wphamilton

I have a halfbaked idea of making a DIY clip-on aerobar, thinking 1/4" steel rod, hooks and strap, basically just to see how I liked it. The plus is that it will only take an hour or two and cost about $6. But before jumping into that I have a question for experienced aerobar users: how important is stiffness for the aero bar? Do you ever pull on them, (up, or back) or is it basically just a place to put your hands and still be able to steer?

Not for a triathlon, just posting here because you guys would know.

andr0id

Going hard, you will pull upward on them. That is pulling up on the front and driving elbows into the pads.
If not securely attached at the handlebars, they will rotate up.

Likewise, going over a bump can knock them up or down depending on where the weight is at the moment.

wphamilton

So a simple steel hook would probably be insufficient you think, even assuming you prevented it from rotating more than a few degrees?

fietsbob

The Aero is Mostly You Bending way Over Low.

My Past rig Put a Fairing Bubble in front to do the aero, then the aerobar rig was High and close and I took weight off my hands .

wphamilton

Not really my question Bob, but thanks anyway. I'm wondering if quarter inch rod would be too bendy.

fietsbob

probably ... how about an EMT conduit Bender and Aluminum tubing, instead?

Obree style .. just fold you arms against your chest , straight Bar with little T Bar ends to hold onto.

cvskates

The force on the aerobars depends on use: For triathlon (particularly longer races), they are more a place to rest your hands / rest your elbows (efficient riders will be able to relax their upper body and the elbow pads support most of their upper body weight). Pure time trialists will pull upwards on the bars while they pedal because the force they're exerting.

Having said all that, you might be surprised how cheap you can find used aerobars for.

wphamilton

Tubing may be too hard to deal with, having no special tools. I might salvage the idea by beefing up a clamp and adding a brace. The lever arm from handlebars to end is only about a foot right?

wphamilton

That's the answer, and I'm guessing probably even more when you head uphill.

OldTryGuy

Some times I'm a yanking on the bars and some times not. Goes both ways up hill. I was passing riders without much pressure when climbing sections of Hogpen Gap last year during Six Gap while in my low gear. IMO, even a little movement can be uncool.

Brian25

How about borrowing someones tri bike, and seeing if you like the aero bars.

OldTryGuy

Test riding a tri bike is NOT like riding a road bike equipped with aero bars. MUCH different handling characteristics. I feel like I am riding a Lazy Boy when on the aero bars on my Propel, but riding a tri bike.....

texaspandj

I've only used this style since 1988. And here is 1988 triathlete of the year Mike Pigg on his centurion Ironman showing us how to properly use them. They definitely give a little especially in the aero position but not enough to cause concern, just enough to be comfortable.