engaged.

2011-05-29 12:59 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Townsville, Australia
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
maybe post a side on photo mate.. might be able to see what is wrong ??
2011-05-29 7:17 AM
in reply to: #3310756

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Irmo, SC
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
I have the same problem to.  I had the bike fitted at a local shop and still struggle with soreness primarily in my shoulders and rhomboids.  I AM faster when in the aeros so I force my self into them as much as possible.  I stand 5'11", weigh 210 pounds mostly muscular with 46" chest and a 32" waist.  I stretch my arms and shoulders before biking which helps but still cant stay in aeros more than 5-10 minutes at a time.  I think its the issue of my elbows too close together.  When I got to spin class, I set the spin bike up like a tri bike but my elbows are much wider when down in aero position and I can last like this much longer on the spin bike.  Im not sure I can widen the aero bars much more on my tri-bike but am entertain doing so anyway.

2011-05-30 5:16 PM
in reply to: #3310756

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Extreme Veteran
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
I'm about 275 with pretty wide shoulders and I had almost exactly the same issues with my triceps/delts when I started.  I got a great fitting done and after getting my elbows wider and a little farther forward I was MUCH more comfortable.
2011-06-03 2:42 PM
in reply to: #3523506


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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

jrobatc - 2011-05-29 8:17 AM I have the same problem to.  I had the bike fitted at a local shop and still struggle with soreness primarily in my shoulders and rhomboids.  I AM faster when in the aeros so I force my self into them as much as possible.  I stand 5'11", weigh 210 pounds mostly muscular with 46" chest and a 32" waist.  I stretch my arms and shoulders before biking which helps but still cant stay in aeros more than 5-10 minutes at a time.  I think its the issue of my elbows too close together.  When I got to spin class, I set the spin bike up like a tri bike but my elbows are much wider when down in aero position and I can last like this much longer on the spin bike.  Im not sure I can widen the aero bars much more on my tri-bike but am entertain doing so anyway.

 

Yes, I have the same problem.  Our dimensions are about the same, and I just got my first tri bike.  My elbows are so close together its awkward.  I was assuming I just needed to get used to it, the fitter told me I had wide shoulders (no duh) but it was as wide as it goes.  Should I go back and force an option?  I have a sprint on Sunday, so we'll see.

2011-06-03 2:55 PM
in reply to: #3310756

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)

I had a similar problem on  much lesser equipment.  It turned out that my aero bars were way too close together for my size, and my core strength was non existent.  Now the bars are wider, and most of my "Support" comes from the breast bone back to the saddle.  Not as much weight on my fore-arms/elbows and no weight on my hands...  

I'm probably still not in the best position, but I can hold it for miles and am faster and more comfortable..

2011-06-04 9:50 PM
in reply to: #3310756


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Subject: RE: Aerobar discomfort(arms/shoulders)
I'm still struggling.  Same deal.  Shoulders burning after just a few (3-5) minutes and then its a battle of will.
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