How to get used to riding with tri bars (aerobars)
Started using tri-bars but not very confident on them, especially in wet conditions? Joe Beer explains how get more confidence
Tri-bars, otherwise known as aerobars, have been around in the tri scene for over two decades. They not only have the potential to improve your aerodynamics (if set up correctly), but they also give your upper body a rest, which conserves energy for a strong run off the bike.
Like any skill on the bike, you have to have focus and allow time to make technical progress using aerobars. Tri-bar finesse won’t happen by luck, but it’s not impossible to make big improvements. In this article, expert triathlon coach Joe Beer shares his top tips for getting used to riding with tri-bars that you can start practicing on your next ride…
How to ride with aerobars
1. Set-up
Check you have the bars close enough to your saddle so that you don’t overreach. There’s no hard and fast rule, but aim for an upper arm angle of around 60-85°, while keeping the knee within 5-7cm of the back of the elbow/tricep at its closest brush past.
Do not move the seat forward to achieve this. Instead, get a shorter stem or have the tri-bar reach adjusted. Seek assistance from a tri shop if needs be, many will offer bike-fit sessions if you’d like the assurance of expert help.
2. Cornering
On dry, quiet roads practise riding the tri-bars through various corners and junctions. Be careful to slowly increase the severity of turn you’re attempting and/or the speed you are riding. Stay relaxed and err on the side of caution.
You’re not Cancellara – a few seconds of easing off the gas will not ruin your race. Unless you have your breaks wired through to the end of your bars, you won’t be able to smash on the breaks at a moment’s notice, so ride careful.
3. Know the route
Since many junctions or corners are unknown or unfamiliar in triathlon races, get a thorough course recce in before events (especially possible wet ones).
If you know the likely points where coming off the tri-bars will save a spill, you’ll lose very little speed as you move your hands onto the base bar. Keeping low on the bike remains a focus of good bike handling.
4. Retain traction
A few less psi in your tyres can help grip on wet roads. Around 110 psi should be ideal, but this doesn’t account for diesel spills, drains and road markings. You will go where you look, so look through obstacles not at them to take better lines in corners and at junctions.
5. Level it up
For the super advanced, you should practise tri-bar riding on rollers. Or, a slightly more sane option would be to add your tri-bars to your turbo trainer to get used to the positioning and spending time in that position. Ok, it won’t help with balance, but it’s a good place to start.
Found this useful and want to know more about how to turn your road bike into a triathlon bike?
Joe Beer
