Aero is everything

Back out coaching this morning for the weekly Front Runner Triathlon Team threshold bike session. As well as laying down some big watts and pushing some hard efforts, the focus this morning was all about being aero.

In particular this morning we spoke about the compromise between maximum aerodynamics and comfort. In the end, for a lot of people, the most aero position may not be one that they can sustainably hold. While the position may be aero, if you need to sit up out of the aero tuck because your back is too sore, then the benefits of that aero position are lost. For long course triathlon in particular, the most effective position for a person may actually be a compromise position.

In my experience a person's position on a bike is not something they spend much time thinking about. As long as they are comfortable, most people assume it is correct. As well as that, unless you specifically seek feedback on your riding position, it is something you are unlikely to ever receive input on. Normally it takes a specifically planned session if somebody wants their cycling position to be observed and critiqued. That was part of what we tried to provide today.

Once somebody starts getting input on their cycling position, usually it takes some trial and error and perhaps a bit of expert advice before the right position can be dialled in. However, doing the work means that a person should be able to find a position that allows them to be aero dynamic and comfortable. The focus for this morning was to give people a bit of feedback on their aero positions to help them decide whether it is something they need to look into further. In the end I am not a qualified bike fitter, but Front Runner has associations with people who are and who are capable of providing great guidance if required. This morning was about helping people identify whether those conversations would be worth having.