Had ACL reconstruction (hamstring graft) almost 2 years ago. First year was almost no tri training, just rehab. Last year was easing back into it and did enough to finish an IM. Not race it, just enough to finish it and have a good experience. I’m getting back to focused traing and am noticing some issues with my fit. Pre-injury it was not great and felt I needed a little more reach, but noticing a different issue now. Any time the intensity picks up I have trouble staying in TT position. I feel like I have much more power sitting up. Never noticed it (at least to this degree) pre-injury.
I know the answer is “Get a good fit” and I agree, but I’m trying to do a little homework first. I believe I have a relatively weak hamstring. Could this be a cause of the above issue? If not, what should be considered during a fit to factor in the front/back muscular imbalance?
I had the same experience. Although, I was about 4-5 years post ACL when I took up the sport but I could definitely tell my hamstring wasn’t up for the tri bike. I had a fairly slack position to start with anyway but I almost always had some tightness/weakness in my left hamstring. Also, I could tell I had a fair amount scar tissue around the graft site that wasn’t helping. When I sat on a hard surface I could feel it.
What I found really helped was massage therapy to help with the scar tissue (rolling didn’t work for me). This was probably the single best thing I did. Other than that, continuing with the stability ball work to help strengthen and lengthen the hamstrings. Over the past few years I’ve also added in some dead-lifts and squats over the winter which really help my flexibility and strength. Finally, one leg peddling (in a lower gear) on the bike during my trainer workouts helped my rehab. I’d just take it slow because your hamstring will not be happy the next day.
Anyway, I hope this helps. It was a long process for me but I’m fairly comfortable on the bike now even when time trailing in a really low position. Just stick with the exercises and you’ll get through it. It just takes time and patients. Something I’m loaded with 
Wow, I had been struggling this year with my training as I just received my shiny new Tri bike and immediately my hamstrings started going nuts especially my left one. I’ve had 2 complete ACL/MCL reconstructions on my left leg and the second reconstruction was done with my hamstring. I hate to say it but I was beginning to think I made a bad choice buying the bike but now I know there are some growing pains with riding the new bike especially with people who had surgery. Thanks for the post.
Hadn’t thought about the scar tissue. I’ve noticed slight pain when sitting on hard surfaces too, especially when the seat is tall enough that my feet are not on the ground. Maybe I’m just spending too much time at the bar. Anyway, I just thought is was some lingering hamstring pain. Massage might be something to look into. Thanks
You mentioned you are in a low position now, does that mean you also got steeper? Any changes to your fit specifically due to the hammy issue?
I went from riding a Quota with 76 deg seat tube (7 years ago) to a Transition with around 79 degrees (3 yrs ago). So both steeper and much lower in the front… I couldn’t get the Quota low enough for time trialing so 3 years ago I made the switch. I didn’t start out with a very aggressive position so I can’t say any changes were made because of that specifically. I do know it gave me problems for the first couple of seasons but eventually started to let up and now I don’t really notice it. Personally, I would just raise the bars up a little and see how it feels. Probably wont take as much as you think.
Even now, the left side is still not as strong. I was told going into surgery I could expect +/- 10% strength loss because of the graft. Given the trade off between this and likely patellar tendonitis I still think I made a good choice. Anyway, I would really give massage a try . I tried to foam roll it myself and it felt like marbles at the graft site. I’d also get some tingling and zingers like nerves were involved. After just a couple massage sessions everything felt better. It’s just a matter of finding the right person to inflict the pain.
Good news is over time it will let up. It’s just a matter of sticking with it.
Good to hear I’m not alone on this one. That’s why I love this forum. Thanks for the insight!