I have an all aluminum low end bike that I bought to get started in Tris last year. I want to keep my road bike but add clip on aero bars. My goal is to upgrade this bike as much as possible and then by a tri frame if and when I continue the triathlon racing. I was surprised at how well I did in my first year and want to get better and the bike is what is kicking my ass@!!!!! What aero bars would anyone recommend. Can I put these on myself or should my LBS help? Should I get a forward placement stem or hold off on that for now?

There's a few different "shortie" aero bars out there specifically made for road bikes, like this one. You should easily be able to install them yourself. Don't need a forward seatpost with these.

yep.. get a shorty style... Profile designs makes a bunch too. I personally have carbon jammer GTs. Just make sure you PRACTICE on them.. and do it far away from traffic and other riders. You will feel very unstable the first few times you use them.

I just put these on. All you need is a 5 mm allen wrench. They were a pretty good deal and they work pretty well. They definitely help on the speed, but you should practice a lot with them since control is a big issue with aero bars.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5255