Road Cycling - TT/Tri Handlebar Recommendations

Hi,

I’m strongly considering changing my handlebar/aero bar to the Profile Design Airwing TT Handlebar (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=4980)/with aerobars (http://www.profile-design.com/splitsecond.html) , actually changing the setup to a TT/Tri bike.

What I’m asking you for help/comments is, how comfortable in the long rides/hills/handles/etc… are this handlebar. I rode a Giant with a time-trial setup, and I love the look and feel, but was in a short ride.

Your opinions and recommendation will be appreciated.


Thanks…

Nobody?

patience......

I have my Allez Elite configured with Syntace Bullhorns and C2 Aerobars (I feel the bend in them give a couple of extra hand positions when riding aero). The nice thing about this kind of setup is that when riding up on the bullhorns, you're about in the same exact position as you would be if riding on your hoods with traditional road bars (where most people seem to ride anway) plus you have the added position afforded by the aerobars. I've ridden 50 miles and find myself being perfectly comfortable. You may want to start out using a riser kit on your aero bars until you get used to getting tucked way down comfortably. For me it helped ease into a very aggressive position. You may need to adjust your seat as well. Your man-grapes may have something to say about the traditional nose-up position of your seat when tucked in an aero position. Also, you may benefit from moving your seat a little forward and just a little higher. I have my seat setup somewhere between traditional road geometry and what would be considered a traditional tri-setup and found to make a very noticable difference in my speed and endurance.

When I have the Trek 5200 in tri setup, I use Syntace clip-ons and a Profile forward seatpost. I also change my saddle from a traditional Selle road seat to a Specialized Body Geometry because it has a lot more padding and a softer nose. I prefer to race tris in unpadded shorts.

If I could justify the expense, I'd love to go with a more integrated set-up but this works just fine: I had one of the fastest bike splits in my age group in last summer's "A" race.

both sets of these bars run apx $300
also there is a set called 3T A Hero but it is not a one peice bar, that runs for apx $200
I have both a one peice and the 3T A Hero bars and they both feel the same (very comfy)
You wont be doing a century on you TT bike will you???
These bars are designed for TT's. You can change positions but that defeats the purpose, if you ride in the open position with your hands on the outer bar or on the upper wing you are not as aero.

When I have the Trek 5200 in tri setup, I use Syntace clip-ons and a Profile forward seatpost. I also change my saddle from a traditional Selle road seat to a Specialized Body Geometry because it has a lot more padding and a softer nose. I prefer to race tris in unpadded shorts.

If I could justify the expense, I'd love to go with a more integrated set-up but this works just fine: I had one of the fastest bike splits in my age group in last summer's "A" race.

doesn't that put a lot of weight on the front wheel?

doesn't that put a lot of weight on the front wheel?

Yup. Handling is changed significantly. It's basically for straight-ahead running. If you've got a course with a lot of climbing or cornering, you're better off with a standard road set up.

I prefer to race tris in unpadded shorts.

Why??

Because bike shorts feel funny on the swim and during the run, they can be a real pain in the butt. Figuratively and literally.