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Old 02-08-13, 02:29 PM
  #21  
Cleave
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Hello CHAUSE1,

Aerobar comfort is a very individual thing. Most people who have responded like them but that doesn't mean that a majority of people who have tried them like them. YMMV.

They definitely provide another riding position. What you also have to consider is that a riding position that you find comfortable may actually be worse aerodynamically. A good aerodynamic position does not necessarily equal comfort. Of course, you may not care about aerodynamics.

Originally Posted by FrenchFit
I use those Profile Design AirStrike on one bike, they give a nice stretch. In my case I need a clear road with a good shoulder, my line and ability to make any quick moves are pretty poor while on the pads, and of course your hands are nowhere near your brakes.
Originally Posted by Barrettscv
+1 on the use and the benefits.

Most of my riding is on flat roads for longer distances. Fighting a headwind is also a normal issue on part of my rides.

I use Stryke Carbon Ironman clip-on aero bars, mounted to FSA Compact drop-style handlebars. The bars were fitted professionally. The fit works better as a road bike, but is also comfortable and moderately aerodynamic while on the aerobars. I like a saddle forward and stretched fit even without the aero bars, so fitting the aerobars was not a big change from my normal road bike fit.

The bars offer two important benefits. They provide a comfortable and aerodynamic position while fighting a headwind or holding a 20+ mph pace as a solo rider. I also find that my hands are resting while I use the aerobars and my upper body is less tense in general.

I never use the bars when with a group or when I need to shift or brake. But when the road is flat and cheating the wind counts, the aerobar position is my favorite.
To add to the above sentiment, NEVER use aerobars on group rides. It endangers you and, most importantly, it endangers others in your group. You can have aerobars on your bike during our club rides but if you insist on using them during our club rides we will insist that you leave our group.

Originally Posted by zonatandem
I use the Cinelli Spinacci bars; not quite full aero bars but UCI legal.
New they cost $99 about 10 years ago; if you're lucky you can pick up a used pair for a couple bucks at a bike swap meet.
I actually cut them down a bit (with a hacksaw) to suit my riding style. It's nice to have a bit stretched out position and don't really do it to be aero.
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
I think they are legal for local and regional USA Cycling races but I don't think they are UCI legal. Read Section 1.3.022:
http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/ge...34033&LangId=1

The first sentence reads:
"In competitions other than those covered by article 1.3.023, only the traditional type of handlebars
(see diagram «structure 1») may be used."

When you look at the diagram there is no provision for additional handlebar structure. Maybe I'm misinterpreting the rules but that's how it looks to me.
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