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| See
what the biggest independent triathlon website, slowtwitch.com
has to say about us here. |
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| Bikesport
is a F.I.S.T. certified triathlon fitting store. Learn
more here. |
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How to Dress For Cycling |
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The Case for 'Cross |
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Early Season Errors |
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What is the difference between a Road Bike and a Triathlon Bike? |
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Bikesport guide to triathlon wetsuits |
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A Flat (Click here to sign up) |
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No events scheduled |
| Better
Transitions (Click here to sign up) |
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No events scheduled |
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The Pre Race Tune-up. |
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Learn How to Fix a Flat |
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Your Bike's Maintenance Schedule |
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PreventativeBike Maintenance Made Easy |
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Submit a Story |
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Submit an Idea |
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Ford FAST Triathlon Club |
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Ann Arbor Triathlon Club |
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Extreme Tri |
Before you schedule a Re-Fit.
If you have just purchased a new road or triathlon bike and are considering a refitting, please consider the following:
If this is your first experience riding a performance oriented triathlon or road bike it will feel very unusual. The most common concerns riders have include, but are not limited to:
- Sore shoulders and neck strain.
- A perceived inability to look up the road while riding in the drops or the aero bars.
- A sensation of being "too cramped" or "too stretched out" on the bike.
- With triathlon bikes, a sensation of being "too far forward", especially coming from a road or mountain bike background.
- Saddle discomfort.
- Knee soreness (different from debilitating joint pain and swelling).
If you are experiencing any of these concerns, it is likely you have not spent enough time conditioning yourself to ride in a performance-oriented position.
The good news is, it will improve with time. The bad news is, it does take time.
Because we are careful and meticulous in our final fittings we know that your bike was configured in a safe, tolerable performance oriented position when it left our store. If you are not already accustomed to this type of riding position it will take a minimum of 650 miles before you begin to feel comfortable. This is another reason why we urge people to buy bikes during the off season and not to race on new equipment.
The conditioning that takes place during this first 650 miles is critical to your safety, performance and comfort. It will include improved joint flexibility and range of motion as well as strengthening of the muscles that support the neck and head while in the riding position. The tissue in your saddle area will adapt to sitting on a bike seat and it will become less uncomfortable. Your handling skills will improve.
When learning to ride a new road or triathlon bike, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Keep your first five rides short, no longer than a half-hour.
- If you are not used to riding every day, be sure you allow rest days between your rides. Don't increase your mileage too fast.
- Use top quality (the best you can afford) cycling shorts and wear a jersey, not a T-shirt, while riding. Do not wear underwear under your bike shorts.
- Remove your bike shoes and shorts as soon as you are off your bike, do not stand around in bike shorts and shoes- they are only for riding.
- Ride on the same route repeatedly during your first rides, one that you are familiar with and is isolated from heavy traffic volume. If this is not practical, use an indoor trainer for your first three half-hour rides.
- Keep your rides easy.
- DO NOT make changes to your own position unless a Bikesport, Inc. bike fitter has specifically recommended it.
- Use easy gears during your first rides.
- Develop an understanding that cycling, like any sport, can be inherently uncomfortable initially. This discomfort normally passes with time and adequate conditioning.
- Practice consistency and moderation in your approach to adapting to your new bike.
Bicycle positions are dynamic and ever changing and not static. Your position will change with time. USA Cycling Hall of Fame Coach Mike Walden said "It can take a year to get used to your position on the bike".
Like any other sporting skill, good position doesn't just happen over night. It is the product of dedication, common sense and training.
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Races
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Read
this before scheduling a re-fit. |
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How
Can I Ride a Bike before I buy it? You're
considering the purchase of a road or triathlon bike. Finding the right
bike is confusing, with all the conflicting reviews and the different
opinions you've heard. |
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