I’m relatively new to triathlons and am in the market for my first triathlon bike. Today I demo-ed a P3C and would be very appreciative to get your thoughts regarding fit. I’m 5’11" and demo-ed a 56cm frameset. I’m looking for a relatively neutral fit (not overly aggresive) as I’m not very flexible in my hamstrings and lower back. Also, I’m trying to find a position that will allow me to ride comfortably on the back of a Selle SMP saddle (due to health issues can’t ride on the nose).
Additionally, one take away from today was that I felt a bit “cramped” although that may be due to a lack of experience riding in an aero position. Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts!
Actually it was uncomfortable to look up. I’m not sure now much further forward I can move my saddle. What’s the best way to achieve a more relaxed “elbows under the shoulders” position? Would it require a smaller frame? Thanks again to everyone for your help!
Its hard to tell from the pictures, but I just wanted to respond to…“I’m looking for a relatively neutral fit (not overly aggressive) as I’m not very flexible in my hamstrings and lower back.”
Maybe a P3 isn’t the right bike? Maybe more like a P2?
…Seat looks a tad high…looks like the seat is jammed all the way forward and you are still stretched out in the front?..are you supporting weight on your elbows comfortably?
Only you can answer… is that a comfortable position your holding?
Honestly, it wasn’t comfortable. I definitely strained to look up. Would like to move my elbows under shoulders…just not sure how to accomplish that…opt for a smaller frame? The seat is set very far forward, although I’m attempting to sit toward the rear of the saddle.
Did you really want the P3 and went into the shop just to buy that one particular bike or did your lbs listen to what you were looking for and your limitations and put you on that bike? If it is the latter of the two I think you may need to find a new lbs. I think of the P3 as for someone that wants to/can ride very aggressive or I guess for someone that has the money to spend and doesn’t really care. If you are looking for something a bit more ‘comfortable’ the P2 may be a much better bike for you and not that much less aero. Plus in the real world for 99% of the riders, the aero factor of the bike isn’t that much of a factor…
Anyway, hopefully someone else here with more knowledge than I can throw out some number or statistics and resolve your issue. Maybe give Tom D. a ping if he doesn’t post with some helpful info as he has familiarity with most of the bikes on the market…
I appreciate your response. I’m definitely not set on one particular bike…the P3C was simply the first tri bike I’ve had the opportunity to ride. I’m open to suggestions…including the P2C (although the difference is only 15mm in the headtube…I don’t believe that alone will make the fit ideal).
It looks like you’re a bit too low and stretched out at the front of the bike. The 56 is probably OK, but the stem needs to come up and the aerobars back. This can be done with the P3, but that’s lots of spacers; the P2C might work better.
First, if this is your first steep tri bike or, worse, your first tri bike of any kind, some initial discomfort in the neck area is inevitable and normal. As against road geometries, steep tri geometries rotate your entire body clockwise (looking at the bike from the crank side). This means, among other things, that “you fall on your face” as it were: the bike rotates it toward the road underneath you. Consequently you will need to lift up your chin to maintain the same field of view. The discomfort will abate after a few weeks of training. Exercises promoting neck and upper back strength and flexibility can help you speed up the process.
Second, a good fit/position does not necessarily mean elbows bent exactly at 90 degrees; in fact, given that the “classic” position is elbows directly under ears, your elbow angle should be slightly more open (>90 deg.). This is evident from Tom Demerly’s collection of fit pics, which you can find on his Bikesport Michigan website: http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/karma.shtml. (Check out Sheila Taormina’s elbow angle, for example.) You may need to shorten your reach and move your elbow pads/basebar toward the saddle a bit, but you don’t want your cockpit to cramp you, i.e. be so close that you hit it with your knees each time you stand up for out-of-saddle efforts.
FYI, I’m 5’11" and a size 56 P3C fits me great (set up with a HED classic aerobar, 90mm stem, and a 5mm spacer), but don’t take this to mean much. You’re just as tall as I, but our inseam, femur length, lower back flexibility, etc. may differ wildly.
Did you self-select that position? It looks fine–90 degrees, hamstring flexibility, and comfort indoors are all overrated especially for someone new. Neck discomfort is a byproduct of riding steep/fast, until you adapt to the position, and you will. It’s hard to tell if the seat is too high since you’re wearing sneakers but for a starting point you look fine.
Health issues? Is your grundel el sensitivo? Issues your with hairy fun-strip? Taint ain’t strong? Anal fissures?
…Prostate sensitivity due to a minor surgery I had several years ago. That said, riding aero actually seems to alleviate pressure on the prostate and place it more forward.
I appreciate your thoughts. I tweaked the position and rode again this morning…although I still felt very stiff/cramped in my neck…is this something that gets better over time? Also, with your advice in mind, I lowered my saddle height slightly. However, I am still struggling to reach the shifters. To achieve a comfortable position with elbows below my shoulders I had to shorten my hold on the handlebars (is this common)? Would appreciate your thoughts as well as any other insights. I do plan to get professionally fitted before buying anything…but still value your feedback as it enhances my knowledge of what’s correct and incorrect. Thanks for your thoughts!
Dude, you’re in a static position, leaning against a f’n wall, back-pedalling in your running shoes.
Get with the program.
Dust off the trainer, prop your front wheel level, crank it to medium resistance, put your bike shoes on and ride for 15 minutes at race effort/cadence (if you own an aero helmet stick that on too)…then get a friend to snap a dozen pics side-on, and a few from the front, while pedalling under load.
