Riding in Aero Position for the First Time

Since I bought my Trek Silque road bike in June, I have been uncomfortable. I’ve had adjustment after adjustment and finally found someone who knew what he was doing and my latest adjustment actually felt great. (See my fitting story.)

So I decided to go aero. I went to Brand’s in Wantagh and the bike fitter, Eric, helped select an aero bar he thought would be right for me. He had Roland, one of the bike mechanics at Brand’s, put them on. And, now, my bike looked totally different. I tried them out on my trainer. It felt comfortable.

But it wasn’t until I went out with my coach, Danielle Sullivan, for a ride with them that I actually got the feel of it. Now for those of you who have never road in an aero position, I can attest, it is very different than what you are used to.

First off, you’re in a very different position. You’re leaning all the way over and riding. It’s very scary at first. You feel like you have no control of the road, until you get the hang of it.

Then, there are the rules of aero: 1. Never turn in aero 2. To get into aero, bring the stronger hand over to the bar first then the weaker hand. (Danielle told me she uses her right hand first. But since I use my right to keep the bike steady, I preferred to use my left arm first.) 3. Do it on a slow flat smooth road. Try switching off from aero to “regular position” and back again. Then try aero for a couple of miles just to get used to it. 4. Don’t stay in aero on hills just straight-aways.

I was really greatful I tried this out with Danielle by my side because I think I would have been unsuccessful doing it on my own. I felt shaky at first and was a little nervous about falling…