Road Cycling - Aerobars ... should I, if so, which??? HELP! :)

I'm considering strapping on a set of aerobars on my scoot (Trek 5200). I want to do this to increasing speed, and for comfort in terms ofgetting another hand position.

So .........

- Is this even a reasonable thought/solution? In other words, can aerobars create both speed and comfort, or is this a mutually exclusive situation? (If comfort and speed are mutually exclusive in terms of aerobars, I would lean toward speed vs. comfort.)

- What should I get? I don't mind spending some buck for a good set-up that minimizes weight. I'm also considering getting new handlebars that minimize the distance from my fingers to the STIs while in the drops. Is there a handlebar/aerobar combo that may solve both of my problems?

ThanX a bunch. This is serious new territory for me! :)

yes, they DO give both speed and comfort... speed from aero position (flatter back=less frontal area) and comfort from less pressure... think - when you're on the hoods, your weight all rests on the patch of skin between thumb and forefinger. when you're on the tops or drops, it all rests on your palm. but when you're on the aerobar it rests on a much larger patch of skin on your forearm.

bac: I have been looking at aero bars recently. I'm leaning towards one of these sets:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/large_photo.html?SKU=12684&Store=35 - I like that these are two separate bars so I can adjust how far apart I mount them. I don't like the fact that the pads don't flip up.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/large_photo.html?SKU=6126&Store=35 - these are the bars I'm most likely to buy.

You can have comfort and speed with aerobars - it just takes some adjustments here and there to get used to them.

Zack

I've heard that Areo bars are not allowed on certain road races. Is there any online knowledge about this?

I've used Profile Airstryke ZB for years now on my Trek OCLV. It does provide both comfort and speed. I like these because the tops of the bars are still accessible for riding with the flip up arm rests.

Originally posted by ZackJones
bac: I have been looking at aero bars recently. I'm leaning towards one of these sets:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/large_photo.html?SKU=12684&Store=35 - I like that these are two separate bars so I can adjust how far apart I mount them. I don't like the fact that the pads don't flip up.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/large_photo.html?SKU=6126&Store=35 - these are the bars I'm most likely to buy.

You can have comfort and speed with aerobars - it just takes some adjustments here and there to get used to them.

Zack

ThanX for the info, however, I can't get your links to work. Can you try again, or post the name and/or pix, and I can track it down via performancebike.com.

ThanX Zack!

ThanX!!!!

Aero bars are not allowed, IIRC, in mass start races. They aren't as safe for a variety of reasons in these situations. For one, you don't have access to your brakes, which is obvious. But they do slow your steering response time a little as well. But, for time trials, they rock.

I just recently added a set of aerobars to my bike, mostly for comfort, and I really like 'em. I was worried that I would be uncomfortable in the aero tuck but it felt fine on the road and it was great to give my hands a break. I had to lower the nose of the saddle just a little bit, but other than that no major adjustment was required. The only gripe I have about the bars I got (Profile AirStryke) is that the flip-up pads rattle on rough surfaces, but I can live with it.

Originally posted by ZackJones
I don't like the fact that the pads don't flip up.

the pads do this so that you can use the tops of your bars when you have the areos attached... mostly for climbing.


Originally posted by ImprezaDrvr
Aero bars are not allowed, IIRC, in mass start races. They aren't as safe for a variety of reasons in these situations. For one, you don't have access to your brakes, which is obvious. But they do slow your steering response time a little as well. But, for time trials, they rock.

well yes they are not allowed in those races.. but really who would disregard safety like that, and ride in the areobars at the start of a race?

anyhow for the original question, yes they will give you another position which will be more areodynamic. However, it might not be a comfortable position for you, that is you will have to get used to the position the bars put you in. After a while most people get used to it though... good luck :)

bac: Sorry about the links :( Search for Profile on Performance bike and take a look at the bars they offer. While there search for syntace and look at them.

Zack

I used aerobars on my last road bike. They are good for long, long rides. However, I felt as if I didn't have the best control over the bike. There's no way I'd be in them at high speeds (50mph+). These days I'm using the EC90 Easton's which I love. I have no need for aerobars with the current set-up and they wouldn't support them anyway.


Steve

aerobars are NOT good for group rides.

Originally posted by fubar5
aerobars are NOT good for group rides.
They're fine if you know when not to use 'em: they shouldn't be used when you're in a paceline or in a tight group of riders, but there's nothing wrong with using them when you're taking your pull at the front or when you find yourself out by yourself in between groups.

I went on one group ride that had quite a few people using aerobars. It was the ride from hell.

I agree with Grendel, I like the Profile Airstrike because the pads do flip up allowing more hand positions. I found the use of the Aerobars to be quite stable at high speed unlike Merck reported. I have not rode in a group with a bunch of aerobar riders so I can't address that issue.

Tri riders make use of aerobars in a different way to roadie time trialists.
Tri athletes are perhaps not experienced riders, and need to rest their shoulders after the swim. The tri aro position is like a touring position, rotated forward. The aerobars are a lot closer than on a time trial bike, and the riders achieve a flat back without a very small and restrictive hip angle.
Use aerobars any way you feel happy, but its worth investigating the tri approach.

It depends on the group ride. Ours, almost everyone, well at least 2/3 of the people have aerobars and we use them only when we can. It works great and a lot of the people do short Tri's so that is what they have on their bikes. Our group has never had a problem with them, but I do think it depends on the group of people and their style of riding, etc.

Like MichaelW said, a tri position is rotated forward so that the angle between back and legs is similar to sitting upright. Think of sitting in a chair and then having someone lift the back - you're leaned forward but your body angles haven't changed

If you plan to ride in the aero position often you may want to consider a forward seatpost. This will allow you to get that triathlon/time trial position without purchasing a whole new bike with different geometry. The saddle should be *slightly* pointed down from level, but don't go too far or you're upper body will need to support your weight and you'll fatigue faster. This is less of an issue with aerobars, but still something to consider.

Good luck!
Mike

but i think that the flip up pads wont last long cause of the springs.. and also there is a lack of arm pad width adjustment =|

I'll see how long the springs last on mine; I think they changed the armrest design a little bit so maybe the springs have been improved. The pad width is adjustable, although maybe not as much as other designs.