No reference to aero bars in the bible, so I say go for it! Had a couple different versions in the early 90's and loved them.

She's a bit stretched out now, and you want to try aero bars for comfort??? Makes no sense. I know some people find them comfortable, but for other reasons.

FWIW my opinion is not based on looks or period correctness, it comes from being a mechanic during the aero bar craze. I think that aero bars are dangerous, and should be avoided by anyone that isn't a competitive athlete looking for an edge while racing an actual time trial or triathlon.

If that's the case, why not find a way to get the bars higher? I find that the drops are the most comfortable position when I have my bars in the right place. Best position for braking, too.

Yep, it's not what you were asking about, but if she's too stretched out now the areo bars will make that issue worse.

We can internet fit your wife all day long, but that's kinda ridiculous. However, I was in the same position with my wife and her Marinoni - I installed a shorter and higher stem and there's no longer any call for aero bars. Nice high drops are a beautiful thing. I think this is pretty common mod for ladies on classically proportioned race bikes.

Back on topic: IMO not a sin, not technically period correct but close enough, no way to make 'em not be ugly. There's a lot of ways for them to be dangerous and I've always preferred dialing in my fit with normal bars.

Ok, after further discussion and review of the replies, Booty would like to move to a shorter stem (hopefully have one lined up) using the existing bars, plus move the stem as high as possible. If the comfort is improved (including hand numbness) we will decide on whether to experiment with some lower priced, smaller clip-ons.

The warnings about danger, not using aeros in group rides, etc. all were discussed. Great thread, thanks for the input.

If you have decided to go to a shorter stem, IMO don't rule out simply using a Nitto technomic stem. They are easier to come by, and I tend to think that the diagonal wedge style fixing mechanism will be easier on the aluminum steer tube of a 979 then a Cinelli conical wedge. Besides that they come in long lengths, and it's best to avoid raising quill stems to close to their limits on those bikes. It is true that if you have old 26.4mm bars, those will have to get changed too..

Used a set like in 18th post , right side, but I was not subject to peer approval back then ..

set up near and high, and put an aerodynamic fairing in front of them.

To me the only aero bar sin is riding 'em while blasting down the 4' wide sidewalk amusingly known as the MUP in our area.

As long as there's nobody else around -- oncoming pedestrians or cyclists, or while passing other users -- I don't care what folks do. But of all the dumb stunts I've seen on the MUP, blasting down the MUP-sidewalk at 20 mph on aero bars while threading through other users, hands nowhere near the brakes, ranks right up there alongside those dog owners with three pooches each on 50 yard retractable leashes, creating gigantic spiderwebs to snare passing joggers and cyclists.

/rant

PS: I'm thinking about trying clip on aero bars for comfort and speed on some lonesome parts of my usual rural routes. With my bum neck I can manage the drops for maybe a minute or two, but it ain't comfortable.

We just installed a set on my fiancés bike. She's a pianist and wanted a way to stay in an aggressive position but unweight her wrists. So far she's enjoying it, but doesn't find a lot of opportunities where she feels safe using them. We're looking for a set of one piece non-clamps to set up properly with accessible brakes and possibly shifters. She misses having the hoods.

I have a PROFILE bolt-on aero bar on my '84 Peugeot. Looks right at home on that bike as it is period correct and was purchased new with the bike.
Jon

start heating up the tar and someone get feathers please :D

If ones bike handling skills are up to them, used in the proper place / event... (NO paceline!), do it. The benefits have all been said above and agree. Crucial to properly configure the bike and the aero bars. Solo and to heck with the added weight, you WILL gain speed.

Sketch by proclaimed originator of the first Profile. Story out there about them and will let you search it. Anyways, I first used this first version in 1990 or so and did not like losing the top bar grip.

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4233/...28c583a5_z.jpgProfile aero clip-on bar 1988 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

Though in 1991, I purchased new -these retractable elbow rest type. Excellent. Then they ended up in my attic and sort of forgotten until I put together my vinti Zunow (1987 / 88). Love this machine with the old school TT / tri setup. Dat' includes dt shifters, toe clips, cetra ;-)

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/...9327400a_c.jpgDSC_1846 (2) by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4301/...15fd5f06_c.jpgDSC_1980 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4327/...991e64f6_c.jpgDSC_2006 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/...1dbfc48b_c.jpgDSC_1998 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/...9878eeb9_c.jpgDSC_1983 by carrera247, on Flickr[/IMG]

I simply do not recommend them.

So hypocritical of me....
https://www.pedalroom.com/p/1987-cen...rt-19359_2.jpg

^you go disco man!

http://clipart-library.com/images/yckrq7GKi.jpg