Timber_8

I am going down to LBS today and look at Aero Bars for my hybrid. I like the flat bar set up on it but I would also like some other hand position options. I don't care to much about speed but that will probably be a side effect bonus. I have never used areo bars before but they look like a great option. They appear to be marketed to the triathlete but I think it will work on my commuter. I will have to adjust my dashboard though

Thomas Brock

I've seen several hybrids with aerobars and have been recommended to get them by my LBS. The riders I've seen with them generally zip by me at a good clip, too.

Personally, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of not having complete control of the bicycle and I don't know how the aerobars would affect the handling.

I love the FX series. I have an '07 7.3 and my girlfriend just bought an '09 7.2.

Timber_8

I will let you know how it works out. I picked them up a little while ago. I have never used them before but it looks like it will be comfortable as well as simply giving me some more options. I can't believe I will sacrifice any control considering that the bikes that run them are capable of speeds much faster than mine. I can run my bike at a pretty good clip though & like I said that is not my motivation but I will take what ever I can.

CaptainCool

Full-sized bar ends served me well on my 7.2fx. Slightly less aero but better than the grips and more appropriate for flat bars.

CliftonGK1

Timber, take some time alone in an empty parking lot to get used to the aeros. I used to race tris and the aeros are a sketchy position to get used to. Imagine what your steering would be like if your stem was 12 inches longer.
Aeros put your weight farther over the front of the bike, and distance you from your shifters and your brake levers.
Something to also consider is the aggressive position of many aerobars is uncomfortable for many people, both on the saddle and at the neck. Many clip-on aeros have riser kits for the rests to slacken the aggro positioning.

Timber_8

I put it all together today and did some riding with the Areo bars. I did some adjustments to the seat as well. I was aware of the distance from the brakes and the shifter before I bought them. I wanted to incorporate them early and build my dash around them. I will practice with them to get use to them.I did not find the position uncomfortable at all. Here are some pictures.

Timber_8

There is a set of bar ends I am interested in but more for the hand grip part of it than the bar end. I will probably add them at some point.

aMull

Ok that sounds very good, i wish you all the good luck.

Exit.

I actually laughed out loud when I opened the pictures.

Timber_8

You have right to your opinion, your approval is not required.

rowedave76

I'm confused (or slow) . Whats wrong with aero bars on a hybrid? Was it the bottles? The tractor? Don't like kickstands? Do you laugh when you open all pictures?

It looks like a nice bike and I'd like to hear about his experience with the aero bars.

Timber_8

French Canadian, Hybrid hater

meanwhile

I think it might have been the position these bars were in - the bike has a sort of preying mantis look. But hey, if it works.

Timber_8

It is unimportant, our paths have crossed before & some people are just comfortable on the low road. Nobody has to like my ride but me. I just like to ride

Timber_8

I can tell you on my first commute my average went up but I was also under a full load in the Pannier bags plus it was the first day commuting with the areo Bars. I suspect that it will take a week or so before there are any hard results. I did not feel there was any stability issues but I am sure it will improve as I become more comfortable with them

mikeybikes

Is that a beer bottle in your water bottle cage? Empty? Full? Half drunk?

AndrewP

Dont use them unless you know exactly what the traffic is doing ahead, and on cross streets.

Timber_8

I can't seem to remember Saturday is the day I cut grass and drink beer

Timber_8

I didn't seem to have any control problems with them but I do have the roads to myself for the most part. In trafick I am upright anyway

e0richt

why don't you just get trekking bars... gives you multiple hand positions without being far from shifters and breaks...

rogav8or

This was my "experiment" that has worked out very well for me. All I was looking for was a different
hand position during my 9 mile one way commute. I moved the brake/ shifter levers inboard @1/2 inch,
removed the grips and trimmed them down @ 3/4 inch, slid the bar ends on, and reinstalled the grips and
mirror. I can slide my hand from the bar ends to the flat bar and brakes without having to take my hands off
the bike. I can even up-shift using my "pinky" while on the bar ends. It took me less than a minute to feel
comfortable with this set-up- even at night. It has worked well for me for the last several months. .

Timber_8

I love the Aero Bars. one of the best upgrades I did, I immediately jumped my average speed 1 mph and it is a lot more than hand position. Not only are there several hand positions but body position. Shifting and breaking is not a problem. It is sweet when your on a country rd to lay down into the bars and just open up.

jeffpoulin

Back in the 90s, I had a mountain bike with aero bars. I put on inverted tread tires and rode quite a few long distance rides, including a double century. Sure, I still got passed by roadies, but it was comfortable and reasonably fast. Not a bad ride at all.

Breathegood

Those look like the Air Stryke bars. I have those on one of my bikes. Like you, I like the postion for rolling out a country mile, but the hinged arm rests rattling around when I wasn't on them drove me nuts. I ended up using zip ties to lock them into the down position. Were I to do it over, I would pick up a lighter, simpler set of fixed aero bars.

CaptainTandem

From the pictures, you need to lower those A-bars so they are on the level.