I went out for my first ride on my new Felt B-16 triathlon bike on Monday. Making the transition from road bike to triathlon bike is definitely a bit more intimidating than I thought it would be.
From everything that I’d heard, aero bars were the way to go for triathletes. What I hadn’t heard was just how difficult it is to adjust to riding in that position.
When getting fit on the bike last week I made sure to request a less aggressive fit. I didn’t want an insane drop from my seat to my handle bars right off the bat because, to be honest, I’m still a little nervous. This bike is definitely faster than my road bike was and it makes me a bit uneasy.
During my first ride I realized just how much pressure aero puts on the neck and trapezius muscles. A whole lot more than I was expecting. I ended up spending the majority of the ride bouncing between aero and upright.
After I got home, I spent some time researching tips to get myself acclimated to riding a tri bike. I found this great article on some stretches for post-ride.
While searching for more information on ways to strengthen these muscles, it hit me… I can google to my little hearts content but the only thing that’s going to make this any easier is to get out there and ride. I’m pretty sure no one ever, in the history of cycling, got any better sitting in front of a computer.
Mark that as my first light bulb moment in this training. Hopefully the first of many.
Have you made the transition from road to tri bike? What was your experience?
That bike is so awesome! I never really understood the difference between a road bike and a tri bike, but I think I understand it a little better now. You’ll get the hang of it, I’m sure!
no i have not ridden in aero bars but love my road bike. i can imagine though how difficult it would be to acclimate to that position though.
Props for making the switch. I’m pretty sure I would end up in the hospital if I switched to a tri bike. Yikes!
You may also not have received the appropriate fit… I have had my Tri bike fit twice, using the same BG fit process from 2 different bike shops. Odd? Yes, but that is another story. I was told that both fits were “right for me” even though both were different. Both felt great on the trainer, but one for was very uncomfortable while riding outdoors and make me constantly pop in and out of aero. The other was fantastic and I was able to stay aero almost the whole time in 25-50 mile rides… So, it isn’t always you, get your shop to do multiple adjustments and test them on long rides on the road.. I could have suffered through it, but in the end i just needed a fit that worked for me.
Thats good advice Jason, thanks! Its amazing how different it feels off the trainer. I do plan to go back after I get a few rides in and have a better idea of what may need to be tweaked.
You have to be careful hitting unexpected bumps in the road, especially when you’re relaxed. I’ve had my elbow(s) slip off the rests and fortunately was able to recover my position without seriously injuring myself. Now I try to remain relaxed but I do grip to aerobars tips a little tighter. Enjoy your new bike.
Thanks, Great tip!
I feel a certain kinship to you now, commenting on two posts in a row.
I also just switched from a road bike (a cheap Walmart one to see how I liked cycling) to a tri bike (also a Felt). The aero bars are taking some getting used to for me as well, but I figure the more I use them, the easier it will get.