Unless you have incredible flexibility however, you really can't set up Aerobars where they are both comfortable (perhaps tolerable, but not comfortable) and Aerodynamic.

This is not comfortable:

This is not aero

My bet is that most everyone that says they use aerobars to have another, or more comfortable position, has the bars set to a point they are not very aerodynamic, probably less aerodynamic than simply in the drops.


Moreover, aerobars on a road bike have a number of problems:

1. Loss of hand position on the tops. (or you get really ugly clunky popup style pads)

2. Your postion is thrown too far forward, alrtering balance.

3. You need to adjust your seat position, which isn't very effective if the plan is to just be in the aerobars as an occassional break.

4. They put you in a position where it is much more difficult to see what's going on around you traffic wise.

5. They're heavy.

6. They're not safe in a group.


If you feel that you must have aerobars on your road bike, look for the "Slam" style bars from Oval Concepts, or Profile, that are shorter, and can be adjusted back further, to address the road bike fit issues.