Numpty IM Bike Thread

Just let me know when you are thinking about it... I'm pretty flexible most of the time but that means I keep changing plans fairly often... as long as I am getting out on the bike more I will be happy!

Hi all. A saddle question for TT bike..

When I was fitted I took my Fizik Arione Tri2 with me, and the bike was tested with different saddles. We settled on the Arione in the end. Possibly due to not wanting to drop another £100 on a saddle.

The saddle has been ok on the turbo or road for an hour or so aero, but this weekend it has caused me pain. The plan was 3.5hrs in Z2 (normally 15mph average on the road bike). I do find it hard to ride the TT bike slow and to just pootle around.

The first hour was 3 mph faster than I'd normally ride, though mostly downwind. I then hammered it round the Marlow Du course. On the way home (last 1.5 hrs) I struggled to stay on the bars due to perineal pain. I was also struggling to pedal because I was knackered, and had managed to chafe the inside of my left leg (saddle was slightly wonky - fixed now).

Is this just a case of MTFU and getting used to the saddle? At what point do I draw stumps and get an Adamo or Cobb? 3 1/2 months till Outlaw. Is that enough to get sorted?

Is it possible to ride TT bikes slowly? 

Hi Cat

Not sure its a speed problem, but the saddle itself. In my (limited experience) saddles are normally comfortable after an hour or so or not. Alas it seems to be a case of a trial or error until you find one that works for you - which can be expensive. Much like shoes, you have to put several miles in before you know if they are right or not!

I managed 3 hours on my TT this afternoon wearing just a race tri suit, no problem - like you about 3 mph faster than the road bike, with no discomfort. I use a Specialised Romin (43cm) - which you're welcome to borrow for a ride.

Good luck, Raf

Thanks. It may just need breaking in...

How long did it take to get up to 3 hrs?

I've had no problem swapping between the road bike and the TT bike - but it sounds like I may be lucky in that respect. In fact I feel more comfortable on the TT. 

Was happily spending 5 - 6 hours a day in the saddle on a (ill-fitting hired) road bike in the Pyrenees last week, so 3 hours back on my baby today felt like bliss!!

Been banging on about a bike fit for a while now and finally found the time (and money) to get a retul fit done this morning.  Took about three hours and the results were amazing, to me anyway.

Everything was the opposite to what I was thinking.  The bars were lowered by all of the 3 x 20mm spacers, when I thought a shorther stem was needed and the bars raised.

The seat was also raised by at least that, and then pushed forward a few millimeters.

I thought I would need a new seat, but the technician told me to stick with it until I had a month in the new position.

I had just bought and fitted a set of clip ons, and between us we settled on a compromise between an ideal road position and aero position, although he told me I needed to try and spend more time on the clips ons. 

I've to go back to him a couple of times for feedback/minor adjustments, and also when I felt that I was ready to commit more into the aero position when he'll put me lower again at the front and further forward on the bike.

He suggested orthotics to help correct my knees throwing out, especially the left.  But he also warned against trying to fight it if it isn't causing me any problems, which it isn't.

I am swim/run tonight so won't really get the oppotunity to try out the changes until tomorrow.

Popsider, I also couldn't believe it.  The guy who fitted me (that sounds wrong) told me the same as you that his own retul fit had him raise his saddle 10cm and he had raced to a decent standard for 8 years on the same bike. 

After travelling not more than ten yards on his new setting he stopped and raised it up again.  Over the period of a few weeks he gradually raised it in increments to the retul setting.  He told me that if it feels painful I've to stop and drop it back.  Something to do with the hamstrings needing to adapt and lengthen.

To be honest I'm not overly surprised he made the changes as I had set it up myself and I haven't the first clue.  The handlebar changes were surprising though as I thought maybe a raise, or at the most a drop of one spacer. 

I want to put a spacer back in making the drop 40mm, although he thinks if I intend using the clip ons that I should be making the most of that aero position.  Otherwise I'm just carrying them as excess baggage.

I'll try this out for a while, and after that if it still feels wrong then we'll revisit the bar height.

TJ, sounds like you've cracked it.  I still stumble along for 4 miles or so before any feeling or rhythm returns.

I didn't feel very comfortable on my new settings, especially on the clip ons, which made me feel cramped and sore after a very short time.   I'm right over the front, being able to see the hub in both aero and hood positions and feel that is a bit extreme for my old creaky back.

I'm for putting a 20mm spacer back in tomorrow, see how that goes and might even consider two spacers.  

In saying that, does it make sense that I feel more powerful and faster in this new position?  If so should I perservere in the hope that I'll settle into it?  Or perhaps should I look for a further compromise by loosing a bit of power/speed for comfort?

Sorry, there's three questions in that.

Popsider, thanks for questioning the changes as it's caused me to think all might not be quite as straightforward and as right as it should.