Bullhorn or Fork?

[bikerBen]

I have a '99 Specialized Allez I've spec'd for Triathlons. I'm upgrading my wheels and have a chance to get a Profile Carbon X Bullhorn aero bar (I'm using Profile clip-ons now) or an aero carbon fork. Both are $150 and I can't afford both.

Given that wheels will add speed what's the better use of $150 to further improve my ride? Fork over for the fork to complement wheels or go for the aero bars?

I appreciate your thoughts!

[Sprocket Man]

Do you currently have traditional drop bars with either STI or Campy Ergo shifters? If so, to get the full aero benefit, you may have to put bar-end shifters on your clip-ons. If not, every time you want to shift, you'd have to get out of aero position. If you don't want to switch to bar-end shifters, you might as well continue to use your current shifters with drop bars (assuming that you have that kind of setup currently).

Regarding the aero fork, I'd say it's really not a purchase you should make if you have limited funds. The speed benefit you'd receive is negligible.

If I had $150 to drop, here are some things I would consider (assuming you don't have any of these items already): A pair of race tires, new shorts, CO2 filler, Fluid trainer.

What kind of wheels are you getting?

[MHR]

what's the better use of $150
Neither - I know thats not the answer you wanted to hear - sorry
As far as bars go your fine for now and your fork still is attached to your bike so let that go too. A better use of your $$ is apply it to race fees .......... Experience is your best weapon
or a bike fit if you have not already done so -

IMHO the best bar out there for long course (without much bike handling involved) is the HED 1-piece carbon, although this choice will set you back close to $500.00. For short course (olympic distance) I like something like a Profile Carbon Stryke as the bull horn option helps with the many course changes and bike handling.
As for forks - it is something that is very difficult to gage as "noticeable" and you can spend another $500.00 in this department as well and not see any improvement in time or ride feel.

As for the biggest bang for your buck is
1. Bike Fit
2. Wheels

If you are set on spending it on hardware, maybe take the $150.00 and look for an upgrade to the wheels you are looking at now.

To anyone looking for wheels - I'm looking to sell a set of new - never used Bontrager Race-X Lite wheels/tubes/tires (that came on my Trek Madone 5.9 road bike) for $600.00 which is approx $925.00 retail.

[bikerBen]

Do you currently have traditional drop bars with either STI or Campy Ergo shifters? If so, to get the full aero benefit, you may have to put bar-end shifters on your clip-ons. If not, every time you want to shift, you'd have to get out of aero position. If you don't want to switch to bar-end shifters, you might as well continue to use your current shifters with drop bars (assuming that you have that kind of setup currently).

Regarding the aero fork, I'd say it's really not a purchase you should make if you have limited funds. The speed benefit you'd receive is negligible.

If I had $150 to drop, here are some things I would consider (assuming you don't have any of these items already): A pair of race tires, new shorts, CO2 filler, Fluid trainer.

What kind of wheels are you getting?

http://neuvationcycling.com/wheels/m28aero.html

Not tri/race specific but better than what I have now.

[Triguy]

So if the wheels are costing 300 and you have $150 extra, that means $450. You can get a fast set of wheels for $450. Such as a used set of Real Designs or Hed Jets. Oh well...