Originally Posted by VT Biker
Well - as someone who could care less and is an independent observer, those who hate aero bars hate them for the following reasons:
(a) For whatever reason, cyclists are not fans of triathletes, and most people riding around with Aero bars are training for a triathlon. Rare is the rider training for a TT. I think part of this is the whole ego triathletes have, as if because they are training for an Ironman they deserve to be put on the same level as Lance.
(b) There is a complaint about riding with people riding with Aero bars (i.e. - they lack skills for riding in a group). I think this is unfounded for the most part, but, I can see the complaint.
(c) Some purists hate the aero bar. But these are also the same people who think only steel, lugged bikes are appropriate.
(d) Face it, on the whole, triathletes have better bodies. Perhaps there is some jealousy.
(e) Triathletes are not good cyclists. Anyone with basic race skills in cycling knows this. Triathlete ride mostly flat courses without havnig to deal with a peleton of riders. So they do not need to develop the same level of skills.
Oh where to start...
a. I've done 3 IMs. I never want to be considered anything near lance. Ego? Doing an IM will take the ego right out of you, believe me.
b.I would never ride in a group with aerobars, though I do get wheelsuckers when I'm on my tri bike.
d. no doubt about that.
e. I disagree with a lot of this. I came to Tri from road riding. I have great handling/pack skills. Better than most people I see out there in packs. Triathlons are NOT mostly flat courses, some are, most are not. And there is a HUGE difference being out there by yourself, with no one's wheel to grab on to. By rule in triathlon, you can not be closer than 2 bike lenghths from another rider.Deal with a peleton, not exactly, though you do have to keep yourself legal. There is no drafting. (except some pro draft legal races, and then those just become a foot race)