General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Changing Gears on a Tri Bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2015-03-01 9:52 AM

Regular
108
100
Subject: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
I just got a new (to me) tri bike. I took it out for a spin on my very short road the other day. I felt really comfortable in both upright and aero positions until I changed gears, The gears were hard to change than expected and I seemed to weave every time. The road has a slight slope for around here but would probably be considered flat everywhere else. I was changing gears just for the sake of getting used to changing them so not sure if that makes a difference.

Any suggestions so I stop weaving? Practice?


2015-03-01 9:54 AM
in reply to: camprunner

User image

Member
135
10025
Queen Creek, Arizona
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
everything new takes practice.. its about balance ans weight shift
2015-03-01 10:23 AM
in reply to: camprunner


467
1001001001002525
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
Well I don't own a tri bike, but I've logged a lot of miles over the years on many different bikes. They all take some getting used to. So yes, practice and time in the saddle should do it for you (assuming the gears/shifters are adjusted correctly).
2015-03-01 11:31 AM
in reply to: #5096992


261
1001002525
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
It takes getting used to. I wouldn't be worried about it. The first time I rode my tri bike I was like "whoah. I'm right over the front
Wheel staring down at the road" now it just feels normal. Same with shifting. Feel much different than road bike and now it's just normal.
2015-03-01 12:00 PM
in reply to: TriTampa2

User image

Master
3888
20001000500100100100252525
Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
I rode for 5 years on a roadie with clip-on aerobars but shifters were still on the road bike handlebars. So I was used to the position but now with my new TT bike I'm in a similar boat. What I'm doing for starters is placing my arm pads wider apart as that's easier to balance. Once I get used to that I'm doing to place them closer together (more aero position). Just keep riding, you'll get the hang of it. Also, I have to ride in some residential traffic for a few miles before I get out into rural roads so I just stay up in the residential areas for now since I've got to stop at signs/signals etc. until I get to light traffic areas. I also drive to parks on occasion that have rolling hills where I can do some serious shifting practice with light & slow traffic.
2015-03-01 2:31 PM
in reply to: reecealan

User image

Extreme Veteran
959
5001001001001002525
Greenwood, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike

Since the bike is used, you may want to take it to your bike shop for a tune up. May need new cables. I found the gears easier to change on my Tri bike compared to my road bike.


2015-03-01 4:39 PM
in reply to: #5097008

User image

Member
1083
1000252525
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
It does take some getting used to. But it should be easy to do with your fingers. You should be able to almost reach in aero without moving your arm. Then slide (don't lift) you arm forward to shift. Keeping your elbow down helps to maintain your balance.

If it's not easy it might be the bike fit actually.
2015-03-01 5:41 PM
in reply to: camprunner

User image

Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike

I find it a bit odd that shifting would cause weaving.  Do you have to move your arm to reach the shifters or is it that you have to put a lot of force on the shifter to actually get it to shift and it's a sudden jerky motion (or both)?

2015-03-01 5:44 PM
in reply to: miamiamy

User image

Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike

Originally posted by miamiamy It does take some getting used to. But it should be easy to do with your fingers. You should be able to almost reach in aero without moving your arm. Then slide (don't lift) you arm forward to shift. Keeping your elbow down helps to maintain your balance. If it's not easy it might be the bike fit actually.

My shifters are literally at my fingers, to shift the rear derailleur it's either lift or lower with my index finger and thumb.  Can you shorten the reach of your bars to do the same?

2015-03-01 5:53 PM
in reply to: axteraa

User image


225
10010025
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
+1 my fitter had to keep reminding me to get my ahnds back up at the shifters.
2015-03-02 9:32 PM
in reply to: camprunner

Regular
108
100
Subject: RE: Changing Gears on a Tri Bike
Thanks so much for all the replies. I went on a more real ride today on a bike path in a local park. No weaving this time an things were a lot more comfortable. It does still take a little more work than the sti shifters on my road bike but not more more to change now that I understand how to position my fingers around the paddles. I was amazed at how comfortable the bike is since I didn't make any adjustments from the previous owner.



New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Changing Gears on a Tri Bike Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Road bike to Tri bike - change seat?

Started by TriSte
Views: 724 Posts: 3

2011-12-25 10:40 AM MonkeyClaw

Tri bike change to road bike

Started by Newbie5317
Views: 1376 Posts: 16

2009-05-06 8:37 PM MKAH

Changing gears on a bike

Started by bigpic87
Views: 751 Posts: 2

2008-05-27 12:44 PM Longshot

tri changed to run-bike-run..help!!

Started by Tizzy
Views: 951 Posts: 9

2006-04-03 10:12 PM TriBefore40

Changing gears....how exactly is it done correctly?

Started by dolly
Views: 1122 Posts: 8

2004-04-22 9:41 AM Machiavelo
RELATED ARTICLES
date : August 11, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
Dean from Fitwerx answers a BT member question about what kind of bike should be the "next bike."
 
date : June 29, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 4
Second in a series of three articles about the basics, the niceties and the luxuries
date : April 12, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
How should I be shifting gears on the front chainring and the rear cogs to cope with hills?
 
date : December 27, 2008
author : FitWerx
comments : 9
Are you a beginner triathlete? This video will compare triathlon bikes and road bikes to help you figure out what is best for you as you begin your triathlon training.
date : November 5, 2008
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
What are the essential mechanical/maintenance skills that I as someone who rides a bike should learn how to do myself?
 
date : May 5, 2008
author : mrakes1
comments : 0
Did you flat training or racing on your tubular tire? This video will show you everything you need to do to change your tubular tire.
date : November 6, 2007
author : Ron
comments : 2
Don't know how to take that rear wheel off of your bike? Is the chain making things difficult? Learn how to remove your rear wheel if you have to change your bike tire or fix a flat.
 
date : September 3, 2005
author : aloufan
comments : 0
I couldn't believe that my splits kept getting lower! I started to run harder after I passed the "5 km" sign and picked a few people that I wanted to pass.