Triathlon - Adjustment time to More Aero Positions-Time or Hrs estimate

I just got my new bike, Fuji Aloha.

I believe I am fitted decently, but boy it takes gettging used to. A few comments /questions in hopes of advice.

I had aeron bars - profile carbon strikes on road bike, so thought transition would be easier but having some issues, and wanted to know if they are normal of if I need to adjust fit.

1) Lower back - not too bad but defintely can not stay aero for more than 10 minutes with out a break.

2)Neck - this is main issue as I strain to look up -down the road from Aero postion - my neck hurts. I would look more downward but want to see cars pulling out etc.

3) Hip flexors - seem to be getting more work and got tired.

3B) Power just did not feel there compared to road bike.

4) Some slight pain behing one knee - mighth be nothing.

5) Felt I could not breather as well - might widen bars a bit as my shoulders are broad - 44 inch chest.

Note: I was also very cold and tired from yesterday's ride on my road bike, and gettign over a sinus cold, so felt a little crampy anyway.

My plan is to do some 30min-hour trainer rides to get time in the position, but wanted any advice on what is normal and what needs potentially adjusting.

Last question - how long does it take to settle intp position and get to full power - 1-2mts?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Just some ideas...


I believe I am gitted decently, but boy it takes gettging used to.

Doesn't really sound like it based on 1, 3, & 3B. In fitting a TT bike, there's some compromise to be made between power and aerodynamics. You have to find an ideal point between the two. You may have been set up for a fantastic aero position, but if you're having serious troubles with it, even after a little while to get used to it, obviously you're not going to have as good of a time as you might do if you sacrificed a bit of aerodynamics to power and comfort.


2)Neck - this is main issue as I strain to look up -down the road from Aero postion - my neck hurts. I would look more downward but want to see cars pulling out etc.

You may be expecting too much in terms of visibility. And why are you riding a TT bike with cars around? Look up every 20 seconds or so for turns. Otherwise look down at the road immediately in front of your wheel. Position your head as appropriate for your aero helmet.



4) Some slight pain behing one knee - mighth be nothing.

Possibly a pedal or cleat position issue... or are you used to shorter cranks?



5) Felt I could not breather as well - might widen bars a bit as my shoulders are broad - 44 inch chest.

Try moving your TT bars outwards a bit, if you can. This ought to open up your chest a bit. Or are you so low that your knees are coming up into your chest? Or is there too little space between your seat and your bars? Can you extend your bars forward at all to open up a bit??


Last question - how long does it take to settle intp position and get to full power - 1-2mts?

20-30 seconds?


Without seeing you on your bike, it's hard to say, but you might alleviate some of these problems by raising your bars up a bit. You'll lose a bit on aerodynamics, but as noted, it's about finding an optimal compromise. Also try working on your flexibility by stretching, etc. Possibly working on your stomach muscles so they can bear a bit more weight and give your back muscles a bit of a break.

Thnaks for the input and comments make sense.

1) Opening bars - will try this today.

2) Neck issue - I rode close to my home and it was not an ideal place to ride, and was paranoid as hands are not as close to brakes etc.

3) Flexibility - I do need to work on this as I have tight hamstrings and general lack of flexibility.

4) Fit - I will go back in, but did not have as much time last time as I had to get home to watch kids. Something just did not feel right with legs, feet etc. But I used my same shoes, as I bought matching pedals.

5) Power - When I came forward on the seat I felt better. This may not have been a fit issue as much as my being tired and cold.

Pics would be very useful in this thread.

I will get some pics when sun comes out.

My neck gets very sore as well in the aero position on my new tri bike. Never seemed to have this problem with my aerobar equipped road bike. My position is a lot lower though. Perhaps too low. My fitting was done by a 20 something guy who may not understand that a 57 year old guy has some physical limitations. I'm going to have them raise the bar for more comfort.