Tips on clip on aero bars and aero helmet?

[Jiffer]

Well, it's getting more serious, now, baby! In my quest to become a time trial babe, I'm now looking at clip on aero bars. So many to choose from with no clue what I should be looking for.

Also looking at helmets, so any tips there are appreciated as well.

Thanks!

[HillSlugger]

I think aerobars are kinda like saddles, that you'll find lots of different opinions.

Are these to go on a road bike? If so, I've found that it's important to have arm rests that can be positioned back of the handle bars. Personally, I like bars that are adjustable for width and that the bars are adjustable for angle. I like the "ski bend" shape, but the S, or straight bars are all the trend these days.

[Bike Chick]

Can't tell you about clip-on aero bars. I have a TT bike. As far as aero helmets, I bought the Lazer Tardiz and have been very satisfied with it. I just got it last fall and have only used it a couple of times but it is very comfortable and there is a port at the top that you can squirt water in to cool you off and a system so the water runs to the side of your head and not in your eyes. I haven't used that yet. DH, our training partner and I all ordered the white helmet as we found them on sale at the end of the year last fall. I placed yellow hybiscus decals on mine so we could tell them apart. Don't think the guys will be picking mine up to use!

[HillSlugger]

I just can't bring myself to order an aero helmet

[Jiffer]

Thanks. This if for my road bike and they will likely come off and on. I plan to use them for TT's, while I decide if I want to take the plunge into buying a TT bike. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a difference in whether the bars bend up or not as far as one being more aero. Seems like straight would be most aero. Or is it just whichever feels most comfortable to you? I have read that comfort precedes weight when it comes to a TT bike. You must be comfortable to do your best. I wonder if that applies to TT bars as well. So the next question is, do more people thing one is more comfortable than another ... cause I have no experience to draw from.

I also asked a coach his opinion, in case anyone is interested. Not the above question specifically, so he commented on brand.

He says ... "Profile makes the best clip ons. Model will depend on are you going to leave them on for centuries or take them on and off for training and racing. FYI, if you have carbon bars now you will need to switch to aluminum to put the clip ons on."

My husband's input on the carbon verses aluminum thing is it depends on which carbon bars you have. I have carbon and he is not worried about putting clip on aero bars on them. I won't be pulling up on them and he can't see anything happening to them. He's used aero bars on his before and had no issue. Has the same bars as me. He says he'll buy me knew handlebars if something actually happens to them!

[HillSlugger]

I'm guessing that the straighter bars are more aero because that what you see all the top racers and race teams using. I'm more comfortable on the "R bend" or "ski bend" bars. My wrists just were not happy long term on the straight bars. However, on one of my older bikes I was happy with the straight bars (Profile Design T2+)

It's definitely possible to mount aerobars on carbon base/handle bars.

[TxDoc]

Well, it's getting more serious, now, baby! In my quest to become a time trial babe, I'm now looking at clip on aero bars. So many to choose from with no clue what I should be looking for.

Also looking at helmets, so any tips there are appreciated as well.

Thanks!

1-clip on's ab's...
any chance to get a tt bike instead of messing up with the setup of the road bike? there's more to setting up for TT than just clipping on aerobars. You need to check seat position, and find the correct fit that makes you comfortable and efficient in the aero position.

2-helmets are personal, sort of like saddles. In the past I have used Bell, Lazer, and Rudy Project and they were all nice. Right now I'm sticking with Rudy but we'll see.
Try them on in the shop, make sure they fit well and they are comfortable, also try to sit on a bike in the aero position and see which helmet works best for you in that position.

[SheFly]

Again, TxDoc is offering good suggestions! While you don't need to go and invest in a new TT bike, you will need to make additioanl adjustments to your road bike (eventually) if you want to get into a more aerodynamic position. While the bars will certainly help (Profiles are good, and I prefer the stright version with a slight bend), your saddle position can be just as important. You will likely need to adjust height as well as fore/aft position (i.e., moving the saddle closer to the bars).

Helmets are entirely personal. I've had great luck with the Louis Garneau's, and Santa brought me a brand new spiffy one for Christmas that I can't wait to break in.

SheFly