Triathlon - Aero Bars on a road bike

I have a 59 cm Lemond and need some aero bars. It's going to be a few years before I buy a proper TT bike, so clip-on bars seem the most logical thing to do in the meantime.

Any suggestions/advice? I've tried using the search function on the forum but couldn't find pertinent info in the dozen+ threads I read.

Thanks! :)

um I am pretty sure there is pertinent info in the dozen+ threads on this, I have written the same thing in about five of them.
Buy a set of aerobars that you like (such as the Profile T2+),
you should consider a forward seatpost (such as the profile fast forward) in order to actually have the aero position, don't use the bars if you are not going at least around 20 mi/h, above that use them as much as you can.
What else could you possibly want?

Another option would be to use some short reach aerobars. Profile makes the Jammer GT and FSA/Vision makes one too. You won't get as aero, but you can get by without the forward seatpost. I would say using the aerobars is beneficial at any speed as long as it is safe. Stay off the bars in close proximity to others and any time sudden braking may be a possibility.

\I would say using the aerobars is beneficial at any speed as long as it is safe.

10 mi/h up a big hill-NO!

aerobars close your hip angle, 20 mi/h is the crossover (on slight hills/flats) where the aero benefit outweighs the loss of power, also if you are breathing heavily, the aero position closes up your chest, making it more difficult to breathe, thus losing power and stamina.

also short reach vs long reach does not make a difference in weather or not you will use a forward seat post. if you want to be aero, seatpost+aerobars will make you aero, if you want to be sorta-aero, aerobars alone are fine, but close your hips more. get the long reach, seatpost is optional, but highly recommended.

there is a nice sticky at the top of this forum

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=554877

um I am pretty sure there is pertinent info in the dozen+ threads on this, I have written the same thing in about five of them.
Buy a set of aerobars that you like (such as the Profile T2+),
you should consider a forward seatpost (such as the profile fast forward) in order to actually have the aero position, don't use the bars if you are not going at least around 20 mi/h, above that use them as much as you can.
What else could you possibly want?

Awesome.

Thanks for the snarky reply.

Perhaps you should try doing a search for "aero bars" on this forum and try to put yourself in a position that know relatively nothing about time trialing or cycling in a triathlon before answering next time.

Anyway, I was barely above a 20 mph average this past weekend during the 12 mile leg of the sprint I did this past weekend. I was 24-25 on the way out but on the way back was 17-18 as the grade was generally uphill and into a headwind that had picked up as I headed out. Was probably 10-15 mph headwind. I know I would have benefited greatly with a more aero setup, but I don't want to just start throwing random crap on my bike and learn by trial and error. I'm hoping the experience represented in the users of this forum can lead me toward a general direction of what I should be looking for.

You're welcome for the snark, and remember that I was there too, (about a year ago).
I like the T2+. Forward seatpost is an advantage i wish i had. another couple of bits of advise: Wear tight clothes, buy an aero helmet. thats pretty much what you do though, throw a random pair of aero bars on and start training. (it's not actually a terrible switch, just takes a little getting used too.)

Dr. Pete has posts and experience on this topic. I added some to my bike and have found a good benefit in those headwind situations.

i got a whole set up. base bar, aero bars, tt brake levers and d/a shifters that i put on my road bike. loved the way it road, just wanted a tri bike. its all for sale if your interested let me know.