Aero bars?

So here's the background. I've been road cycling for the past year on a bike I got super cheap from my not-so-LBS. Basically, it was a 2005 model and so it had 20% off. Of course, because I only had the money to look at last year's models, and because I'm a rather small gal, there weren't many options when it came to frames they had in my size. I rode a bunch, but it turned out that the one I really liked was actually a Tri bike.

It didn't bother me a whit then, I felt more comfortable on the bike itself, and I've ridden it over 1000 miles this year with no fit problems (the store has a good rep for fitting).

So now that I'm doing a Tri in June of 2007, I'm excited because my girl can show what she's really made for. And the question I have is: should I use the aerobars?

Since she's a tribike, she came with detachable aerobars. However, riding in longer road rides and doing lots of hilly rides, I took them off instantly. They are, however, adjusted for my forearm size and body position by the bike shop when we did a fitting. So basically if I were to use them, all I'd have to do was screw them on and adjust angle.

The tri I'm doing is only a sprint... what are your opinions on using aerobars for the shorter tris? Is it worth it? I'd have to train with them so I got used to using them, and I am a bit wary of using them in a group setting like the race in June. If I use them will I look silly for such a short race? I am very comfortable on the drops of my bike so I can get pretty aero on those for a 15-miler without getting too stiff.

K.

I really don't know too much about tris, but you will do better in a time trial in your aerobars (that is if you are used to them).

This is my advice to you and a little bit of "what happened to me the first time I time trialed in aero bars".

If you are going to use aerobars, use them a lot before you go to your race. If you ride with them a lot, you will know if you can go to the distance in that position, you will be comfortable enough to ride in the group situation of the race.

I went to the State District tt race near Truckee california years ago. It was my first tt in aero bars and my first district race ever. I had not ridden in the aero bars very much; only for short distances and not for the 40k i was riding. (I think that was the distance) Anyway, I am a special case too since I have a lower back vertebral crush injury too so I have to be careful about my fit on a bike. Of course, they started us gals late in the day and the wind was galing so on the way out it wasn't too back but after the turn around the wind was face on terrible! Well, I made it to the turnaround in my aero bars but my back was really beginning to hurt from the different position and I was starting to think that I was losing power in my legs (this happens to me when my back starts to give out) so when I made the turn around, I tried to get back in the aero bars, but my speed would go down every time I did this. At this point, partly because of my bad back and partly because I was not prepared and had not trained in my aerobars enough, I was going faster in my drops than in my aerobars. I rode the last half of the race in my drops. I still finished okay. But, it goes to show you that you must be prepared and used to aerobars before you use them. (Especially, if you have trouble with a bad back like mine.)

Well, congrats on your first race in June!

Use the aero bars.

Race situation are different from riding in groups, etc. In a race, no drafting is allowed. So, you won't be close to anyone. You also don't have to stop as much, since you get to cruise through intersections, etc.

You will see TONS of tri bikes at sprints. It's a tri... right?

Train on them for the sprint distance and use then in the race. OH! And do one a brick a week! :D

I would say use them on your bike and not in your mouth :D

I had just read a thread on all the Christmas goodies around and when I saw aero bars my mind immediately went to the Nestle chocolate bar. Now you've got me wanting one and I am not in Canada! :(

Seriously - I would say no time like the present to put them on and start using them - who knows an olympic distance may be next, then a 1/2 IM and you would be one step up.

Like the others said.... Screw em back on and use them. If it's a true tri bike it's mean't to be very aerodynamic, and the aerobars are a part of that equation. I use my tri bike for all my races- short and long. And a short race will be perfect because your trunk and neck muscles won't be fatigued from being in them for 3+ hours. It's a great place to start.
That being said, there is a real "comfort curve" that you will have to overcome. It's a different feel in the aerobars and it takes some getting used to. not only in your body, but in the way the bike handles. So be sure to train on them.
I couldn't imagine being without my aerobars. I like to change positions frequently on long rides so having them there is just another position.

I have heard or read maybe here that one shouldn't have aero bars without shifters (for safety I guess). Is this correct? I am wondering if I should outfit my bike with them for this coming season. It is a regular road bike, so I don't think shifters would be an option. Also, I would still be nervous using them, is there anyway to get used to them beforehand?

The only reason I am entertaining it is because I have been 'trying' the position in spin class/trainer sessions, and I kind of like feeling hunkered down.

Do what you'll be most comfortable with (and don't worry about looking silly)!

I started out on a road bike and then purchased a second bike with a tri set-up. For group rides and long training rides I much prefer the road bike (more upright position, more positions to move around between). For racing (time trials and tris) I really like the aero position.

For your first race and a sprint it probably doesn't make that much of a difference (in the longer races it's really nice to have the aero set up). That said, if you already have the aero set-up it's easy enough to use it (and if you keep racing you'll definitely want to learn how sooner or later).

Good luck!

Thanks for everyone's input. I guess since I have bars anyway I will just reattach them once in awhile to do some training rides.

Tygab, my bars do not have shifters on them as they are detachable. The bike was marketed as a 'multisport' bike i.e. tribike, but I guess it is more of an entrylevel one since the higher end tri-specific bikes seem to have shifters on the aerobars?

Anyway, I will give them a shot and see how I like them. I know that I like to be in the drops, and I imagine maybe the aerobars will be even more comfy for someone like me who is extremely flexible in the hips and torso.

Thanks again!

K.