Hi,
Was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on the proper use of tri bars.
I took my lovely bike (thanks Aunty K) for a spin today, just up and down my street and the bike feels great.
Only problem is when i try to use the tri bars i wobble all over the road like a drunk monkey.
Whats the secret, or should i just take them off for the time being till im better on the bike?

First time I used them that happened to me too. Just left them on the bike and a week or two later I gave them another go and was much better. It's a bit weird to get used to. I didn't feel there was any secret. Just gotta get used to riding and then to using them as well.

to be honest, I reckon Tri-bars are over-rated unless you're doing longer distances for one, or secondly only once you've developed a good bike position. In fact, without a proper bike-fit, you could be doing potential damage to your body by trying to get aero when you're not really ready for it.

google some photos of people using tri-bars on standard road bike set-ups and I reckon that in 80% of cases you'll notice people look 'stretched' out in the upper torso. Whereas if you look at the Pros properly set-up on a tri-bike with forward seat angle and aerobars, the position will look nice and compact, comfortable, elbows at 90 degree angles, relaxed etc... In fact, there was an old thread here on CR where we had a couple of comparative photos. Trawl back and you should see what I mean. When you're stretched out like many people are by just chucking tri-bars on their standard road-bike set-up, you're putting your back, neck, hips in danger of injury - and it will negatively affect your running.

In relation to your bike control, are you comfortable riding in the drops? (the lower extension of the standard handlebars). If you're not comfortable descending or trying to pedal fast in the drops, then I'd never suggest you get into the aerobars in the first place even if you are set-up properly with your bike position. You'll always have less control with your arms closer together on the tri-bars (as you've clearly found).

paigebaby - that is fantastic that the bike has arrived!! I'm thrilled you like her. I miss her

Don't worry too much yet about using those tri-bars. It will take a bit of time to get used to them. Each time you go out on the bike just use them for a small amount of time, increase this each time until you don't 'wobble' anymore. It took me quite a while to get used to them but now I can't imagine not having them.

Ohhh... i'm sooo excited for you!! keep me posted on your progress paigebaby cycling and using tri-bars will become second nature in no time at all.

Cheers,
AK

Hi PB

If you follow Miner's advice you will decide whether aerobars are right for you or not, but if you decide to use them, here is what I did to get the hang of them ...

First, ride more and more with your hands on the top of the bar, and close to the stem (ie away from your brakes). Put more weight on the bars by shifting forward in the saddle.

When you are comfortable with this, grasp the aerobars closer to where they attach to the handlebars - you will have a tad more control here. as you get better, slide further and further towards the position you should be in, and put more weight on the elbow pads.

But all this is getting too far ahead - do as Miners suggests and get properly set up on the bike by a pro.

In the meantime, it won't hurt to leave the aeros attached to the bike, so everyone knows you're a triathlete and not just a cyclist

Muz

I noticed some really odd set ups today.
Particularly juniors really stretched out, seemingly on a bike too big for them.
Also got passed by one guy who seemed to have his seat lower than his bars, which I thought was a bit odd.
I took my bars off after my last event and I haven't put them back on. I only really missed them once during the race today, I find it makes it easier for me to push a bigger gear, but that could stuff my run anyway.

PB, one of my mates got a Cervello TT bike, he only has tri-bars to use. His theory is the bike is easier to control when aero if you're going faster

Practice.

kb

Good advice here. In fact, after my first tri a couple of weeks ago I removed my tri bars. I feel I just don't have enough general technique on my bike yet and need to learn how to ride strong and fast first before I add another dimension to worry about. I also need to get a stem about 40mm shorter to get the tri bars in a better position as I am a little bit into that stretched out position.

Learn how to ride a bike well first. Then go the tri bars if you want. I mean, for group rides they are unnecessary and probably not that safe anyway. The only time you see them used are in time trials (where riding on your own with no drafting opportunity) or in triathlons were most are also non-drafting, but also when in the right position using the aero bars allows you to rest your upper body on your skeleton rather than using your arms and shoulders - apparently makes it a bit easier when on the run afterwards.

another really good point there. Do not ever, EVER ride in a group on the aerobars. Less control, too far away from your brakes, you don't have a free hand to point out potholes or broken glass like everyone should do in a pack for the benefit of cyclists behind you. Nasty, nasty, dangerous stuff being down on the bars in a pack, and it goes against all bunch etiquette.

find your self a really steep hill, ride down as fast as possible, more than 15 % and lots of corners would be good then move onto the tri bars. at the bottom you should be an expert on tri bars.another good point when in a pack and on your bars, swear back at anyone telling you to get off them, and where possible give them the bird.

WTF?!?!?!

If you can't say anything postive don't saying anything at all!

Tossers like you give cyclists/triathletes a bad name

Probably the bike is too big for them, so they don't need to replace it next season after a growth spurt!! My mum always bought my tshirts too big- same thing I guess!


I did see someone at a triathlon yesterday with aerobars on a mountain bike- thought that was a bit odd!

I saw a homeless guy in the city with his mountain bike (covered in plastic bags of whatever else he owned), which must have been about 20 years old, with bright fluro yellow aerobars mounted on the top. So .. odd!

I find that the Aero's come into play on the flat country, I had a pair of the SCOTT DH back in their day and loved them. I've just got hold of a pair of ritchie time trials and waiting to use those this weekend.
But like stated above, get them set up right, there is nothing worse than a troublesome back or neck.
I've also pushed the elbow pads a bit further out (if possible) to start with and that helped with the wobbles.