rhenness

I need some advice on whether I can really make my Bianchi Volpe do it all. I use it for recreational rides, during which I usually tow my kids in a Chariot trailer. For this use, the aftermarket inline cyclocross brake levers are great.

Next year, I want to do a century and maybe some other races (to complete, not really compete), and my road racing friends tell me aerobars are a must. Do you think I have a shot at finding aerobars that would be compatible with the bar-top brake levers? Any leads would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

TallRider

Aerobars usually take away the hands-on-bar-tops position, so it would make more sense to remove the levers if you're going with an aerobar. Some aerobars have fold-down armrest pads, like the Profile Airstryke, and would allow you the best of all worlds.
But while aero bars are nice for long-distance, I don't think that they're essential. Unless you want to ride the Century as a time trial. Otherwise, just mix up your hand positions.

operator

I would've expected them to tell you that they are unecessary, especially given that they are racers.

rhenness

Thanks for the replies. My friends just got into racing in the past year, so they're only slightly less new to this than me, but they both encouraged the aerobars pretty strongly for the century ride. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes. Thanks again.

stickydpaul

cyclocross frame geometries aren't made for aerobars. If you want to end up too far forward on the bike, cutting off your breathing, then that's your option. That notwithstanding, the above poster is right, you could just remove the bar top levers when you want to use the aerobars, if you don't mind recabling the brakes everytime.