Road Cycling - Why Have Aerobars On A Road Bike?

I'm trying to decide whether or not to get aero bars for my bike. I would like the forward riding position for descents but would I be giving up anything (besides weight)?

They just bolt to the current road bars, correct?

I've never ridden with aero bars so I really don't know.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Your overall control is reduced - especially braking, etc. So you really can't use them while riding with a group. But when you are riding solo, they are great! Not only does it reduce the wind resistance, it is a comfortable position that is conducive to good pedal technique - at least for me....

Your overall control is reduced - especially braking, etc. So you really can't use them while riding with a group. But when you are riding solo, they are great! Not only does it reduce the wind resistance, it is a comfortable position that is conducive to good pedal technique - at least for me....

Hmmmmm, that is a good reason. I always ride solo. What about being able to keep your hands on the tops of the bars?

i don't think i'd want to use aero bars for a long, winding descent...just because of control issues. if your bars aren't super narrow (like, 40cm or less) you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping your hands on the tops...this would be assuming that you're looking to get aero bars with flip-up arm rests...

i don't think i'd want to use aero bars for a long, winding descent...just because of control issues. if your bars aren't super narrow (like, 40cm or less) you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping your hands on the tops...this would be assuming that you're looking to get aero bars with flip-up arm rests...

I was looking into getting the Syntace C2 bars. They don't flip up. I do a lot of riding with my hands on the top of the bars.

I use them because i have done some TT's. They were very useful in the TT's but i would never use them for a group ride. And yes, they do diminish the control of the bike, but when you're mashing the pedals in a stright line, there is really no need for a lot of control.

I have the clip on type, and they are very handy because i can put them on whenever i want. They are a nice "toy" and add another position for you but as for recomending them, unless you want to play around with them, or do TT's i would say they are worthless.

You can't race with them, so why bother putting them on your bike?

You can't race with them, so why bother putting them on your bike?

Comfort.

You can't race with them, so why bother putting them on your bike?

Unless you are doing a triathlon. Then if you don't have aero bars you are the odd man out and at a disadvantage. You gain about 1-2 mph (at least I did) by having them on. They do help.

Unless you are doing a triathlon. Then if you don't have aero bars you are the odd man out and at a disadvantage. You gain about 1-2 mph (at least I did) by having them on. They do help.

They're only (really) worth it if you do triathlons. But if you're looking for an excuse to buy them just because your buddy has it, looks cool, looks different or just to spend on a new cool toy then go ahead, make your day, because sounds like you're gonna get them anyway.

Corsaire ;)

Comfort.

What I'm saying is that if you can't race with them, then why rely on them for comfort. You need to train like you're going to race.

They're only (really) worth it if you do triathlons. But if you're looking for an excuse to buy them just because your buddy has it, looks cool, looks different or just to spend on a new cool toy then go ahead, make your day, because sounds like you're gonna get them anyway.

Corsaire ;)

I'm not really looking for an excuse to buy them. I was just looking for a new riding position and wanted to hear advantages / disadvantages, etc. I don't know anybody that has them but I saw a guy last week on a Litespeed Tri-bike and it looks comfortable.

I'm not going to get them.

Comfort.
Many riders, recreational and experienced, who are not very flexible find the aero position to be very uncomfortable.

I love mine. I have the Syntace C2 bars and it's a great extra position to have. I don't race, but do 60-100 miles regularly. It's great to be able to stretch out on them, and I also like to have the option of getting weight off my hands and wrists. You do have less control on them, but as long as you are cautious, I think they are a great addition.

What I'm saying is that if you can't race with them, then why rely on them for comfort. You need to train like you're going to race.

Ohh, I didn't think CRSO was using it as a racing prep, because nothing about racing was mentioned (I haven't seen other posts or threads by this user though)


Many riders, recreational and experienced, who are not very flexible find the aero position to be very uncomfortable.

So? Some find it comfortable. Maybe CRSO does. I was just giving one possibility.

I love mine. I have the Syntace C2 bars and it's a great extra position to have. I don't race, but do 60-100 miles regularly. It's great to be able to stretch out on them, and I also like to have the option of getting weight off my hands and wrists. You do have less control on them, but as long as you are cautious, I think they are a great addition.

That's exactly what I was looking for. To get weight off my hands & wrists. I'll probably wait until I can either find a used pair or try out someone's.

That's exactly what I was looking for. To get weight off my hands & wrists. I'll probably wait until I can either find a used pair or try out someone's.


would it totally defeat areo bars wind cutting ability if they were made with the elbow rests angled out a little? also, why don't you just put break levers on the end of them?

There are two uses of aerobars, one is to get more aerodynamic, and the other is to get more comfortable. You can place aerobars according to which is more important.
You dont need to to set them really low and stretched out, like a time triallist. Many tourists use them (esp on MTB bars), to provide an option for long hauls.
By placing your elbows close tgether, you can rsignificantly reduce the parachute effect, without having to get down low.

Isn't this great....Okay, so if you're not going to race they why have them...comfort isn't important......

If you're not going to race comfort is a big factor because then you are cycling for health/enjoyment! So the question is: are they comfortable. For some people yes, for some people no? (I've never met anyone who didn't like them) When you try them it will take some time to get used to the position, and you will probably want to try changing angles, etc. until you find what works for you

So? Some find it comfortable. Maybe CRSO does. I was just giving one possibility.

CRSO's never tried one.... he may find it uncomfortable after purchasing one..... ;)

I, too, am interested in aerobars and would like the extra position for comfort and not racing. But I'm apprehensive about shelling about $100+ to "find out if I like it." I'd like to think I would.

I'm just getting into cycling and find that as I do more 50+ mile rides that I want to stretch out and pedal. I feel too bunched up -- not relaxed -- in the drops. For long, straight stretches of road, I think the extra position would be helpful. (Of course, I'd have to ditch my handlebar bag...)

:o This reminds me of the film camera/digital camera debate of a few years ago...
Will they be comfortable for you? Get out somewhere where you have a nice strait away with no hazzards and stretch out with your forearms on your top bar, are you comfortable? Are you close to comfortable? A Syntace C2 will have your forearms an inch to two inches higher than resting on the topbar depending on your setup. Believe me, if your flexible enough to use them you will love them.

Can you ride on the top? Yes, you can't ride on top within' two inches of the stem, but even better, Syntace was smart enough to put finger grooves on the bottom of the forearm rests so you can ride even more upright if you want to. You grab them from the top and wrap your fingers around, fits perfect. This is actually one of my favorite features of the C2. When doing big climbs you can really sit up, open your chest, and breath. This position also gives you a better pedaling position to 'heel down' and use your glutes during a climb, giving your quads a nice break occasionally, my results, 1 to 2 mph better on sustained climbs as well with aero bars because of better climbing position. Really long climb? You can get on the bars and 'toe' it as well, even better. Your back muscles and butt will also appreciate the more upright position to help relieve discomfort that plagues long distance riding. Syntace's forearm rests are also adjustable, you can alter the lateral position by over 4cm each.

Will you loose control? Go out and measure the greatest degree of turn you place on your handlebars at 20mph, it ain't much, these turns are made with your body, not your bars, though you will be a bit wobbly on them for a couple days to a couple weeks while you refine your bodies training to make these minute shifts. Unless you opt for bar end brakes you will now be a major body movement away from your brakes. Aero bars require you to use your brain and position yourself accordingly. Technical descents require you in the drops or hoods, not on the bars, if you get lazy you will pay for it, simple as that. Congested bike trails? What do you think? Pace line? Only the guy pulling or you won't be in that pace line long.

Bottom line. If you ride routinely over 50 miles in non-congested areas, aerobars can offer you significant enhancements to your ride and are well worth the money. Less than that, do what trips your trigger, it's your money.

If you're going to buy...and you have an oversized bar go here...TriSports (http://www.trisports.com/syntace.html), this is the only place I know that sells the 31.8 conversion kit which you HAVE to have!!! Their prices aren't bad either.

I installed aerobars (Profile Airstryke) a couple years ago. This was primarily because I was preparing for a triathlon. However, I've found that I enjoy them for many kinds of riding. When I'm out on long solo rides, it's nice to get into a good aero position on the flats, and eke out a few extra mph. Also, I LOVE them when I have a big headwind. The Airstrykes don't get in the way, so I leave them on when I'm going on group rides. They're good on group rides when I'm doing a nice hard pull at the front. Or if I get dropped, and end up by myself. :D

I've been toying with the idea of getting some aerobars for my tour (only 700 or so miles). But they would probably be nice for commuting too. I commute on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina so when I'm going downhill for a stretch that would be pretty sweet. Thanks for the info everyone. Peace.

I have the OVAL Concepts A700 Slam Bar, and I love them! They do take some getting use to, but in time they are just like home. I don't ride in them all the time. I use them for wind, and when I wan't to go fast, they do make a difference, both in comfort and speed.
Do a search on the Slam riding style. It is made for a bike with a more traditonal road bike geometery. I find it very comfortable.

Theres a general rule of thumb at most bike shops that within 30 days 90% of those who buy an aerobar setup will be back to have it removed, and it holds pretty true.

Theres a general rule of thumb at most bike shops that within 30 days 90% of those who buy an aerobar setup will be back to have it removed, and it holds pretty true.

Ah, I didn't know that. So I shouldn't get one?

What kind of bike shop are you going to?

What kind of bike shop are you going to?

I get my parts either online or from a friend's shop and do the work myself. I was just being sarcastic above. :)

I get my parts either online or from a friend's shop and do the work myself. I was just being sarcastic above. :)

I was actually meaning seely. Wonder what kind of shop he frequents that 90% of the people with aero bars get them taken off.

I was actually meaning seely. Wonder what kind of shop he frequents that 90% of the people with aero bars get them taken off.

Ah, good point. I'd like to hear that also.

Ah, good point. I'd like to hear that also.
i think he works in the shop.

i think he works in the shop.

ummmmm, no.

I loved aeros, I'm actually putting a pair on my new road bike however I do plan to do a few tris this summer so its a little more understandable. Really, I think its personal like many things on a bike. By the way, search classifieds, I found a decent pair of clip ons for a mere $30 shipped that will do the job, I suggest this before investing in a $125 pair of bars.