Aerobars, Stupid Thing?

[Halfast]

Well, I just couldn't pass up the aerobars from Performance for cheap. This is probably a BIG mistake as I am old, and probably cannot get that low!! But I am gonna try. My friend tells me it is good for trying to complete a century after you are alone in the late stages. Advice on getting into/out of these torture thingies? Any other helpful hints? They should arrive tomorrow.

Edit: Any idea on speed increase using these things?

[Carusoswi]

Well, I just couldn't pass up the aerobars from Performance for cheap. This is probably a BIG mistake as I am old, and probably cannot get that low!! But I am gonna try. My friend tells me it is good for trying to complete a century after you are alone in the late stages. Advice on getting into/out of these torture thingies? Any other helpful hints? They should arrive tomorrow

One of these days, I'm going to try them. I find myself feeling more and more comfortable the loser I go while riding my bike. I used to ride almost exclusively with my arms straight, weight supported mostly on my wrists/palms, gripping the center portion of the bar.

My low position was in the drops, but with arms straight and stiff.

Gradually, I have lowered my position. Right or wrong, I now will sometimes ride with my hands on the hoods, but, with arms bent, elbows nearly resting on the bars. In the drops, my elbows are also now bent, so that I am much lower - little or now pressure on my palms/hell of my hands, etc.

Those aerobars look mighty comfy when I see guys riding with them - although those guys are in much better shape than I.

Let us know how it goes - good luck!!

Caruso

[maddmaxx]

I didn't go full aero but this is the setup that I started to ride about at the begining of this month. I like this more than the drops. Just the T2 Wing base bar without the aero extensions.

[Altamont]

the aeros are not as much about getting low as getting narrow. you can go lower but if you have the concave shape created by your arms/chest your a big sail. the aeros put your arms in a sort of a wedge to cut into the wind. as I've gotten older lower ain't better.

[CrossChain]

I'm 60 and have aero's on 2 of my 3 roadbikes. I use them a lot. Good for a restful position, good for powering into the wind, good for just getting down and going for it or comfy cruising. A little practice and you can steer easily around debris, corners etc. Depending on which aero bars you start with, you might find that your back is not as acutely angled as you might think. I recommend starting out with the Profile Century bars offered by Nashbar & Performance and often found at eBay. About $45 to $50. They offer some adjustment in width and angle of your forearms, and they come with a shim for diff sized bars. If you use a computer, worth getting the overpriced ($9) piece of plastic on which to mount your computer.

On the aeros, your weight is evenly distributed and the bike handles well enough. Best to mostly steer with your hips, but then that generally applies. Anyway, they are very useful for both comfort and efficiency. There may be back/neck issues for some, but probably not for most of us. Again, the position doesn't have to be as radical as some might apprehend. Start with your elbows as far apart as possible.

[robtown]

I've had aerobars on a road bike. They let me stretch out, take weight off my hands (helping with numbness), and were good for headwinds. They are best for straight level rides, you don't have much control while in them. I have not reinstalled them after selling that bike. I have my bell, cyclometer, and DIY lighting attached so I probably will hook them up in fall.
One word of warning - A previous coworker, who got me back to cycling, went over his aerobars a couple years ago and is still recovering.

[SteveE]

You could also just put your hands on the bars on either side of the stem, hold your elbows in next to your sides, and lean forward bending your elbows. Doesn't cost a thing nor add any weight; plus you won't look like a tri-geek.

[CrossChain]

Why stop there? Rest your chin on the stem, hold your hands behind you speed skater style, and pray you don't die during the crash. Better to get a cheap aero bar and try it.

I understand many "tri-geeks" are very accepting of freds.

[SteveE]

Why stop there? Rest your chin on the stem, hold your hands behind you speed skater style, and pray you don't die during the crash. Better to get a cheap aero bar and try it.

I understand many "tri-geeks" are very accepting of freds.Most tri-geeks can't handle a bike worth cr@p. I don't mind freds, though.

[CrossChain]

Most tri-geeks can't handle a bike worth cr@p. I don't mind freds, though.

Gosh, Steve, isn't that sort of a, well, broad statement?

[SteveE]

Gosh, Steve, isn't that sort of a, well, broad statement?OK, point taken. How about "Most tri-geeks I see in the SF Bay peninsula area can't handle a bike worth cr@p." And I can tell you I see lots of them riding up and down Foothill Expressway between the northern border of Cupertino and Palo Alto every weekend.

P.S., Dave Stoller wouldn't be caught dead on aerobars unless he was in a time-trial. He'd be on the drops, drafting a semi in his little chainring. :)

[CrossChain]

OK, point taken. P.S., Dave Stoller wouldn't be caught dead on aerobars unless he was in a time-trial. He'd be on the drops, drafting a semi in his little chainring. :)

LOL......counter-point well taken. It was Dave's dad that ends up a fred. Steve, you're OK in my books-- especially your taste in movies.

[StanSeven]

Well, I just couldn't pass up the aerobars from Performance for cheap. This is probably a BIG mistake as I am old, and probably cannot get that low!! But I am gonna try. My friend tells me it is good for trying to complete a century after you are alone in the late stages. Advice on getting into/out of these torture thingies? Any other helpful hints? They should arrive tomorrow.

Edit: Any idea on speed increase using these things?

You'll gain anywhere from 0.75-1.5 mph. Another benefit is it gives you an alternative riding position which really helps on along century.

To start, keep the bars pointed up at maybe close to a 45 degree angle. After a couple days, move it down a little. Ultimately you want the bar to th epoint where your back is close to flat. Take your time, get comfortable, and enjoy the added speed.

[VegaVixen]

Most everyone I know claims an increase in average speed at TT of about 1 mph when using aerobars. I've never ridden any of my road routes completely on aerobars, so I can't say by how much they'd increase a roadspeed average. I do know that my average speed over certain relatively flat sections (maybe for half a mile) went up by about 3-4 mph, but I doubt that I could sustain that average increase over a 22+ mile route.

First time you try them out, either do it in a large empty parking lot, or on a low-traffic, long, straight stretch of road with no hills to climb. I put my left elbow on the pads first, then the right. Feels squirrelly at first (which is why you want no traffic and a straight, non-hilly stretch of road). With nothing coming, steer the bike toward the center line, then back toward the right of the lane. Just gradual shifts. Get used to the feel of how the bike responds with your new weight distribution. Put your right hand on the right hood, then left hand on left hood. Repeat. You'll be amazed at how quickly you get used to it, and learn to use your body to help steer and at how easily you learn to maintain balance while moving onto and off of the aerobars.

Most importantly, don't show fear. Aerobars can sense fear. :eek: :p

[Halfast]

Thanks for the help folks. I have a wide paved road that goes across a local dam in Georgetown, Tx that is now blocked to all motorized traffic, and is about 1.25 miles flat and straight. This will be the proving/disproving grounds! Heck, it was a $30 investment! Just a new thingy to try! Gonna be fun!

And I will not show it any fear, until it trys to kill me!! :eek:

[head_wind]

You'll gain anywhere from 0.75-1.5 mph. Another benefit is it gives you an alternative riding position which really helps on along century.

To start, keep the bars pointed up at maybe close to a 45 degree angle. After a couple days, move it down a little. Ultimately you want the bar to th epoint where your back is close to flat. Take your time, get comfortable, and enjoy the added speed.

I tried them pointing up and my elbows were way too low.
StanSeven's advice may work for you but not me. I needed
them just about horizontal.

[head_wind]

Most everyone I know claims an increase in average speed at TT of about 1 mph when using aerobars. I've never ridden any of my road routes completely on aerobars, so I can't say by how much they'd increase a roadspeed average. I do know that my average speed over certain relatively flat sections (maybe for half a mile) went up by about 3-4 mph, but I doubt that I could sustain that average increase over a 22+ mile route.

First time you try them out, either do it in a large empty parking lot, or on a low-traffic, long, straight stretch of road with no hills to climb. I put my left elbow on the pads first, then the right. Feels squirrelly at first (which is why you want no traffic and a straight, non-hilly stretch of road). With nothing coming, steer the bike toward the center line, then back toward the right of the lane. Just gradual shifts. Get used to the feel of how the bike responds with your new weight distribution. Put your right hand on the right hood, then left hand on left hood. Repeat. You'll be amazed at how quickly you get used to it, and learn to use your body to help steer and at how easily you learn to maintain balance while moving onto and off of the aerobars.

Most importantly, don't show fear. Aerobars can sense fear. :eek: :p

This is a big deal. Your control will change a lot at first. You no longer
will have any leverage to steer and all you will have is balance. If you
have the same degree of difficulty adjusting that I did then you will
eventually be a better biker from the improved use of balance but it
will be frustrating at first. Fortunately, on my first try I didn't just
ride down the hill from my house with them. I usually hit 38-40 there.
I got onto a slightly rolling road with a painted bike lane about 1 yard
wide. It was a struggle to stay in the bike lane. No exaggeration.

They really do make you faster and have a good time. One more
caution: don't use them if you ride with anyone, much less a group.

[CrossChain]

A few pointers from my experience:
1. Low speed turns you can actually push with your elbows, higher speed you sort of torque with your hips and a bit of lean....which is much the same as hands on bars.

2. 45 degree elevation seems too hard to hold on, flat seems less secure for a beginner....experiment with a little elevation.

3. Adjust them at first for widest elbow spread.

4. Keep in mind you don't reallyl put your elbows on the pads..more like your forearms.

5. At first, you may feel most "vulnerable" getting down and getting up. Soon enough you'll just sit up or down in one motion, no hands.

6. If it's too late to avoid a crack or piece of small road debris...just roll over it-- you're more stable than you think.

Go have fun...you'll find yourself staying down for longer and longer times the more you ride them.

[SteveE]

7. Remember, now that you're going faster and possibly passing other riders, you are not allowed to announce yourself and say anything resembling "passing on you left" or even acknowledge their presence.

[Dellphinus]

I have aeros (Profile Design Split Second) on my flatbar "touring" bike. If I'm doing 15 on a flat, and drop to the bars, I usually drop down one or two cogs, and end up doing 17-17.5 for no perceived change in exertion.
I've had the bars narrow, and wide (when using my big HB bag on long rides).

Originaly got them to give me a way to get out of the headwinds. BIG help... I was resorting to riding with my elbows on the bar and holding the frame of the HB bag. They are REALLY comfy during long solo rides. Climbing while on the aeros was an experience the first time. Stayed down while doing a mile or so on about a 4%. I was sore for several days- the lower position evidently brings muscles into play that don't get used when upright. Not a problem any longer though.

Next bike will have drop bars- and aeros, with brake levers on them. I do not use them when near other bikes or traffic. Might change that philosophy once I get brake levers on them, but probably not.

[will dehne]

I bike a lot on WI R to T. My objective is to get as close to 50 miles in 3 hours as I can. A strong headwind is common. The aerobars make above mentioned average achievable. It would be very tough without aerobars.
I am leery of aerobars on fast descents, traffic, group rides, bumpy trails. All my bikes have them.
I find the drops as fast as aerobars but the position on aerobars is more comfortable for longer distances.

[VegaVixen]

I currently use a road bike with clip-on aerobars for my TT's. I don't typically use aerobars when training on the road, as most of my rides are less than 30-35 miles so that I can focus on speed and intensity. In fact, I seldom even go into the drops during my training rides, pushing myself to maintain speed against headwinds while on the hoods. I feel this makes me faster at TT, where I do stay on the aerobars for the whole 10 miles. At least so far, I've seen significant decreases in my times from TT to TT....

When I buy a TT bike, I'll remove the aerobars from my roadbike, and remount them only should I ever do a century. And I'm really eyeballin' the Hancock Century this year. ;)

[n4zou]

Here is my Bridgestone Grand-Velo with Profile Aero bar. This is a full on Aero bar and not a clip on. I even managed to find a NOS Profile shift kit for this bar. The bike and Aero bar are from 1987 and was an option available from Bridgestone. My average speed on this bike is 5 MPH higher than a standard road bike over the same
Course.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/BS3000.jpg

[n4zou]

7. Remember, now that you're going faster and possibly passing other riders, you are not allowed to announce yourself and say anything resembling "passing on you left" or even acknowledge their presence.
And enjoying the sounds made by them as you scare them half to death! :eek:

[Beverly]

7. Remember, now that you're going faster and possibly passing other riders, you are not allowed to announce yourself and say anything resembling "passing on you left" or even acknowledge their presence.

I hate when people sneak up beside me and don't announce their presence. I've started yelling "Bike on my left" This seems to get their attention and a few have even apologized for not saying something when passing.

[SSP]

For those who are considering using aero bars in a century ride...please by very, very careful.

It's considered bad form, and dangerous, to be down on the aero bars when you're near other riders.

[SSP]

I hate when people sneak up beside me and don't announce their presence. I've started yelling "Bike on my left" This seems to get their attention and a few have even apologized for not saying something when passing.

You might want to get a Take a Look mirror...with it, you'll rarely be surprised by the sudden appearance of a cyclist, car, etc.

[Halfast]

It's considered bad form, and dangerous, to be down on the aero bars when you're near other riders.
I was fully aware of this, and will comply. I do not want to crash either, and understand that control is very limited when "In the Bars".




You might want to get a Take a Look mirror...with it, you'll rarely be surprised by the sudden appearance of a cyclist, car, etc.

I have been using a helmet mirror since I started riding, won't be without one.


Once again thanks to all for the insight and hints.

[Hermes]

7. Remember, now that you're going faster and possibly passing other riders, you are not allowed to announce yourself and say anything resembling "passing on you left" or even acknowledge their presence.

SteveE: My wife and I started our Saturday ride at Edgewood and Canada (a favorite parking corner for cyclists) and a swarm of tri-athletes in team kits (~20) all with aerobars and some TT bikes congregate at the corner getting ready for an interval. We were on road bikes in AV kits and we started north to warm up into the wind and after reaching 92 planned to head south to Los Altos. For the next 10 minutes, we were passed by one areobar equipped bike after another:eek: , all were wearing jerseys without sleeves:eek: and no one announced their presence:p and seemed to enjoy passing us:( . They followed your rule. I was appreciative of the silence. I remembered our discussion the other day and pondered a way to answer the assault but we were outnumbered, into the wind and not warmed up.:rolleyes:

[CrossChain]

Hah! Up until a few years ago and the Lance inspired surge of cycling interest, it was not so common to see other cycling enthusiasts out on the road in my "hickish" area. To see someone was almost an excuse to slow or even stop and find out who they were. Bay Area riders, being as common as fleas on a trailer dog, do seem to ignore each other....almost like New Yorkers on the sidewalk. Maybe just too many waves to ride a straight line! Anyway, too bad that too many are too kool to socialize. As we've all observed, older riders are more relaxed about the whole thing....fewer hormones perhaps?

[SteveE]

SteveE: My wife and I started our Saturday ride at Edgewood and Canada (a favorite parking corner for cyclists) and a swarm of tri-athletes in team kits (~20) all with aerobars and some TT bikes congregate at the corner getting ready for an interval. After the Saturday B-Ride, I was all set to do a flat ride on Father's Day by heading up from Cupertino through Portola Valley and Woodside. However, the thought of riding up and back on Canada Road with all the folks on aerobars (not to mention kids and rollerbladers) proved too daunting for me, so I climbed Kings Mountain, headed north on Skyline, and descended Hwy 92, before returning via Canada Rd, instead. Not very many bikes tricked out with aerobars up in them thar hills! :)

[Red Rider]

I hate when people sneak up beside me and don't announce their presence. I've started yelling "Bike on my left" This seems to get their attention and a few have even apologized for not saying something when passing.

I'm following Velodiva's example and announcing who's on what side; Cap'n Chris seems to appreciate it, and it's a not-so-subtle reminder to the passer that they need to announce themselves. So far no one has apologized, in fact, they seem to think that's my job as stoker (wrong forum, I know, but I'm over 50, so WTH).

Last week in our surprisingly fast Thursday club ride we were attempting to paceline; as we were dropping back from the lead position a rogue rider came up between us and the paceline. Not only did he not announce, he bumped into Chris's elbow, causing our tandem to bobble; the stoker became excited (one, because she hates being passed; two, because she didn't see the bump and thought the captain was being flaky. Wrong!). That guy lost style points big-time -- too bad we never saw him again so the stoker could remediate his poor etiquette.

Rudeness chaps me worse than ill-fitting shorts. :mad:

[SSP]

I'm following Velodiva's example and announcing who's on what side; Cap'n Chris seems to appreciate it, and it's a not-so-subtle reminder to the passer that they need to announce themselves. So far no one has apologized, in fact, they seem to think that's my job as stoker (wrong forum, I know, but I'm over 50, so WTH).

Last week in our surprisingly fast Thursday club ride we were attempting to paceline; as we were dropping back from the lead position a rogue rider came up between us and the paceline. Not only did he not announce, he bumped into Chris's elbow, causing our tandem to bobble; the stoker became excited (one, because she hates being passed; two, because she didn't see the bump and thought the captain was being flaky. Wrong!). That guy lost style points big-time -- too bad we never saw him again so the stoker could remediate his poor etiquette.

Rudeness chaps me worse than ill-fitting shorts. :mad:

You were on a tandem, and you didn't run that MoFo down and chew him out??

Perhaps I have too short a fuse, but I'd turn myself inside out to catch that guy and read him the Riot Act.

[Red Rider]

You were on a tandem, and you didn't run that MoFo down and chew him out??

Perhaps I have too short a fuse, but I'd turn myself inside out to catch that guy and read him the Riot Act.

Your short fuse is no shorter than my Lycra bike shorts. Although this is billed as a no-drop ride, there are those who use the group to get ahead, and then keep going. This rude fellow was one of those. We never saw his sorry derrière for the rest of the ride, dagnabbit.

I'll recognize his gray goatee anywhere, and if he wears that black jersey with the orange cow head on it (hook 'em Horns!) I'll be sure kick some UT fanny all over the road. Grrrr! :mad:

[oilman_15106]

Last winter I was out on a good day and a guy trucking toward me with aero bars on a Mt. Bike!

[George]

I'm thinking of putting them on my bike, with all the wind we've been having. Right now I just put my forearms on the Ergon grips , but they are a little close. and to low, but it helps a lot.

[VegaVixen]

Go for it, George! You'll love 'em against the wind! :) But do get used to them first. A crosswind can be a little destabilizing when you're new to them.... :o

[will dehne]

Last winter I was out on a good day and a guy trucking toward me with aero bars on a Mt. Bike!

Could have been me. I have a hybrid with 700 x 38 tires and use aerobars. Going on WI R to T against a NW wind for 100 miles, only way to go.

[Halfast]

Well got the bars, put them on (no problems) and just did my first short test ride.

Observations:
No problems with::D
1. getting into or out of the bars 1 arm at a time.
2. steering around things in the road fairly quickly.
3. changing gears or braking getting right hand out of bars.
4 taking 90 degree turns
I think I have no handling problems due to my 45 years of motorcycle riding experience, and NEVER going down. Sold it before I did!!:)

Found the armrests to be a great place to rest hands when upright.

Problems with::(
1. shoulders/neck muscles feel tight from the extreme "looking up" position. I knew I would have this problem. I am 64 years old.
2. figuring out where to put the adjustments, arm rest back/forward, width, height, and tilt angle. Hope I can help problem 1. doing this properly.
3. Feels like I may have to move the saddle back a little, not sure.

Overall this is gonna be a fun experience for real cheap. These things (Forte T2) were $35 delivered on sale with .25 shipping!!

Hope they help me with my attempt at the Hotter n' Hell 100 mi.:eek: coming up in Aug.

Anybody got any setup/adjustment advice?

[Hermes]

Well got the bars, put them on (no problems) and just did my first short test ride.

Observations:
No problems with::D
1. getting into or out of the bars 1 arm at a time.
2. steering around things in the road fairly quickly.
3. changing gears or braking getting right hand out of bars.
4 taking 90 degree turns
I think I have no handling problems due to my 45 years of motorcycle riding experience, and NEVER going down. Sold it before I did!!:)

Found the armrests to be a great place to rest hands when upright.

Problems with::(
1. shoulders/neck muscles feel tight from the extreme "looking up" position. I knew I would have this problem. I am 64 years old.
2. figuring out where to put the adjustments, arm rest back/forward, width, height, and tilt angle. Hope I can help problem 1. doing this properly.
3. Feels like I may have to move the saddle back a little, not sure.

Overall this is gonna be a fun experience for real cheap. These things (Forte T2) were $35 delivered on sale with .25 shipping!!

Hope they help me with my attempt at the Hotter n' Hell 100 mi.:eek: coming up in Aug.

Anybody got any setup/adjustment advice?

I got mine put on at the LBS while the bike was on a stationary trainer. While i was cycling, an experienced guy looked at the position and the angles and made adjustments. I would then try out the settings and see how it felt. It took a couple of hours to fine tune.

[SSP]

Well got the bars, put them on (no problems) and just did my first short test ride.

Observations:
No problems with::D
1. getting into or out of the bars 1 arm at a time.
2. steering around things in the road fairly quickly.
3. changing gears or braking getting right hand out of bars.
4 taking 90 degree turns
I think I have no handling problems due to my 45 years of motorcycle riding experience, and NEVER going down. Sold it before I did!!:)

Found the armrests to be a great place to rest hands when upright.

Problems with::(
1. shoulders/neck muscles feel tight from the extreme "looking up" position. I knew I would have this problem. I am 64 years old.
2. figuring out where to put the adjustments, arm rest back/forward, width, height, and tilt angle. Hope I can help problem 1. doing this properly.
3. Feels like I may have to move the saddle back a little, not sure.

Overall this is gonna be a fun experience for real cheap. These things (Forte T2) were $35 delivered on sale with .25 shipping!!

Hope they help me with my attempt at the Hotter n' Hell 100 mi.:eek: coming up in Aug.

Anybody got any setup/adjustment advice?

In general, when mounting aero bars on a road bike, it's necessary to raise the seat a bit (5-10 mm, maybe more, maybe less), and move the seat forward a bit. This will get you a little more over the bars, and might help with the neck pain.