Aero Bars

[JLZimrmn]

I am planing on doing a triathlon this fall and I want to use the clip on aero bars that came with my bike. The only problem is everytime I try to use them I am very unstable and feel like I am going to crash.

Is my bike steering too loose? Or do I just need to practice more? What tips does everyone have for learning how to use aero bars?

[Eden]

Aerobars can take a little practice - they are likely to feel twitchy when you first try them, but you should be able to get used to them after a while. If you can, find a place off the road - like a paved school yard where you can practice turning and getting in and out of the aero position until you get the feel of it. You should be able to make shallow turns in the bars - but if you need to make a sharp turn or u-turn, like at a race turn around point you should get out of the aeros to do it.
Do check to be sure you don't have a loose headset just in case too!

[Tri Girl]

Yup, what Eden said.
It took me about two weeks of practice to get to where I was comfortable riding in my aero bars. Now I can eat, rest my chin, turn and talk on the phone at the same time while in aero position.
Just keep practicing where it's safe and you won't have to worry about "obstacles" to get in your way.
Good luck!

[JLZimrmn]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I hope I don't fall and kill myself. I am very accident prone.

[wildstreaktn]

What the other ladies said is all great advice.Once you get comfortable and relaxed in the aero position this is the best part:the faster you go the more stable you will be!!!!WOO-HOO!!

[RoadRaven]

Just adding in to what the others have said - practice practice practice...

I only used my aeros on straight stretches of road initially, and when there was no wind blowing. If I heard a car or truck coming I would get back on the hoods.

After a couple of weeks, I began to feel ok staying on them in light wind, and around gentle bends.

Now I can stay balanced on them in very strong winds (but not gale force), and when sheep trucks pass me at 100km per hour... and the only reason I come off them in a race is climbing asteep hill, or at turn around points. I have bar end shifters now and that means I can stay on them to change gear.

Good luck and just kkep trying. Aeros change your centre of gravity on a bike, and its just a matter of getting used to it.