Aero Bars?

[Dog]

Cycling friends have suggested that I get aero bars for my bike. Any feedback or recommendations. I like to ride longer distances and organized rides.

[ilima]

Cycling friends have suggested that I get aero bars for my bike. Any feedback or recommendations. I like to ride longer distances and organized rides.

Aero bars are generally a no-no when you're riding in a group. You generally won't get kicked out of a group for having them, just asked not to ride in them except maybe if you're at the front taking a pull.

Also, for many styles of aerobars you will lose the use of the tops of your handlebars when you clamp on aerobars. There are some exceptions where the arm pads flip up, but they are lower-end aero bars.

That being said, some folks like having the extra position to ride in and find it comfortable as your bones are supporting you vs. your muscles. I ride with a lof of triathletes, and those without a dedicated tri bike generally have the aerobars on their bike all the time. I find aerobars aesthetically unappealing, so I only put them on if I'm doing a tri (no tri bike for me).

[Mr. SR500]

ilima makes great points. I tend to not like them. They are heavy IMO, and many riders use them way to much on group rides. Most organized rides say no aero bars. That said they work great, allow more positions and a more aero tuck to maintain speed as a solo rider. They bike can be harder to control and shifting requires you to move (unless using a TT bike/bar setup).

I decided to leave them off my Madone (I ride 90% of the time), but do have a set on my Bianchi, with 50mm carbon rims so it's setup like a TT bike. The Bianchi is heavy, but fast on a flat TT and fun to ride. While the Bianchi is AL, my Madone is carbon and about 5 lbs lighter, so just an all around better bike for most of my riding.

I would borrow a set and see what you thought, if you like them go ahead, you can always take them on/off for different rides.

[bmccasland]

I don't have aero bars...

Your center of gravity is very tiny, so any tiny flinch left or right can easily become exaggerated. I think using them takes a lot of practice. And I don't want to be behind someone when they're learning. The TT wanna-be's are dangerous. IMHO.

Lets just say I've had some bad rides behind someone who had aero bars, because they thought they looked cool. Took said individual from being a squirrelly rider to down right dangerous.

Most cyclists really won't shave much time by using them. But if you're serious into racing, they might help your time. Just remember that shifting gears can be a challenge, and you can't reach your brakes while in the bars.

[alpinerabbit]

I love mine, but +1 on not using them in a tight group. You can have them on but don't ride in them unless you are pulling.

Weight etc: don't think that's an issue...
Syntace XXS is what I have - 330 grams and together with the risers to fit the oversize handlebar, they allow easy access to the top tube position.

They have given my speed in the flats such a boost. So yes, you shave off time. It's not just drag, it's being able to put your glutes into the game. and for a tiny incline, you stay down, pull on the bars and just hammer over it.

Yes, you have to have good balance and a beginning rider WITH aerobars is one squirrely thing to have in front of you. That's prolly why triathletes and drafting doesn't really mix....

[Eden]

I differ in opinion a little from the other folks here. If you are on a group ride NEVER use your aerobars, not even if you are on the front. Aerobars are for riding alone or on a team time trial only.

[smilingcat]

+1 with EDEN.

NEVER RIDE WITH AERO BARS IN A GROUP

if you want to be a TT racer wanna be with aero bars, that's your thing; but, don't have it for a group ride. Lately, there seems to be a fad of sort where people are riding TT bikes (like the Cervelo P3's and Kuota's ??) with full blown TT setup. The problem is, most are not experienced to handle the TT setup properly nor have the necessary conditioning to be riding a full TT bike. It's downright dangerous.

Having your arms rest near the head tube doesn't give you the control of your bike and unless you have a special setup, your brake is only on the horn and not on the aero so your response time to using the brake is significantly reduced. Even if you could get to the brake quickly you still don't have the control like you would with a regular setup. So I really can't see the use of aero bars except in TT's where you are willing to give up safety for seconds.

comfort factor?? If your bike is properly setup, it should be comfortable to begin with. The drop bar gives you several choices: in the drop, on the hood, on the top, And minor variations. Aero position is like riding in the drops but less safe. Your ham string and glutes need stretch more sof if they are tight, riding in aero position will give you back problems.

Now I do take my TT bike (Specialized Transition Pro) out for a ride every once in a while but its strictly business, very low traffic, very few stop signs/stops and I'm pushing for speed and endurance. No chit chatting. checking my speed, HR and gauging my exertion level.

Stay with your non-Aero bar setup.
Smilingcat

[roadie gal]

I have a dedicated tri bike and I have aerobars on my road bike. The ones on the roadie are the "cheap" Profile Designs ones that have the flip up pads. I love having another position on long rides and I love the almost free boost in speed on the flats. They are somewhat heavy, but these aren't on my racing bike, so I don't really care. I would recommend them. But DO NOT use them in group rides. They definitely cut down on your ability to make quick moves and on your bike handling ability.

[indysteel]

I differ in opinion a little from the other folks here. If you are on a group ride NEVER use your aerobars, not even if you are on the front. Aerobars are for riding alone or on a team time trial only.

Amen to that. There are a handful of people I ride with who use their aero bars to pull at the front. Putting aside the safety issues, none of them hold the steadiest of lines when they use their bars. Drafting them, especially in a pack, is beyond annoying.

[TxDoc]

Cycling friends have suggested that I get aero bars for my bike. Any feedback or recommendations. I like to ride longer distances and organized rides.

Just out of curiosity... what reason did your friends give you for suggesting aero bars? Do you race TT's or plan to race TT's, or it's just for training purposes?