bt

for 100 mile rides or no? I had some on for my last 100 miler but only used them for about ten minutes of the ride and noticed no one else had them. should I ditch them or what?? Will I eventually want them?

jinws

ditch them. most people with aerobars on their road bike scare me.

Flak

Unless you're a TT guy or a triathlete, ditch em.

ted ward

They are tri-geek paraphernalia and we will shun you (and yell at you). Allowable only on TT bikes.

Hummeth

If you don't want them can I have them? I'm looking to do a tri this summer.

Tequila Joe

I did a couple solo centuries with clp-on aero bars. It was nice to have the extra position.
I would never use them if I was riding in a group.

CdCf

Great for solo riding. Not great at all in a group (so don't do it).

I will ride solo entirely this year, so I'll use it a lot on my longer rides. Wonderful to have a relaxed position like that to alternate with, and the fact that it usually helps you go faster doesn't hurt!

mattm

definitely ditch 'em - i pass people in the "aero tuck" (using aero bars) going 18mph on a downhill all the time... people just assume that those bars will give them speed, but forget about actually turning those pedals faster! that and they're dangerous in a pack, unless you've got brakes on 'em.

i've never used them, and the only time i would is in a time trial.

Pablo.

The general agreement is that aerobars are for freds. While true, if they help you ride a solo century more comfortably, use them.

EivlEvo

No one is allowed to ride aero bars on our group rides unless you are part of our TTT team.

Even if you are a part of our TTT team the only time you would have them on is when you're doing a practice with the rest of the TTT team. Not on a group ride.

CdCf

Well, perhaps I'm extremely unaero in my normal positions, but I cruise between 2-3 mph faster for the same effort, compared to riding in the drops.

ILUVUK

I've done exactly one century. I had clip-on aerobars at the time..ones that were fixed in the down position. While the "extra" position was nice, I had to give up the top of the bars, or at least the most comfortable part. If you have the kind with flip up armrests, then you may want to keep them for centuries. I've taken mine off as I've found that I go about as fast in the drops as I did in the aerobar position.

tobycat

I do a solo, non stop century every year for time and I use aero bars for that ride and a few times leading up to the ride to get used to the position. That's it then, back in the closet for another year.

Mobilegroomer

I have used clip on aero bars for years. I'm old enough and secure enough with my cycling ability to not care if it's "Fred" or not. I use them mainly because I am comfortable on them. I use them 80-90% of the time when riding solo. In groups, I don't use them. And yes, they do increase your speed which is an added benefit. I have never had anyone comment on my use of them and I've never felt out of place using them. No one yells at me and my club lets me ride with them. If you like them, use them. Who cares if an insecure butthead thinks you're a Fred. Nod your head as you blow on by him!

merlinextraligh

aerobars are for time trials. If you're planning on time trialing a century by yourself, you might consider using them.

People will say they make you faster, and they're more comfortable. In my experience, either can be true, but not both. A proper set up to go fast with aerobars is not very comfortable particularly for a 100 mile ride.

Conversely,you often see certain tourist types with the aerobars so high, they're not faster than a good postion in the drops. This may be comfortable but its not fast.

And you have the safety problem. Not only do you have handling and braking issues, a good aero position in aero bars is not conducive to seeing everything around you. Not aporblem on a closed TT course. But a big problem on a crowded century ride with riders of vastly different abilities.

CyclingEff

Same here, aerobars are good. I just started using mine again, since I took them off a few months ago. Boy, I'm glad I started using them again, even though it adds a pound to my bikes weight. It increased my average speed 1-1.5 mph.

Mobilegroomer

Two things: In my experience, most centuries are not "crowded" once you get out on the open road. THAT is when you use the bars. (Maybe I don't ride in "crowded" centuries because I'm on my aero bars flying past everyone ) Obviously, it is not safe to use them when it is "crowded". The other thing is that there are many different styles companies like Profile Design make. Some are strictly designed for TT use while others are designed primarily for road use. They're not for everyone, but I wouldn't want to ride without them.

R900

Many people around here use them both rec and Tri riders. I finally bought a set for my beater, and have used them a bit, maybe even in a couple TT's if the weather breaks. They seem to work well, but I think they are heavy, and you can often get a break by resting your forearms on a regular handlebar if needed. I doubt I would swap out the carbon handlebar on my good bike to add aero bars.

RT

I beg to differ. On my centuries, it gives me more hand positions. Of course, I have a road-worthy MTB, but still - I can't imagine 100 miles without them.

Bike enthusiast

I couldn't live without aerobars tell you the truth... All three of my road bikes will have them... I just can't stand a couple of positions on long rides..... The aerobars help rest my hands (pressure on forearms) and utilize different muscle groups in the legs (well, at least that's what I was told).

recursive

Nothing wrong with them on a solo ride.

Flak

Just stay out of them when riding in a group. Simple.

uciflylow

The only reason NOT to use them is if you don't know how and when to use them! When in a pace line, stay OFF them! When pulling it's OK, when solo it's OK. How ever, I am secure in my handling skills!

ps If you arn't secure in what other people think of you, get some baggy shorts and a baggy shirt to ride in.