revchuck 

A reminder for those who haven't read my posts here before - first year racer.

My coach wants me to set up one of my bikes as a TT bike. Buying a dedicated TT bike is not an option at this point. I told her that I could swing aero bars, and I realize that this would probably require a fitting. The bike I'll probably use is my '87 Centurion Ironman, which I've converted to STIs and current stem and bars, since it was originally marketed as a tri bike and for some reason is lower than my modern bikes...plus it's got a cool paint job. The only mechanical change I'd make is to switch the 12-26 cassette to a 12-23, so I can get the 16t cog (it's a nine speed).

Before I go the aero bar route, is searching for and using Cane Creek speed bars a viable option? It sounds like it would just be too easy to do. I did a search, and all the posts I found referenced using the speed bars in mass start races. I didn't see a mention of using them as an alternative to aero bars. I realize that's called a "clue", but I wanted to check first.

If aero bars is definitely the way to go, what are some good -ah - "cost effective" choices?

Thanks!

Looigi

Hmmm. Normally, in an aero position your saddle is going to be forward and a bit higher and your upper body stretched out forward with your torso horizontal. This puts a lot more weight on your hands/arms. A major advantage of aerobars is you can support your weight on your elbows instead of hands and wrists. That doesn't appear to be an option with the CC speed bars. Also, a position with your arms extended forward is likely more aero than what you can achieve with the CC speed bars.

A complete set of bars with wings and extensions are best, but clip-ons may work for you if your bars are compatible. For clip-ons, I use Deda Elementi Parabolic bars, which come in three different extension bends and go for ~$60 at Ribble.

carpediemracing 

I tried what you're talking about. I tried Cane Creeks, Scott Rakes, 3ttt Tirimasus, and Cinelli Spinacis. The problem is that you don't have the arm support like you do with proper TT clip on bars, not even with the Spinacis/Tirimasus. You need that support to anchor yourself during a TT effort.

A clip on bar would be a better choice.

shovelhd

I race road with speed bars. They are fine for short efforts, but like everyone else has said, they don't give you enough core support, and they don't put you in the proper position. I understand that you cannot afford a TT bike, but can you afford to convert your road bike to a TT bike? Used tri bars are a dime a dozen on slowtwitch, cheap. Don't worry about weight, just get something for $50 or so. Add a set of used bar-ends, brake levers and cables, tape, and maybe a stem change. $200-$300, maybe less.

mattm

The Profile Design T2+ (?) seems to be a popular low-budget clip-on option. I like mine, even though I hate using them.. (b/c I hate TTs)

waterrockets 

This is what I did. Add in a Profile FastForward seatpost and a Vision TT saddle, and my conversion back and forth was pretty quick.

shovelhd

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=4477663

Don't know if the shifters are 9 or 10 speed.

revchuck 

Shovel - Thanks! Looks like that's what I'd need, but the cockpit is apparently already spoken for. The RD on my Ironman is an Ultegra 6500, so it wouldn't matter if the shifters were nine or ten speed, it works with both. Shoot, I didn't know that stuff was that cheap.

shovelhd

Dime a dozen, especially the aluminum stuff as they upgrade to carbon. I'll keep my eyes out for you. Maybe Ex has something kicking around.

revchuck 

Does size matter as it does with handlebars? I didn't see too much info when I surfed around slowtwitch, they seem to have been offered as a "one-size-fits-all".

shovelhd

I don't think it matters as much as the length and type of bar extensions, i.e. S curve, straight, ski bend, etc. Start with something and tune it from there.