Correct TT position

[mr_stig]

Hi all,

 

Need to pick a few brains.

 

I got a TT bike last week and plan to use it for Ironman in April 2013. I went for an in-depth bike fit so am certain that the actual bike set-up is ok, but felt a bit uncomfortable during yesterday’s ride.

 

How far forward should I sit in the saddle? My upper body feels a bit stiff today (mainly neck and shoulders). Is this normal for a first time on a TT bike?

[bradwentzel]

What saddle you do have?

Your gooch should be sitting on the point of the saddle when you ride.

[Swim.Bike.Run]

Yes - TT is an "unnatural position", merely because you are not used to it. Your neck works a lot harder and your are extending the muscles between your shoulder blades. You should expect stiffness in the neck and between the shoulder blades after your first couple of rides (and when you start doing long distances in the TT position). Remember: you are in the TT position, not for comfort, but for speed

[sluiper]

 

How far forward should I sit in the saddle? My upper body feels a bit stiff today (mainly neck and shoulders). Is this normal for a first time on a TT bike?

 

 

I can't speak as to how far forward you should be sitting as that seems to be more of a personal preference, but I do know that the first few times in the aero position hurts.

 

I've had stomach, rib, neck and back pain from sitting in the aero position for long periods of time, but it does get better after a while.

 

You could try alternating from aero to a normal position and extending the time spent in the aero over time, e.g. 3 minutes aero, 3 minutes normal, 4 minutes in the drops, repeat. The above works for me on the trainer, not always possible on the road.

[Swim.Bike.Run]

I've had stomach, rib, neck and back pain from sitting in the aero position for long periods of time, but it does get better after a while.

 

+1 for the ribs, specially at the bottom of the rib cage.

[Eldron]

The answer to your saddle question is "as far forward as you can get without infringing on this:"

 

The rider’s position for time trial on the road and for the pursuit on the track is defined by two measurements of the bicycle: the position of the tip of the saddle behind the bottom bracket (- 5 cm minimum) and the advanced position using the extension (+ 75 cm maximum).

 

Shoulders are sore from unfamiliar position and neck is sore (at the back I assume) from your helmet. On a road bike your head is upright so you don't support the weight of the helmet - in TT you do (and TT helmets are normally a bit heavier).

[mr_stig]

Thanks for the replies all - much appreciated. I played around a bit yesterday by moving further forwards and backwards but the general consensus here seems to be: HTFU!

 

I shall now begin a daily regimen of eating ground glass and watching "Old Yeller" and teaching myself not to cry when the dog dies.

[Jeepdude]

the whole idea of sitting as far forward on the saddle as possible is to "open" your hip angle , so yes your upper body and neck is going to hurt as it now shares your weight , opening the hip angle utilizes bigger muscle groups to save you for the run.

[Swim.Bike.Run]

HTFU!

That, my friend, is what it is all about!

(When you enjoy it too much, you're doing it wrong!)