learning to ride aero
My fancy new tri bike, ordered at Christmas, is finally at the LBS being assembled. Yay!
My first HIM is in 5 weeks. Yikes!
Given that I’ve never ridden a tri bike before, do I have time to get settled in on this bike? I’ve got to learn to ride aero, dial in the fit, adapt the muscles. Or do I ride my road bike?
I’m a beginner (1 season sprint/oly), tending toward the fat, slow, geezer side. My goal for this race is to have fun, learn things, and hopefully finish. It would definitely be more fun to ride the new bike, but not if it messes up the run.
My first HIM is in 5 weeks. Yikes!
Given that I’ve never ridden a tri bike before, do I have time to get settled in on this bike? I’ve got to learn to ride aero, dial in the fit, adapt the muscles. Or do I ride my road bike?
I’m a beginner (1 season sprint/oly), tending toward the fat, slow, geezer side. My goal for this race is to have fun, learn things, and hopefully finish. It would definitely be more fun to ride the new bike, but not if it messes up the run.
What do you think?
Harry
0
Comments
You have time, get on it!
It usually takes me 3-4 weeks at the start of the season for my neck to stop hurting in aero when I switch back to my tri bike. Get it fit right away and start riding it. Depending on what type of bike it is (how easy it is to adjust), you might have them fit you with the bars a little higher (less drop) and then lower them down a bit in a couple months (after your first race). This is a less aggressive/less aero starting position, but will likely be a better spot for you to transition into the new tri position, coming from a road bike.
And don't forget to put pics of your new machine in the Bike Porn thread!
You won't learn anything for future tris by riding your road bike in the HIM. Get a good fit, and start riding on your shiny new steed. There's no short cut to the settling in process, but you might as well start now. Best way to not booger your run is to ride conservatively; see the EN bike execution pages in the wiki, and follow the precepts like a novitiate.
http://members.endurancenation.us/R...nman
Excellent, thanks for the advice. It's what I wanted to hear, not what I expected to hear!
Harry
Also, Oceanside is a fast course. The first ~28 and last ~15-20 miles are flat and fast, with a good chance of wins so you definitely want to be aero.
I transitioned from road bike only to tri bike about a year ago. I found it a little "uneasy" feeling for the first few rides....nothing major though. I would avoid high-traffic areas, but Rich has given you some specifics. Also, be careful about applying the front brakes too hard (eg....car turns in front of you unexpectedly and you over-react and get out of aero on the horns and "grab" the brakes....land on your head and break your clavicle....). You are going to be sitting a little more forward on the bike and it's easier to go over the front wheel (IMHO and experience!).
I agree, though, you have plenty of time to transition and will ultimately enjoy the comfort of long rides in aero compared to long rides in the drops on a road bike. My neck is the thing that takes the longest to "strengthen" when I go back to tri bike. But, it adapts after a few weeks in my experience. Enjoy and post pics!
I transitioned from road bike only to tri bike about a year ago. I found it a little "uneasy" feeling for the first few rides....nothing major though. I would avoid high-traffic areas, but Rich has given you some specifics. Also, be careful about applying the front brakes too hard (eg....car turns in front of you unexpectedly and you over-react and get out of aero on the horns and "grab" the brakes....land on your head and break your clavicle....). You are going to be sitting a little more forward on the bike and it's easier to go over the front wheel (IMHO and experience!).
I agree, though, you have plenty of time to transition and will ultimately enjoy the comfort of long rides in aero compared to long rides in the drops on a road bike. My neck is the thing that takes the longest to "strengthen" when I go back to tri bike. But, it adapts after a few weeks in my experience. Enjoy and post pics!
I would suggest a Jim Manton fit right away. The guy is a genius and has fit most of our club and half the pro peloton. He will get you dialed in. Then just ride on the path. The bike is a little "twitchy" because it is a race horse and your roadie is more for "around town". But the transition is easy once you get comfortable with your weight out front.
Also - What did you get and when can I see it?
FYI - I moving back into my TT bike right now and would be happy to take a little ride with you. We are both doing Oceanside as well....
Jim's not only a genius, he's also about the most friendly guy I know. I got a pre-purchase tri fit from him, and I'll take the bike in to him for fine tuning once I've ridden it for a week or so. He suggested Speed Concept, and I've got a good relationship with Pasadena Cyclery, so that's what I went with. They're still putting it together, but I hope to have it next week. I'll let you know and you can come see it, and we can go for a ride!
Here she is! I got in an 80min ride today, almost completely in aero. Managed to build up some confidence, going really slowly around and around the Rose Bowl.
Lots more to learn - like how the heck you drink on one of these things!
@ Harry....ooohhh. Man.....that is REALLY nice. Jealous.
@ Harry....be sure you put that pic in the bike porn thread.
Nice ride. See you out on the course at Oceanside...probably as you pass me on that rocketship!