After competing in several local tri’s, I decided to pick up a true tri bike. After a few training rides, I am getting frustrated with the lack of vision I have in the aero position. I feel I can not see far enough down the road (like I can on my road bike). Is this something I will just need to get used to? Please advise…
Thanks
you can get used to holding your head up, your neck muscles can adapt.
do you wear sunglasses? these can hurt your vision if the upper frame is in the way.
you can always raise the aeorbars up, but this will make you somewhat less aerodynamic of course.
time trial bikes are designed to be fast, not pleasant =)
As Jackmott said, spend time in the position and your neck muscles will adapt. If you strain to look up and see farther up the road, focus on relaxing the neck muscles as you do it. Sometimes you tense them more than necessary. You’re going to be sore for a while. The muscles adapt with time.
Also as has been said, your choice of glasses is important. Pick frameless glasses. Tifosi makes a really nice pair. Also, there are some real cheapo Nashbar frameless glasses.
The only place I’ll disagree a bit with Jackmott is on the suffering part. I’ve spent enough time on my TT bike that I can stay quite low and aero and comfortable for hours and hours. It’s possible.
Yeah, I don’t mean to say its impossible to be comfy
In fact, if I go with a slightly less agressive position and wide elbows I’m actually MORE comfortable than a road bike.
But still, visibility and control is not like a road bike!
The only place I’ll disagree a bit with Jackmott is on the suffering part. I’ve spent enough time on my TT bike that I can stay quite low and aero and comfortable for hours and hours. It’s possible.
In addition to the suggestions already given, here is an off-the-bike workout that will help:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/exercises.asp?exercise=191
I modify the pose by looking straight ahead and sticking out my chin. The chin part will strengthen you the muscles in the back of your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Try and do it every day and hold it for as long as you can 3 times.
the more recent sprint distance tri’s i’ve skipped the sunglasses altogether because of this, and, well… with the recent weather, they tend to fog up too much anyway.
It is a matter of adapting the neck muscles to keep your head up. it will come.