Hi all,
So I have a 2004 trek 5200 which I love. I think the my position on the bike isnt right though. I feel like I have to work harder when I’m on the aerobars. Anyone ever experience this? From what I’ve read a pro bike fit seems like a good idea but I dont know where to do one? any advice…I just dont wanna go to a place pay a bunch and have it be a rip off…
Thanks
Dan
go to the page of slowtwitch, find the link for FIST certified shops and find one close to you, then call them, tell them your problem and see what they say. a pro fit is definitely a good idea, but you are right to question the validity of the fitter. the one problem i see right off the bat is you are on a road bike with aero bars…you are definitely going to lose power if you are dropping into the bars from a road position. changes have to be made to the bike to accomodate a lower and more forward position, changes that will affect how the bike functions as a road bike. my only advice is be carefull where you go from here, but definitely look into a FIST certified fitter in your area. they should be able to help.
I’m willing to guess that you may be in a road position with long lenght tri aero bars.
There are two basic ways to set up a road bike for tris outside the normal road position
Get a neutral seat post and slide the seat forward on the rails. This should give about 75/76 degrees of seat angle instead of the 73/74 that you had. IMO, don’t go any further than this on a road bike as it adversely effects the handling characteristics.
Consider the “big slam” position as an alternative. Essentially you’re sliding your seat back and down with shorter aero bars. Described here: