To Clip On Aero Bar or Not to Clip On Aero Bar....That is the question
 

I am planning on doing the 160ish mile RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) Ride in 2012. My longest ride to date is a 63 mile local charity ride. I am in my 2nd season of quasi-serious road riding.

Would it be a good idea to get a set of clip on aero bars for my road bike or should I just suck it up and use what I have on my road bike?

I'd say just keep on riding for now, and as you get into some longer rides, see what you think then.

On the flip side, that's a long way off. If you get them now you'll have plenty of time to get yourself used to them before your big ride. If you don't like them you don't need to keep them on the bike. Aero bars are kind of a personal choice as long as the ride you are doing allows them. There are lots of advantages to using them as well as some disadvantages. I love them for long distance riding but have no qualms about riding without them.

I go back and forth on this. I have a set (profile designs "jammer" bars - shorter reach than regular clip on aero bars) on one bike to provide additional hand positions during a long ride more than for aerodynamic improvements. Came in handy on last year's century rides. I've noticed that when I do spend a lot of time on the bars, I'd prefer a different saddle position; so depending on where you prefer to keep your hands, what's comfortable on the drop bars may not work on the aero bars and visa-versa. My other road bike does not have aero bars and I am probably keeping it that way for now. I'll know better by the end of September which I prefer at century distances.

Keep in mind that ideally, if you're going to use aero bars -- especially for longer periods -- then you want a position that works and feels comfortable when in the bars and hoods etc. A fitting session is likely required.

I did RAIN 6 times. Luckily, I live in a much better state now. ;)

Aero bars aren't really necessary. You're better off training to where you can ride in a good paceline. That will save you a ton more time than aero bars would. That's the best part about RAIN- there are a lot of fast guys out there and you can suck wheel for 160 miles if you want to.

So, you're "that guy!"

I'd never do a century or longer without my aerobars. Way too comfortable to pass up. I kept my saddle in the exact same position as always so that my hoods/drops are still perfect. I've not noticed much saddle related discomfort on the aerobars, so I got lucky there.

As for the comment about "sucking wheel" for 160mi...no thanks! Much bigger accomplishment to actually ride the 160mi yourself. Might as well get an electric bicycle if you dont want to put in the effort.