wetjett01

i recently purchased a used set of scott aero bars to put on my road bike to turn it into a quasi-TT bike but still to be used for training. i've done a lot of research (fasttwitch.com, etc.) on how to change my set-up to accommodate the change in body position while using the aero bars. i've moved the seat up and forward as far as it feels comfortable to do right now but i still feel really stretched out and unstable while leaning on the bars. i've only used them a couple of times so i imagine some of that will go away as time goes on but i can't seem to get the set-up right. my elbow angle is way to open and i can't get that "flat back" that i've heard about. what are some things that othe people have do to get the proper fit ? any bike set-up change advice? as i said earlier, i plan on using the bike for both road and TT training in hopes of maybe gtting into some racing once i get in better shape.

thanks
-wetjett

oopfoo

Are you videotaping yourself on the bars? I would recommend videotaping yourself on the bars as you ride your trainer; this will help you in determining just how flat or un-flat your back really is, and give you new insights into other aspects of your position.

Realize that aero bars are going to stretch you out, some more than others. The long top-tube of a road bike is going to emphasize this stretch, and makes some aero bars almost unusable. Highly recommended, for instance, are the bars by Vision--particularly the minis--which tend to be shorter. Depending on the bars and your bike's geometry, you may not be able to become entirely comfortable on your setup without making some component changes--most obviously, the bars themselves. You might test this theory by assuming a shorter grip on your bars, just seeing how far back you need to slide to shift your weight more onto the saddle. Note how far back your grip would have to move to be comfortable. In this respect, using the videotape will allow you to determine the best compromise for your setup, if you don't want to make the change, or it will convince you to purchase a different bar. Remember, you're using a quasi-TT bike made from your road bike, not a TT bike, so some compromises might have to be made.

Realize also that aero bars take some acclimatization. You will have to use them regularly to become strong with them--at least once a week. Setup your bike as a compromise between aero and comfort, then use the bars. Move a little more toward aero over time, taking time to become adjusted to the new position before you move again. In a bit, you should be able to dial-in a better, more aerodynamic position.

slvoid

As I see it, you'll need to lower where your arms are, bring them closer to your body, to get that flat back.

Nashville Man

Your aero bars will add weight to the front end. This along with more of your own weight since you will lean further foward on the bars will make the weight balance of the bike entirely different.

ZappCatt

When I first put aero bars on my bike, I was VERY twitchy when I got on them. Since I was not the most stable, I did not make any of the seat alterations.

I would suggest to have the bars wider than "optimal" in the beginning so that you can worry about balance, getting onto them and back out to the shifters/brakes first.

Put your seat back to your road bike position so you can drop into the bars for a short period of time during any ride...not just a TT type ride.

As mentioned, don't go into the full stretch right now, just grab them halfway up the bar, or whatever is comfortable until you build up confidence, flexibility, etc.


This is similar to a bike, fit is everything. Optimizing your power and aerodynamics are better left until you are comfortable and safe on the bars.