Originally Posted by
bonsai171
The one thing I'm wondering about is getting used to riding with aero bars. I haven't tried them before, but put my forearm on the handlebar last night to get an idea of what it might feel like. How long does it take to get used to them?
As far as length, the Richey bars adjust between 180 and 185mm. I'm thinking the longer bars look a little too long, is that something you get used to quickly?
Dave
Try riding "invisible aero bar" style on your current bike. Develop a feeling of how to be stable in that position, as well as using your forearms to steer. Then transfer that over to aerobars once you get them. An important point to note is that you steer with your forearms, not by gripping the bars and trying to steer with your hands. (Obviously, until you can ride stably, practice this somewhere safe like low-traffic, smooth tarmac roads.)
Don't be too concerned about bars that are too long - they are meant to be long so that you adjust and reduce their reach (or cut them down to size if they're too long). Find the most comfortable resting place for your forearms on the pads, the length of the bars will then be determined by this position.