Non tri-rides with aerobars?
 

So I'm going to start doing triathlons next season. I currently ride an '08 Specialized Allez Triple and will be upgrading it for my tri rides. I realize that there are clip-on aerobars available. However, if I chose a 1-piece aerobar set-up, would I still be comfortable on long [130+ km] rides using the bull horns? Does anybody do this/has anyone done if before? I rarely use the bottom/wrap portion of my road bars anyway.

Tim

I'm not sure what you mean by bull horns.

I have a Jamis Satellite, I think similar in caliber to your bike and have a set of 1 piece aerobars on it. I used them for a Tinman last June, but I also commute on that bike (16 miles each way) and really like to just lay on the aerobars when I'm in less traffic section of my ride.

The forearm pads flip up when not in use making the rest of the handlebar accessable. I do like the setup I have.

I don't know if this is the type of information you're looking for, but I wish you luck.

If you stay on the bullhorns and you don't change the geometry (seat position, etc) then you will have basically the same riding position you have on your brake hoods. Of course if you do that you won't get any more benefit from the 1 piece setup than you would with clipons. To get the aero advantage you have to get an aero bike. The basic geometry is different. Tri setup is a whole different critter.

But yes, you'll be comfortable as you are now except you can't shift as well. You would not be comfortable on the bullhorns of a real tri bike.

I'd keep your drops and get shorty aero bars like the Vision Mini or the Profile Jammers. Drops are way more versatile than bullhorns and a much better setup for your road bike. The only other setup I'd do is TT brakes and bar end shifters with an aero bar/bullhorn setup, but with you're road bike geometry, I'd avoid this setup.

Being put into the aero position is the largest aero advantage one can get. Even if it's just with clip on bars put onto a road bike.

Ah yes, that is why the following sentence was there.

Of course if you do that you won't get any more benefit from the 1 piece setup than you would with clipons. To get the aero advantage you have to get an aero bike.

Context is everything.

Ah yes. Read it too fast :p