Good points that you make there. BTW, I have used my Syntace C2 aero bars on my Merlin, but it was only for when I was riding by myself. Actually, I found that I saw up the road better while in the aero position than when I was riding in the drops. They do provide comfort and alternative hand positions, and for while riding by myself, they were fine. My average speed did increase a little bit but it was really just for fun and for my own amusement. They were clip ons and of course, my Merlin did not have a TT bike geometry so my position was compromised some.
Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
To the OP, this is very much a minority view.
I think most road cyclists do find aerobars to not handle well on descents, climbs and winding roads. Moreover, the vast majority of road cyclists find them to be inappropriate for riding a century in a group setting. If you put them on you only want to use them riding solo, which will limit their utility.
Also most people find that aerobars (at least aerobars set up in a truly aero position) are not very comfortable. And if you want to get the aerobars dialed in, it tends to alter your fit when not in the aerobars.
You also need to consider that riding with aerobars in an aero position will tend to limit your vision riding in traffic on open roads.
IMHO, aerobars are best reserved for time trials, triathlons, and training for such.
Some people do like them for road riding, and as long as you don't use them around others that's fine. But I think you'll find the majority of road riders don't.
And FWIW, I'm fairly well accustomed to riding with aerobars, having done so since 1990, and having won a few time trials.