Road Cycling - Who uses aero bars on road bikes

i am thinking of getting a pair of aero bars to use occasionally, does anyone use them? can anyone suggest a pair. i was looking at these here:

check out the profile and the itm bars. Wait what am I saying. Go to ebay and see if you can get some like 150 dollar bars for like 50 to 60 bucks. Ebay rules!!!!

q: who uses aero bars on road bikes?

a: (1) people who put them on for specific time-trial events and then take them off right afterward.

a: (2) people who do not ride in groups.

I think that most aero bars designed for ordinary road bikes require you to be very flexible to achieve that low stretched out position. Unless you can comfortably hold that position for a long time, I think these gadgets are a waste of money and darn right uncomfortable. They're fine for TT's.

George

I like the spinacissimi myself - small and effective. But what I really wish for is this:

http://www.assosusa.com/Deda_Elementi.htm

But the price is way too prohibitive. I do love the mini aero bar set up.

55/Rad

I think that most aero bars designed for ordinary road bikes require you to be very flexible to achieve that low stretched out position. Unless you can comfortably hold that position for a long time, I think these gadgets are a waste of money and darn right uncomfortable. They're fine for TT's.

George

Remember how hard it was and how uncomfortable it was when you first started riding in the drops? Now its probably second nature for you. Aerobars are no different, in fact I think the versatility adds to your comfort over a long ride.

I think that most aero bars designed for ordinary road bikes require you to be very flexible to achieve that low stretched out position. Unless you can comfortably hold that position for a long time, I think these gadgets are a waste of money and darn right uncomfortable. They're fine for TT's.

George

Have you ever tried aero bars? I have a pair of Syntace aero bars that are on my bike about half the time (mostly when I'm doing a lot of solo riding). I've found them to be very comfortable, even when first using them. I'm reasonably flexible, but at age 51, I'm no human pretzel :).

FWIW, I've seen them used by cross-country touring cyclists as a comfortable way to pass the miles, especially across long flat stretches where the wind is blowing. As an added benefit, they provide around a 1-3 mph speed boost whenever I get down on them.

On the hoods = 18mph
In the Drops = 20mph
On the Aeros = 22mph

I love mine, but most of my riding is in training for tris. I stay out of them when in traffic, but I love my C2s.

I don't use them myself, not designed for my style of bike......but whenever I do see another rider using them I concider them to be free game. If you are going to use them to get fast.....you better be fast.

I do not use them in groups unless I'm leading a paceline as you cannot easily access brakes or shifters. Alone I use them alot or if I'm breaking away. They are good for an extra two miles an hour or so. Tough on the jewels though.

Jim

Areo bars are cool. I love the position because it's very comfortable for my back. It reminds me of an extended Yoga stretch. You've got to be careful though - the handing is not as steady as the handlebars.

Once you get used to them they are very comfortable. Not good for groups or high traffic, but after a couple of hours in the saddle or with much wind....they are worth every penny!

Howdy from Tucson!
Have used the older model Cinelli Spinaci bars on my Merlin and like them. I am 71 years old and find them comfortable. They're great with head and crosswinds and they can add 2 mph on your speed. Not recommended in group rides but have used 'em successfully in time trials and in the Senior Olympics.
Picked mine up at a bike swap meet in Tucson for $10; brand new retail: $99. A good investment!

Add me to the list of aerobar users. I just like the added hand and body positions, plus the speed increase. I agree with the others a) they take getting used to b) they're not for all conditions/rides.

Mine are Profile Airstrykes.

The bike I just purchased from Ebay has them..I have not used them yet. I will report back later. :D I hope to like 'em tho...

Good for practicing time trialing or trying to look like a tri geek...er...athelete. Nice if you're looking to do lots of miles solo but not so useful for race training (TTs excluded), use them in a group and I hope someone smacks ya :)

We're back to the violence against aerobar users again lol.

I love mine. They rock! I live out in the country and most of the time I ride solo on open roads with little traffic. They are the best for getting out of the wind or to rest on the bike while maintaining speed. They could be dangerous however in groups, but thankfully during group rides I have not had anyone yell at me or refuse to ride near me because I have them on my bike; lets face it a good rider should know when to use them and when not to.

We as cyclists watch each others backs and riding safely is part of that lifestyle (not including you Mtn. Bikers; you folks are just plain nuts ;) ).

Mini aero bars were banned by the UCI for massed start racing, due to problems with control in an aggressive peleton, and injury caused by sticky-outy bits.
For time trialling/solo riding and touringthey are good. You can use clip-on bars to make yourself more aerodynamic, or to get more comfortable.
They are also popular with MTB riders who want to roadify their machines for touring.

Add me to the list of aerobar users who like them as an another position available during long rides. I find it helps greatly to be able to have several alternatives.

I use profile airstrykes, which have flipdown armrests. They rattle a bit, and Profile has had to do a minor redesign to correct problem with pins that hold the armrests in place.

But I like the aero position and especially like the flipdown armrests that pivot out of the way so you can still ride the bartops.

Obviously, there is somewhat less control when you are in aero position. Common sense and courtesy dictate when it is appropriate and when it's now.

On long solo rides, aero is great. In a pack, it's probably best to stay off of them.

Count me in! :)

I just started riding clip-ons about 1 month ago. You will have a hard time getting them away from me now, because of how good they work. I find I'm not quite as nimble on them, but not a lot less control. I think the worst thing about using them in a group ride would be not being able to get to the brakes soon enough.

BTW. I use the Oval Concepts Slam bars. These let you ride in a more natural road bike posture while still letting you get out of the wind. If you are a big guy like me, 48cm across the shoulders, you just can't get too narrow! ;)

Every serious group I've ever riden with would never allow aero bars. The reason? If you're using them because you're getting ready for a time trial you wouldn't be riding with a group. And no serious rider/racer with good group skills would ever have them on their bike.

Unless you TT, aero bars are just stupid and unnecessary.

With the fit of my first bicycle, I felt I would have been most comfortable if I had aero-bars. (the position felt right)

Every serious group I've ever riden with would never allow aero bars. The reason? If you're using them because you're getting ready for a time trial you wouldn't be riding with a group. And no serious rider/racer with good group skills would ever have them on their bike.

Unless you TT, aero bars are just stupid and unnecessary.

Spoken like a "serious" snob...or, perhaps you're just trolling?

"Seriously", what kind of group is so snobby as to not allow someone in just because they've got aero bars mounted? I can understand not wanting someone in a paceline who is on the bars, but just because they're on the bike what's the problem with that?

I wouldn't have 600+ posts if I were a troll.

Aero bars were/are seen as the sign of a rider who spends too much time riding alone and not enough time in a group. If the group knew that he was a racer preparing for a time trial, then that was a different situation.

Seriously.

I wouldn't have 600+ posts if I were a troll.

Aero bars were/are seen as the sign of a rider who spends too much time riding alone and not enough time in a group. If the group knew that he was a racer preparing for a time trial, then that was a different situation.

Seriously.

I would agree if you add in the factor of unsafe for close group riding...

The way it was explained to me was that any rider is welcome to join the group but his aero bars are not. I understood it as not a snob thing but a safety thing.

You're probably right.

It was a pretty serious group though and those without really solid group riding skills were quickly weeded out. Lots of Cat. 2 and 3 riders not interested in looking at all the pretty scenery.

I highly recommend the Ironman Aerostryke bars. These bars are by far the most adjustable and therefore able to fit any body type to any bike. If someone says they are not comfortable in the bars than they are not properly fit to them.

I agree that the aero position is not safe in a group pace line (unless you are the lead)-- but if you are riding alone-- or if you drop from the pack-- these bars are great.

They will take a ride or two to adjust to but once you do there is no going back.

On the hoods = 18mph
In the Drops = 20mph
On the Aeros = 22mph

I love mine, but most of my riding is in training for tris. I stay out of them when in traffic, but I love my C2s.

My aero bars were the best things I put on my bike! ;)

Every serious group I've ever riden with would never allow aero bars. The reason? If you're using them because you're getting ready for a time trial you wouldn't be riding with a group. And no serious rider/racer with good group skills would ever have them on their bike.

Unless you TT, aero bars are just stupid and unnecessary.


It sure is easy to spot narrow minded people!

I'm thinking of getting a pair of Cinelli Spinaci's. Are they easy to install/remove, or do I have to take off my bar tape and levers to do that?

I think that most aero bars designed for ordinary road bikes require you to be very flexible to achieve that low stretched out position. Unless you can comfortably hold that position for a long time, I think these gadgets are a waste of money and darn right uncomfortable. They're fine for TT's.

George

Just the opposite for me. I find the aero bars to be extremely comfortable. No more numb hands. I usually remove them immediately after a TT but left them on for a long ride the day after the last one. If they weren't so heavy, I'd love to have them all the time. I believe the added comfort is as much a factor in speed increase as reduced drag. Interesting fact: my max speed was the same on downhills with and without the aero bars.

I do a fair bit of my riding, well the majority of it actually, solo and have thought of getting a set to help increase my average speed and fight the wind. One question I have though is where do you put your hands when you climb? Agreed, I don't have too many climbs where I live but I do have a few on my route and I like to put my hands on the bars exactly in the spot where the clip-on bars would attach. How do you handle that? I'd forgo the aeros if it meant having to give up that hand position.

We have a decent enough Sunday group and a few of the riders have aero bars. Nobody says boo to them because they know when to use them and when to not. I can see them being dangerous in a race, but in a group ... so long as you have the brains on when to use them and when to not, I don't see the problem.

I love mine, but most of my riding is in training for tris. I stay out of them when in traffic, but I love my C2s.

i'd second that... i love my C2.... so comfortable... plus it helps me distributes the pressures through out and not just at one point.

I love my aero bars. I got a pair of Profiles on eBay for only ten bucks. They really help me relax on long rides. With no pressure on my arms, I can focus on my legs. They're great!
By the way, I love that posting 600 messages on an internet forum makes someone a better rider. The guy seemed to forget that some people ride to enjoy themselves, not duke it out in dominance heirarchies.