queerpunk

I doubt the issue is the track - I think the issue is likely comfort, fit, and experience in the aerobars.

Practice isn't the same as competition. You need to be comfortable when you're going harder than you've gone before. Kissena and T-Town aren't sufficiently different that that's the issue - and, if anything, T-Town should make it a bit easier.

Keep practicing - and consider getting a pursuit-specific fit.

Not the Slowest

Picture later tonite

Not the Slowest

I am sure it's practice practice practice and a proper fitting.
As far as a fitting, I will have to do that after the season as my new
frame came in 3 months late and when I fit that up I'll do the TT setup also.

So i'll just have to tweak the best I can now.

Thanks



Thanks

carleton

It's not about a fitting. It's more about steering. Basically with aero bars, if your stem is too long, then steering can be wonky. Just like with drop bars, if your stem is too short, it can get wonky.

Not the Slowest

Understood, it is my steering here. I do feel comfortable at this moment on the bike.
I hope to get pictures tonight if my Mrs. comes home early.
The stem is 100 at +7. A fix can be slamming the stem and move spacers up.
I can also flip the stem or obviously get that resolved after the images etc.

carleton

It's the length that is the key.

What length stem do you use for your drop bars?

A good rule of thumb to help start is to use a stem for the aero bars that is 2cm (20mm) shorter than you'd normally use for the drop bars. This isn't an exact science. Just a starting point. Very rarely would a person use the same length stem for aero bars and drop bars.

Not the Slowest

Can't get the pictures done tonight. The stem I am using is the same sizing and angle 100 +/- 7 degree.
FYI I will be using this at some point on my Kissena, but we'll deal with that at another time.

queerpunk

Yeah, that sounds to me like the fit is off and causing steering issues. Often, when people mount TT bars where their drops should be, I see a few things:
1. Reaching uncomfortably to the bars - elbows bent at much greater than 90deg, which means
2. Having to use arm muscles to support the upper body, which fatigue over the course of the effort
3. Weight distribution that is biased too far to the rear, which means that when the arms get tired, the front is unstable and wiggles.

Carleton mentions 2cm shorter as a starting point for TT bars and I'd echo that. Again, it's a starting point. I think my setup is 60mm shorter but I don't know because my TT bar stem is a ridiculous multi-knuckled adjustable thing that's like, pointed straight down and close to the headtube.

carleton

Yup. Those are awesome.

The best purchase I ever made when I was training for the Kilo was a LOOK Ergostem.



Changing aerobar position was easy. I could do it in the infield between efforts. No need to remove the bars from the stem then the stem from the bike then replace it all. Just loosen the two bolts on the stem and two bolts on the faceplate and the system is crazy adjustable. Tighten and go try it out.

I bought mine from Jennie Reed. It had good mojo

I sold it with my LOOK 496

I highly recommend it for anyone who uses aerobars and thinks they will be nit-picky about their bar positioning.

Once you settle on a position, then buy a rigid stem for that position.

queerpunk

And, cheaper and available on ebay: Satori adjustable stem.

carleton

Nice! I've never seen that stem.

That looks like a great option, too. Especially for the price. The Ergostem was something like $300 MSRP. I don't think they are available anymore.

Velocirapture

Any luck with those photos, @Not the Slowest?

Not the Slowest

Update and my apologies to all who have tried to help me.
First off I made a last minute decision to go to Master Nats and so was side tracked with several things.
So here is what has happened to the fitting.
a) More track time in the bars has improved my time, function and comfort.
b) Co-rider lent me their Ergostem. WOW what a tool, but haven't been able to utilize it full.....yet.
c) Made a few tweaks on the bike and will just have to tough it out. Pretty sure that all will be fine, but I think I started too late to medal and here is why.
1) My set-up needs to be tweaked, there is always room to improve that.
2) I need more time on the track that is 333 with proper banking, meaning T-town and not the local Kissena which is 400
3) I have more power in me, but until I get more comfy riding it will not show in the times

I will update as I have time and WITH pictures.

Thanks
Robert

carleton

That's great to hear.

The idea is to get comfortable enough such that you don't even think about the bars or steering and your mental energy will be free to focus on your line, pacing, and breathing.

One rule of thumb is to arrange your bars and position such that your elbows are under your ears.



Source: https://kissenatrackracing.blogspot....-tri-bike.html

That site was made by a Kissena masters racer. Maybe you know him.

Not the Slowest

Yup, I'm still at the beginning stages in my set-up but will work on this after Nats. Of course why after? The 2k is part of the experience and I'm better not focusing on it more than I have to. By relaxing I may do better than I expect.
Additionally I just got a new Affinity Kissena so "IF" I use that for the 2K then that would be the bike to set-up.

Bigger joke here. The rider in the photo still races at Kissena with me in Masters and he is my nemesis. He is good and I always work to beat him and he knows it. he still rides that bike. This picture makes him look old, ha.


Keep ya all posted as this goes