General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Adding spacers Rss Feed  
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2017-02-20 6:41 PM

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Subject: Adding spacers
I have been involved in triathlon for about 5 years. Two years ago I got a professional fit on my bike. The fitter asked what my goals were. At the time, I was focused on short course and wanted an aggressive set up/position. He took all of the spacers out, etc.. I can deal with the position for sprints, but can't stay on the aero bars for more than 10 ish miles without my neck and lower back hurting. Now, i want to move to longer course, so today i put the spacers back. It looks like I've raised aero bars about a half of an inch. So, should this help my neck/back issues? Should I adjust the seat? Any comments are welcome.


2017-02-20 7:56 PM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Adding spacers
Yes it helped my position for long races.

I also could not deal with the extreme aero position after awhile, and the added height with the spacers did the trick.

Some might say the bike fit is to blame, which could be a factor as well.
2017-02-21 2:08 PM
in reply to: #5214020

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Subject: RE: Adding spacers
Thanks for the reply. I guess the 'best' thing to do is get another fitting at this point .
2017-02-21 6:12 PM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Adding spacers

3-4 years ago I had my then new TB setup for sprints, -17* stem, no stack under the aerobars and only a 5mm spacer under the stem which I had the fork tube cut too. Would get a bit uncomfortable on 15 mile sprint bike legs.  When I did a HIM 2 years ago riding long was an issue so I upped my aerobars with a stack kit. Started with 10mm, then 20mm and settled on 30mm.  IIRC I only had to adjusted the seat tilt. 

Yeah it might be best to get another fitting if you are going to use spacers as it moves you up and back.   Here's a calculator that shows you what the  X-Y difference would be at the stem/handlebar location, which would be the same for the aerobar pad location: http://www.yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php

Can you increase the stack height of your aerobars?

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Adding spacers Rss Feed