Changing bikes before a HIM

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2009-09-16 1:18 PM


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Subject: Changing bikes before a HIM
Here is the story - I have a road bike where the frame is a bit too long for me. I changed the stem and moved the seat forward etc and got a better fit. I recently installed aerobars to practice with them but now, I am stretched out too far. My LBS was good enough to say that they will exchange the bike for a different one.

Question is that I am 6 weeks away from a HIM. Is it time enough to get another bike and get comfortable on it? Or should I forget about aerobars for now.

Thanks for your input

2009-09-16 1:27 PM
in reply to: #2409866

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Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
You're obviously not comfortable on this one.

I would get a proper fitting bike while you can.
2009-09-16 1:35 PM
in reply to: #2409866


8

Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
JC,

I am comfortable in an upright position on this bike. It is the aerobars that have me stretched out and I have no room left to adjust either the stem or the seat.
2009-09-16 1:36 PM
in reply to: #2409866

Veteran
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Kenosha, WI
Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
My opinion only... ride the bike that fits.  6 weeks is enough time to get used to a bike and if its a better fit you'll have better results and be more comfortable.

That said, areo bars can tough to get use to.  it a less stable positon and it can be tricky.  I spend a fair amount of time in mine, some people are in them the majority of the time but I'm not there yet I still need the variety.

You said your switching from a road bike but didn't mention what your switching to.  Hopefully the new bike is also a road bike and you'll have a similar handelbar set-up so you can use the aero bars when you comfortable and switch back to what yours familiar with if need be (hoods/drops)
2009-09-16 1:54 PM
in reply to: #2409898

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
6 weeks is more than enough time, IMO.  Get something that fits.  If it is set up correctly to begin with, I would only need a couple rides to get a new bike dialed in for me.

I bought a new road bike after years on my tri bike.  I set it up close (with the help of my LBS), then after a couple rides of about 60-90 minutes each, some small adjustments to saddle position, I was able to take it out for 4.5 hour ride with no issues (other than the fact I didn't drink enough on the ride!)
2009-09-16 1:58 PM
in reply to: #2409866

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Master
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Guilford, CT
Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
I would make the change under those circumstances without hesitation.  6 weeks is plenty for me.

2009-09-16 2:05 PM
in reply to: #2409866

Master
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Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
I would switch. 6 weeks is good, just make sure to get out on the bike plenty
2009-09-16 2:24 PM
in reply to: #2409978

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Master
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Cumming, Georgia
Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM

I switched bikes 3 weeks from my race.  I was in a similar situation.  I had a bike that was just a little too big.  I broke a spoke and was 3 weeks away from my first HIM.  For some reason none of the 3 bike shops stocked the spokes and none could get them any sooner than a week, maybe longer.  I wasn't about to not ride for 1 - 3 weeks before my race after putting so much training in.  So I priced a new wheelset and those darn things are pricey. Add to the fact that I really needed a new chain and rear cassette heck I was half way to buying a new bike.  I opted to get a better fitting bike versus getting the old one back on the road.  I would have spent a lot and still had a bike that was too big.  I have 1.5 weeks to go until my race but I feel completely different on the bike now.  My legs feel much stronger coming off the bike and I am way more comfortable. 

2009-09-16 6:57 PM
in reply to: #2409866

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Master
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Canton, Michigan
Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM

I recently purchased a new bike and didn't quite have a full 3 weeks on the new one before using it in my HIM last weekend, but with the on going IM training I had two pretty long rides on it before race day, so I all ready had some decent time on it.  But it fits better the bike I had been using for the last 3 years so it was a good move for me.

Good luck

2009-09-16 9:38 PM
in reply to: #2409866

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Master
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Subject: RE: Changing bikes before a HIM
raj_can_tri - 2009-09-16 12:18 PM
Question is that I am 6 weeks away from a HIM. Is it time enough to get another bike and get comfortable on it?

As others have said, six weeks should be plenty of time as long as your riding miles during those weeks. I switched to a steep angled tri bike from many years on road geometry and it took me about a month to perfectly dial in the fit and fully adjust. But I am probably more picky about how a bike feels than most people.
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