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2009-06-26 9:52 AM

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Subject: Aero Anxiety

 

I recently got a Jamis Comet TT/ tri bike; this is a step up from my mountain bike a Raleigh Mohave. The clip less pedals don’t seem to be an issue, switching from The Look Quartz to the Look Keo’s wasn’t too bad although I do miss the ease of not having to work about weather the pedal is up or down to clip in. my problem is I can ride for miles on the road in the horns, But… changing gears and getting down into the aero bars is a instant source of anxiety and stress for me at this point in time. My next Tri is 30 days away and I am trying to get as much road time as I can before it, a lot of time is spent on the trainer unfortunately due to my work schedule. Are there any tips or tricks to getting used to getting into the Aero position, I feel all wobbly and with the high quality and clean roads in the area (yes sarcasm here) I am afraid I will crash at speed, which I have done before on my mountain bike (lots of blood but no broken bones).

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Alan


2009-06-26 11:48 AM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
No tips or tricks that I know of. You just have to do it. I just did the switch about 1 month ago and I love it. I did not start out on the trainer, I started in the park parking lot with my 4 year old. We "raced" from one end to the other then turned around and raced back. She beat me every time. I was more interested in getting comfortable and staying balanced at slow speeds. We did this for about 1 hour, then about 45 minutes the following day. I then hit the road just cruisin no hard efforts for a week. I don't know why I waited so long to convert.

Kevin  
2009-06-26 12:14 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
If your upper body is tense that is going to cause the issues.  You want to be relaxed and loose in the upper body.  Now getting to that is where your issue is and I do not have much advice except to just ride as much as possible and think happy though.
2009-06-27 5:52 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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A little slice of paradise
Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
It is just a matter of spending time on them and not pysching yourself out.
 I know when I made the switch I was a bit anxious, but it is amazing how quickly you get comfortable on your bars.
2009-06-27 6:23 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
Some people adapt quickly, some take a bit longer.
It took me a few months of doing a "half aero" position with one arm in the aerobar and one hand on the brake! It was not easy for me and it simply took time.
2009-06-27 6:39 PM
in reply to: #2247558

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
lisac957 - 2009-06-27 7:23 PM Some people adapt quickly, some take a bit longer.
It took me a few months of doing a "half aero" position with one arm in the aerobar and one hand on the brake! It was not easy for me and it simply took time.


Yup! I am generally a 'fraidy-cat' rider - I hate going downhill, I just got my first road-bike in January, etc. I got the aero-bars put on in April, and it has taken about two months to get used to them.  

Biggest piece of advice is to find a good, newly paved stretch of flat road with a wide shoulder. That way you don't have  to worry about potholes, going uphill or downhill, or feeling wobbly after a car gets a little too close.  Then just stay as loose as possible  Death grip is never good (I know - I spend most of my time on downhills in a death grip!

Now, I really love the aero-bars. I've been riding with a roadie group lately, and I miss not being able to use them!  


2009-06-27 7:00 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
You really do need to find a relatively flat road with minimal traffic (eg a parking lot on a sunday when there is no one there), in order to get used to them without fear of cars getting too close. Also, having one arm in aero and one on the horns is definitely the best way to start.
2009-06-27 7:10 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
A strong core is essential for balancing in the aero position.  Whenever you start to feel wobbly, think about drawing in your core muscles. 

So in addition to practicing on your actual bike, when you are at the gym or home, do some core training to strengthen those stabilizing muscles.  It was help greatly with your balance.
2009-06-27 7:41 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
It took me a few weeks to get comfortable.  As time goes on, I like them more and more.

It will come, just keep using them.
2009-06-28 5:20 AM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
Going from a mountain bike to a TT bike is a pretty big shift in your riding position - it may take a while for you to adjust to the new position. I second what others have said about taking your time to get used to it. Try riding on the bullhorns for a while, then gradually increase your time in aero position. The trainer would be a good place to start, since you're removing the anxiety about possibly falling over.... As for road riding, start out by dropping into aero position on a stretch of road that is relatively flat, straight, in good condition, and relatively free of traffic. Find an empty parking lot to practice in if you have to. When you feel more comfortable with short periods in aero, try to increase gradually.

Another key factor could be the fit of the bike... did you have a professional fit when you bought your new TT bike? If your fit is off, it could definitely add to that "wobbly" feeling.
2009-06-28 3:54 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
Besides learning to control the bike in aero your body (neck and shoulders, especially) need to get used to being in the new position; can you put the tri bike on a trainer and at least get used to the position?

Edited by MDHillSlug 2009-06-28 4:13 PM


2009-06-28 4:10 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety
My advice is to ride the tri bike for everything for a while. You'll spend a lot of time on the horns to start, but with some time and experience you'll quickly feel comfortable in the aerobars. Just make it your primary bike for everything.

Problem is if you get too comfortable you'll find yourself able to take turns at speed in the aerobars during races, and you'll be annoyed by all the slow people in the turns.

Edited by DrPete 2009-06-28 4:12 PM
2009-06-30 7:36 PM
in reply to: #2244962

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Central NJ
Subject: RE: Aero Anxiety

Thanks for all the advice and tips. I was fitted for the bike when I picked it up but I think I will get some fine tuning done when I take it in for its break in check up. I train my core every other day so that doesn't seem to be a problem. I was able to get out this Sunday and found a decent clean and clear parking lot. I was able to get a lot of practice in going from the horns to aero and I was even able to make turns in aero. Ended up spending almost an hour and over 3 miles doing laps in the parking lot, I even worked on using my water bottle (I am surprised no one called the police for the nut on the bike doing circles). I attempt to get on the trainer and do at least an hour every other day this has helped me get used to having my body into the new position. Thanks to everyone for your input and I will continue to practice 26 days until NJ State my second triathlon, my goal is to do at least one Tri a year, I may see how this Tri goes and depending on my work schedule go for 2 this year.

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