Bicycle Mechanics - Aero Bars -- What's the best?

I have carpal tunnel syndrome, manifested by numb hands when I sleep. I want to avoid an operation if I can. My local sports therapist says I am putting too much pressure on my wrists and hands while riding (when I'm in the lower drops), and should consider adding aero bars to move the pressure to my elbows. Are areo bars expensive? I think some have elbow cups that flip up when you're not using them. Is this good? I have been on a bike with aero bars briefly, and found it makes the steering very sensitive, and possibly dangerous in traffic or when making alot of turns. But my sports guy says if I use the bars at least when I'm on straight roads, this will help some. I average 50-100 miles a week, mostly on hilly Kentucky country roads. Any thoughts? (I have an old tank -- a 1985 Ross road bike that weighs 34 pounds ready to go, so aero-dynamics is not really a factor). Thanks in advance for your valued input.

I added the Syntace C2 Clip Ultralite Aero Bar to my bike because of the same issue. I paid $129 for my aero bar on ebay.

Two of my fingers on my left hand started to go numb and my doctor told me that it was coming from too much pressure on the hand while riding. Since I got the bar, I no long have this problem anymore.

Aero bars come in a variety of shapes and sizes and costs. Figure on spending around $75 -100 to start with, and you can go crazy and spend upwards of $300 for the ones with all the bells and whistles.

Profile Designs, and Syntace are the most common.

Most on-line retailer carry different types!

L8R

Profile makes models costing around $55.00-$60.00 with fixed pads that are entry level.

Adding a pair will give one more hand option to switch to which can't hurt.

Yes, aero bars limit steering. They are illegal in mass start races, ie, road races and crits, for that reason. If you get some, never use them in traffic, group rides, or other situations where quick action may be required. You also have limited access to the brakes. Profile offers a couple of models for about $60.

I've found the models with the spring-loaded flip up pads to be very unstable in the transition to the aero position. It takes quite a bit of finesse to lower the pads with your elbows without inducing wobble in the steering. The one advantage of the flip up pads is more hands positions on the handlebar.

I've got the profile bars with the flip up rests and while it takes getting used to, isn't a big probem to get into them. My only complaint is that they rattle on rough surfaces, but on the whole the extra hand position is valuable.

I also have a pair of no name aerobars that have fixed pads on another bike, and overall I prefer the flip up pads.

The others are correct, though, when they say not to use them in traffic or any situation where you have to get to the brakes quickly or need extra control, such as one loose gravel.