Hi, Im a bike noob for sure…this is the first year im riding a tri bike and have done a sprint and oly this year so far so still getting used to the postion , bike etc. I have a P2, is there any way to make the steering stiffer (not sure if thats the correct word)? it just seems a little loose and I would like to tighten if possible. Is this just specific to each bike manufacturer?
Thanks
Don’t know what you mean. If it is actually loose you need to to tighten some bolts before you die.
If you want smaller inputs to result in more steering, you need a shorter stem. If you want the bike to feel more stable, where small inputs have less impact, you need a longer stem.
You might need to size up or down in order for that to work out, or pick a bike with different geometry altogether.
or maybe you are positioned funny, or have bad tires, or wheels. who knows!
+1 on all the comments above, but another thing to check is how you have your aero bar pads set relative to your elbow-forearms as well as where the aero bar pads sit relative to the base bar. If your front end allows for adjustment there try to set the pads so they sit a few inches in front of your elbow joint rather than directly under your elbow.
But as Jack points out there are way too many unknowns and assuming your headset isn’t actually loose you might need to work on your position a bit or perhaps ride a bit less aggressive position, including perhaps a bit wider elbow pads if they’re set very narrow, until you learn to relax into your aero position and feel comfortable and confident riding that way.
-Dave
“Steering stabilizers” were a bit of a gimmicky-rage back around the late 80’s to early 90’s. Basically they just added resistance to the rotation of the steerer axis. Of course, that’s not always a good thing.
You don’t want to “tighten up” that axis. That’s what allows the bike to right itself at speed. You don’t want to have to do that yourself – the bike will do that task all on its own just fine.
If you’re looking for a more stable front end, then likely you need to look for something that (1) has proper trail, and (2) has a geometry set up around your position such that you have less than 55% of the weight of you and the bike on the front wheel.
OK…the actual headset and bars are not actually loose as in screws and bolts needs to be tightened. I meant that when turn in aero I feel like the smallest movement causes larger movement in the direction on the bike. I would like if poissible to have to put a little more effort into turning or deviating from a straight path…make any sense? This is all in effort to feel a little more stable in aero …like a can relax upper body more …i feel that I am using energry trying to keep steady…hope I clarified a little.
Also I got a pro fit about 4 months ago…changed stem and seat height etc etc as the intial fight was crap
Cool, so a longer stem would move you towards the feel you are looking for, but it would also change your fit. If you wanted to get that feel and keep the same fit, you would need to size down on the frame.
Another option would be to swap the fork for one with a different rake, but that might cause other problems, and be hard to find one that matches and is as aerodynamic.
How long is your current stem, and what size bike? If you haven’t been riding it with the current setup long, you maybe find in a week or two that the steering feels fine, once your brain adjusts to it.
OK…the actual headset and bars are not actually loose as in screws and bolts needs to be tightened. I meant that when turn in aero I feel like the smallest movement causes larger movement in the direction on the bike. I would like if poissible to have to put a little more effort into turning or deviating from a straight path…make any sense? This is all in effort to feel a little more stable in aero …like a can relax upper body more …i feel that I am using energry trying to keep steady…hope I clarified a little.
Also I got a pro fit about 4 months ago…changed stem and seat height etc etc as the intial fight was crap
I dont know the exact length of the stem and would have to wait till im back at home to measure it. It is def short though…70 or 90 mm if I had to guess… dont quote me on that though. the bike is a 58. I had a much longer stem on the bike before this fit and I def felt less in control…much better after the fitting but still wanted to know if I could do anything else to get the affect im looking for.
Yes, I think I still need time on the bike in general prob a little over 100 miles on it after fitting…i do not get a chance to ride much but thats another story…
Unless you hear rattling or feel movement in the headset, its not a “tightening” issue. The fit suggestions may be the answer.
However, if you are a bike noobie, it ts possible you may be expecting something different than what it actually feels like to steer a bike at speed. Steering a racing bike at speed takes very subtle movements, almost imperceptible unless you are making a major change in direction. Its counter intuitive but the faster you go (and the “racier” a bike you ride) the less it takes in terms of movement or force to steer it. Just when you feel like you need a death grip is when you need to be more relaxed and use a feather touch rather than a hammer grip.
70 on a 58 would be pushing things. If it is a 70 you might get better handling with a 56mm frame and a longer stem. Then again if you find a twisty loop to practice on for a couple of days it may all start to feel fine the way it is.
I dont know the exact length of the stem and would have to wait till im back at home to measure it. It is def short though…70 or 90 mm if I had to guess… dont quote me on that though. the bike is a 58. I had a much longer stem on the bike before this fit and I def felt less in control…much better after the fitting but still wanted to know if I could do anything else to get the affect im looking for.
Yes, I think I still need time on the bike in general prob a little over 100 miles on it after fitting…i do not get a chance to ride much but thats another story…
One tip, don’t hold the aerobars ends tightly. You should have a light, almost loose grip and steer with body lean and your elbows. Stem lenght doesn’t make a difference if you are trying to steer with the tips of your aerobars. Also widening your arm rest width can help stability.
70 on a 58 would be pushing things. If it is a 70 you might get better handling with a 56mm frame and a longer stem. Then again if you find a twisty loop to practice on for a couple of days it may all start to feel fine the way it is.
to the OP, tri bikes tend to feel a little sketchy at first. if you seriously have less than 100 miles on it with your current fit, and particularly if you haven’t been able to relax your upper body, give it some time - look where you want to go and try not to tense up, and you may find things get a little less twitchy.
cheers!
-mistress k
I will try and get some exact measurements for you guys and maybe even some pics of the fit
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One other thing – you should be steering with your body and shoulders, not your hands.
IF your aerobars\elbow pads are adjustable fore&aft, I’d 1st try sliding them forwards 5 or 10 mm,
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