slipping on aerobars - Triathlon Week

trying2tri · 11-30-2005, 12:48 PM

I just started doing triathlons last summer. I bought a decent bike ( Trek 400) as the price was right for starting out. I added the Profile Design Airstryke aerobars. I have not had the bike set-up professionally, but have followed all the guidelines in Freils "Triathletes Training Bible". My problem is that when I get in the aero position I tend to slide forward on the seat and arm pads. I tried to adjust the seat front up and that is rather uncomfortable. I would like any information that will help me correct this problem. Remember that I have a very limited budget and although a new bike is a dream, it is not a reality this year. I have goals to reach before that big of purchase. Thank you. :)

Setanta · 02-18-2006, 09:55 AM

With my limited knowledge, I know that is what happens naturally when you install tribars. Most tri specific bikes come prepared for that scenario, hence they have a much steeper seatpost, giving you more of a 90 degree bend in the elbow and hence keeping your bum further back in the saddle.
Try raising the angle of the tribars as there isn't so much downward pressure on the front of the tribars, this might give you some grace on your position in the saddle. You might also consider getting a shorter stem.

Joe

Jordin · 02-18-2006, 02:18 PM

You could take it to a bike shop and have them set it up properly for you if they offer that service. At the local bike shop in my town they will give you a triathlon specific setup and size you perfectly for a few dollars.

You can just make adjustments yourself in your garage and play with it until it feels right.

Good Luck!

Irish_tri · 04-10-2006, 01:07 PM

Don't worry about sitting up front on the saddle when you are in the areo position, that is what you are going to do naturaly. Worry if you are all the way back on the saddle and in the areo position. You just have good form most people when they get tired they sit back. When you are forward it keeps your body up over the paddles and in great areo postion.

sfricks · 04-11-2006, 06:14 AM

Irish Tri is correct. The natural position in aero is forward on the saddle. If it's too uncomfortable, move the seat forward. If it's already forward, Jordin has the solution. Take it to your LBS and have them do a professional fit. It may involve a bar stem or seat post solution but a few bucks spent to prevent sterility would be worth the investment :) Finally, try Ebay for a tri specific saddle. These have more gel in the nose and are significantly more comfortable. Good luck!