How to ride a triathlon bike or aerobars (comfortably) | 5 Tips
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Getting comfortable on a triathlon bike or aerobars takes some time, but here's 5 things that really helped me out.
There's no need to think that a triathlon bike or road bike with aerobars should be uncomfortable, unstable, or scary. The right fit, technique and habits are going to make your triathlon bike just as fun as your road bike! 🚴♀️
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JustinDoesTriathlon is dedicated to helping first timers, beginners, and intermediate triathletes meet their athletic goals on the swim, bike, and run! Follow along my training vlog as I train and race. Stick around for gear tips, gear reviews, and more! If you're a beginner triathlete looking to improve your swimming, biking, or running, then it's my mission to help you out! Triathlon can be super intimidating, but it's a great sport if you can get through that initial intimidation and get out there. Triathlon gear reviews, training tips, and my own racing vlogs are here to help keep you motivated and up
#triathlonbiketips #howtorideatribike
Great video Justin! No fear like being in areo descending a hill for the first time.
Yep that's a 'fun' experience! I know a big thing that helped me was just remembering that honestly, even on a road bike I couldn't *really* stop. Like if a deer jumps into the road or whatever, you're not stopping from 40 mph in 50 feet. So even though we don't really have access to the brakes, it's not like they would do THAT much. Which is a maybe scary way of thinking about it, but it sorta helped. But yeah, just feeling the bike start to go is definitely unique.
Not sure if anyone cares but if you are bored like me during the covid times then you can watch all of the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. I've been binge watching with my girlfriend recently :)
@Julio Justice yup, have been using instaflixxer for years myself :)
next tip, if converting a road bike: consider getting a shorter crank length.
Thanks for the info. I had a road bike with clip on aero bars for 3 and a half years, going for a canyon speedmax very soon. I have tried my friends tri bike for few minutes but I dont think I can judge the experience yet. Do you think it would take me long time to get used to a tri bike?
Not a long time, no, especially if you're already used to aerobars on your road bike. You'll actually probably have an easier transition than a lot of people, because you'll be able to shift from your extensions vs having to reach to the bars. Something I didn't touch on in this video, but all else being equal (fit and such) a tri bike will be a little more stable than a converted road bike, because the wheelbase is typically longer and the steerer angle is typically more relaxed; those combine for less fast, responsive steering like you might want on a crit bike, but more stable comfort on a tri bike for long straight efforts. You should be fine. The Speedmax looks awesome, I bet you'll love it!
@@JustinDoesTriathlon thanks again for your kind reply. I was hesitant to be honest, because a friend told me that tri bikes are not comfortable and he prefers going for a road bike instead. To cut it short Im renting a tri bike for few days and will have few rides on it and see how it feels. To me, I race 1 half ironman a year, maybe 2, and some local races. My goals is to get better and beat myself! And since I have a road bike, I think there its good to have a decent tri bike as well !
Couple things to break down there, kinda going in reverse order. For one, I'm the same. No KQ or podiums for me anytime soon (but I'm trying to change that, lol.) I absolutely support a road bike *first,* but there really are reasons to own a tri bike if you can afford it. Since the fits of the two bikes are different, if you put aerobars on your road bike, you're either gonna have a road bike that feels bad because you've got it setup to feel good on the aerobars, or vice versa. If you want to just go for a ride with friends on their road bikes, well now your road bike fits like crap. Getting a dedicated tri bike (or heck, even another ROAD bike with clipons, setup for tri) solves this problem. So that alone makes having two bikes worth it in the real world.
Secondly, in short, there's no reason a tri bike isn't as comfortable as a road bike. I'd argue that those of us on Ironman setups are probably more comfortable than a lot of road cyclists. I know plenty of road cyclists who are groaning from their fits after two hours of riding. Lots of triathletes get used to 4-7hr rides. Sort of a trial by fire. You find a fit that works because you HAVE to find a fit that works. That said, it is true that even still, tri bikes are definitely better served for long open roads without much traffic. I have taken my roadie out on days just because I know the route isn't going to be friendly to a tri bike. So that's a con. But yes, in short: If you can afford it, there are absolutely valid reasons to own a tri bike, and there's a reason that people do. It should definitely be your second bike, but they're still worth owning. :)
I had to use 2 hands to shift my gears. Is there something wrong with my shifter or is it me?
Good question! Hard to say for sure. My wife has hand strength issues so I'm well aware that what's easy to me is far from easy to others. I'd say that: It shouldn't be very tough, and the intent is that with average hand strength you should be able to shift with one hand. The rear will typically be easier to shift than the front. I'd take it in to your local shop; it sounds like it might be a bit tougher than it should be.
When I first rde aero bars on a borrowed bike I pedaled up to 50km/hr, thought this is great, stood up for more power, speed wobbled and careered off the road, managed to save it from luck lol
Nice save though! Wobble is terrifying in general, let alone on aerobars.
Nice tips Justin, thank you for taking the time to make this video. I'm getting an argon18 this week , its currently in the mail!
Oh hell yeah! Argons are such great bikes; I love seeing them out on course. They've got that same style as BMC, and I just love it. They're not super common either, so you'll stand out. First tri bike? You'll love it!
@@JustinDoesTriathlon yes sir! I'm doing the NYC tri this summer so I'm excited to get off the indoor bike and get some fresh air
@@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon I bet. Wife and I are toying with moving back to the Pacific Northwest... I absolutely love it out there, but the weather here in the south is incredible. I don't want to go back to indoor biking 😬 NYC Tri sounds like a blast! Heard a lot about it.
@@JustinDoesTriathlon yeah I'd chose weather over anything, stay put! The short dark cold days of the winter aren't worth it!
I am also getting an Argon for my first tri bike this week. how did you like yours? did you get to do the tri?
I can’t fit Tri bars to my bike because it’s a Ridley Noah Fast which is annoying but it doesn’t really need them for sprint triathlon
Very true. Still frustrating! My friend's Madone is the same way
I realize how old the brake and shift is organized. Times must change
Your bike looks beautiful! Can you provide the exact type please?
Older gen Felt IA
Excellent tips dude. Should also add, for a safety reason, never go aero mode when you're gonna cross a road, or a curvy turn that is lacking visibility.
Also, if you're riding while holding your base bars but you need to access your shifters as you're approaching a red light, quickly shift down using your hand while holding your base bar with your dominant hand. You have to anticipate your stop especially if you're using automatic pedals :)
All great points for sure
I live in Hawaii on Oahu. Theres a lot of blind corners, this road, Kaukonahua Rd, people who live here call this snake road, there's a climb and a big descent on that, if I was on the tt bike like in this video, I would be on the base bars. Likely, I'll just end up riding on the base bars all day here when I train on this thing, rarely will you see me on the aero bars. I'll just pedal hard and fast, this bike is lighter and faster than a standard road bike anyways. Well on a road bike, I'll stay on the hood. I almost never ride on the drops.
Justin, crushing the content as always. Best triathlon channel out there!
Thanks man! Always trying to improve. :)
Step 1) Live in a country with flat wide roads
For real. tri bikes around town are downright sketch
Great video thanks. Quick question, is it possible to remove the aerobars and add drop bars to a triathlon bike? Thank you in advance
It depends on the bike. Some tri bikes (typically lower end) have zero bars that are attached via a more typical stem. The fancier bikes are more integrated and it would be pretty impractical. Either case you'd have to recable it. It's quite a bit easier to convert a road bike to tri than vice versa.
Thanks for the tips. I got my first tri bike today and the ride was not as comfortable as on a road bike.
Hope it improves for you. A properly fitting tt bike is as or more comfortable, in my experience
Just bought a used tri bike and tried to just jump on it and go. One bloody ankle later I have found your video and will take your advice!
Yikes! Hope you heal up quickly!
@@JustinDoesTriathlon I'm all good! Just a bruised ego lol
@@wilderunner09 Good! I know what that's like, for sure! Tri bikes are definitely different, that's for sure. When you're learning, it's a combination of not knowing how they're supposed to feel + it maybe being setup incorrectly, and that's a risky combo. Happy you're well. :)
Great video thanks for the tips. Love the Pi Kappa Phi Jersey.
Hey! Well spotted 👌
@@JustinDoesTriathlon Etapi72 here from the Coastal Carolina chapter.
Thanks Aero is tough for me
Tough for everyone! You're not alone
Quick release on the wheels?
Yes
That was really helpful!
Glad it was helpful! They definitely take a bit to get used to, but when you're comfortable and confident, not too bad.
ODH!
Eyyy!
@@JustinDoesTriathlon Sending over a DM on Instagram.