Aerobars

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2008-10-06 7:24 PM

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Expert
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Greer, SC
Subject: Aerobars

I have only been on a road bike one time in a sprint tri.  (I am (was) more of a mtbr.)  I am going to be using an old Trek 5200 for my intern. tri and my HIM.  I am going to have my LBS put on and fit me for some clip on aerobars.  I plan to ride without using them at all at first to make the obvious adjustment from mtn biking to road biking, but would like some advise for an obsolute newbie when it comes to road biking, but more so aerobars.  Maybe some do's and don'ts.  Thanks!!

2008-10-06 8:35 PM
in reply to: #1722327

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Champion
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Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Aerobars

It's not a bad idea to get used to the road geometry before getting in the bars.

Once you do acclimate though, start getting used to being in the aerobars. It will feel unnatural at first. Ease into it, spending just a little time in them on the first few rides and slowly increase. A HIM is not the time to find out what it feels like to spend 50+ miles in that position followed by a half marathon. Make sure you get in some good long rides primarily in the bars.

And no standing on hills. It's going to go against your experience from the trails, but you've got to learn to keep your butt in the saddle. Mashing up hills might feel good at the time, but it can trash your run.

2008-10-06 8:50 PM
in reply to: #1722327

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Master
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: Aerobars
After I had my LBS install clip ons on my road bike, I wasn't really comfortable down in the aero position. They didn't really adjust me to them, they just installed them.

So, I got fitted by a FIST fitter at a tri shop. They adjusted the bike so everything was ideal for me being in the bars. THEN, I wasn't comfortable in the upright position, so I rode 90% of the time down in the bars. Was great actually for tri training. I did very well in my races on that bike with aerobars, often getting 2nd bike split for my age group, and often passing lots of folks with much better bikes

My belief is that biking is 95% engine and 5% equipment. So, not worth spending big bucks on equipment until your engine is up there.

Now that I got a tri bike, I want to get my road bike re-adjusted so it's best for road riding.
2008-10-06 8:50 PM
in reply to: #1722327

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Pro
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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Aerobars
What Marma said.  When you start to use the aerobars, the handling is very squirrelly, and the body position is 180 degrees from what you are used to on the mtn bike.  Get comfortable on the road bike first.  Focus on spinning the pedals.  Practice getting into the drops to get used to the lower position overall before you switch to the aeros.  Some people get used to the aeros by keeping one hand on the brake and one on the aerobar. It is also a good idea in the first few rides to practice the aeros somewhere with no traffic since you are a lot more likely to be swerving.
2008-10-06 10:07 PM
in reply to: #1722327

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Expert
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Brookings South Dakota
Subject: RE: Aerobars
My advice is to not get S-Bend aero bars, such as the popular Profile Design T2+

I've got them and will not get them on my next bike. I have the same negative side effects in my wrists mentioned in this article : http://bikesportmichigan.com/features/sbend.shtml
2008-10-07 3:01 AM
in reply to: #1722327

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Regular
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Essex, England
Subject: RE: Aerobars

Excellent article thanks. I had thought the S-Bend bars might cause stress on the forearms but have not used either sort yet.

I will be looking to get some aero bars for my road bike for next season so am looking for reccomendations. are the profile bars that are joined in the middle ok as they are very cheap or am I better to go for the seperate bar for each hand.

my thinking is seperate allows more adjustment.

thanks

2008-10-07 8:19 AM
in reply to: #1722327

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Expert
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Brookings South Dakota
Subject: RE: Aerobars
Separation allows for more adjustment, but they both put you in the same position. Go for what you think feels best.
2008-10-07 10:06 AM
in reply to: #1722503

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Subject: RE: Aerobars

marmadaddy - 2008-10-06 7:35 PMAnd no standing on hills. It's going to go against your experience from the trails, but you've got to learn to keep your butt in the saddle. Mashing up hills might feel good at the time, but it can trash your run.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but if you're standing on the hills as a mtb'er, you're doing it wrong.  Especially on softer trails in granny gear where you're more likely to just spin your back tire than to gain anything by standing up.  In fact, when I made the switch from mtb to spin bike to road bike, standing up was one of the weird things to get used to... (that is, occasional standing on long rides to stretch the back/legs -- especially on a long climb... not extended mashing or anything like that).  Just my $0.02.

 /rant

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