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So, I think I want aerobars for my road bike - been riding a lot, done a few races, and would love another (more comfortable) position on the bike . . .
Any suggestions on brands, things I definitely want, things that aren't all they're cracked up to be, etc?
Thanks for the input!
I got some great advice for you. stop riding a road bike!!! :D
Ha, keep riding, and ride it even more. The only people who don't like to ride road bikes have never ridden one. I know, I used to be one of them.
For the aero bars, they're pretty much illegal in anything but a TT, a lot of stage races have a prologue early, then a TT later that you can use them for. Dunno specifics about them, but I'll be getting some for mine as well.
But I like my road bike :-) Plus, it makes a lot more sense to put aerobars on a road bike than a mountain bike!Quote:
Originally Posted by White Chocolate
p.s. I just got a really cool light for the mountain bike - ready for some night ridin' . . . can someone say "shopping spree"?!?!
I love new toys.
If you get aero bars, please dont use them when you are climbing. I see way to many people using those things when they are trying to go anywhere but straight and flat. I would not recommend them unless you are serious about TT'ing. They might be another hand position but they are heavy and can be a little on the expensive side.
in addition to time trials, you can use aero bars in triathalons as well.
I use the Syntace C2 bars for TT and tri's. Comfy, light and fairly affordable.
Ding!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces
What you pay for in aero bars, basically, is two things: weight and fit. Expensive-er bars are lighter and have more fit options. If you use your bike like me, and switch between an aero mode for tris, and a "normal mode", getting the stupid things off and on easily is key, too.
Trouble is, they usually come all boxed up so finding the best bars is hard. :(
You can get 'em with fold up elbow rests, but they're heavy and a pain. Generally, you're either in the bars or out, so it's sort of silly. Just take the bars off when you need to.
Syntace's C2 and Streamliner are super popular-- they have independent bars to get the width just right, which is nice. The Aerolink is a single bar, but lots of adjustment in the elbow pads.
Kellie, I'm assuming that you've been fitted on your bike, oui? That's the first step. A good fitter can also recommend the best bars for your size and intended use.
A friend who had suffered a badly broken back a few years prior used aeros a lot because it relieved some of the stress from long-distance rides and let him stretch out a bit. AThey were also nice to have when riding into a headwind.
Nytro Sports ( http://www.nytro.com/bike-aero-bars.html ) has a big selection of aeros for your viewing pleasure.
That's the idea :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces
Kellie, unless you are doing tri's - DO NOT PUT AERO BARS ON YOUR ROAD BIKE! They are for gapers and posers with their cheesy little front-mounted water bottles w/big sippy straws....REAL roadies (unless in a TT) do NOT use aero bars...please, don't be one of those people :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Kellie
Lot's of good advice here. I'd start looking at the Profile Airstrike.
http://www.nytro.com/media/profile-a..._airstryke.jpg
Decent price, not too heavy, and the spring loaded pads are nice if you'll be doing lots of climbs.
First off, aerobars probably won't do anything for you, especially if you don't get them properly fit.
I would recommend the profile bars that are super adjustable, can't think of the name off the top of my head. The syntaces come in S,M,L, and the Profile Airstrikes only come in one size, and since they're all one piece, there's no adjustment at all.
[QUOTE=Viva]Kellie, I'm assuming that you've been fitted on your bike, oui? That's the first step. A good fitter can also recommend the best bars for your size and intended use. [QUOTE]
75% of people you see riding around on expensive road bikes clad in lycra and often with aero bars have such appalling positions on their bikes. The single most important thing to get right. My particular peeve is having the saddle way to low forcing knees to be splayed out the side. 2nd most important thing is to resist the temptation to grind huge gears. It'll screw up your pedal action almost as fast as not being sat right on the bike.
This is a lie.Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkside
SHE'S DOING TRIATHLONS, PEOPLE! PAY ATTENTION.
Aero bars are a must in tris.
yeah no shit....with no drafting allowed, aerobars are key.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cornholio
can't wait to get into the tri game next summer after I'm healed up. I'll have plenty of time to work on my, ummm, stroke, over the winter.
Agreed, same in TT's, and don't worry, I'll be taking them off after the TT is over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cornholio
I must be a fred then, cause I usually ride with my aerobars on even on regualr rides. but most of my regular rides are actually training rides for either TT race series, tempo rides or training for tri.
And they do make a huge difference. I can now break 20 mph for the distance of a 12-14 mi TT with my bars on. I know that is lsow for some but for me it is an improvement over last year at 18-19 mph. And during a TT or tri 1 mph can make a huge difference.
I am going to support Darkside on this because dropping the elbows onto the handle bars has a great chance of putting Kellie forward in the saddle as well. Two fold danger here:Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkside
- closing the hip angle for less possible extension and less power
- If Kellie pulls far enough forward, the balance point shifts to the front of the pedal circle and either the hamstring works twice as hard (cramp city before she even gets to T2) or she's posting up-down with no smooth circle at all.
So: Be aware you may need a seat with longer rails, one that is higher on the bike, and possibly a seatpost with less set-back, for an effectively steeper seat tube.
Even if you don't have a Softride, the positioning comments on their website are fairly relevant.
Be aware that a truly aero position is mostly dependent on the position of the elbows (together and in front of the lungs) and that such a position will be noticeably hotter on hot days (as well as a considerable advantage on windy days).
If this is going to be your primary riding position, please, please, please at least put reverse-pull brake levers on the ends of your aerobars. For the reason why, watch the Sydney women's olympic tri.
Let's just assume she'll be fit right, ok? The question, again:
Any suggestions on brands, things I definitely want, things that aren't all they're cracked up to be, etc?
They work great for Centuries as well. Like when you are riding into the wind at mile 80 and are hitting the wall.
Scott used to make one that was all one piece, somtimes available on eBay. Best I have seen.
I personally use the Profile Aerolite bars.
Pros:
light, simple, very ADJUSTABLE (very important for me), comfortable, can fit on oversize bars, independent of each other being a 2 piece set-up, cheaper than a lot of other similar types, a recopgnized and respected name (for any warranty issues), you can roll the bars inward or outward for maximum comfort if needs be (I prefer my hands to roll inwards a bit). I think you can sling them under the bars if you wish - not just on top - which is great for more positions.
Cons:
they are profile bars so it is very easy to strip them if you overtorque the cap screws, if you don't tighten the screws enough they can rattle loose (as I found out in a 2-up time trial over a shitty road).
I am very happy with them, I have used them on the track/velodrome as well as the road and they work great. Initial set-up was not as simple as a one piece but hey, it is a 2-piece so what can you expect.
The one other thing that I would add that is very important: if you are going to use aeros for triathalons then don't jsut use them for the race, train with them on a fairly consistent basis. I have seen a lot of people jsut bolt them on for race day and ride slower than if they were in the drops. Your body has to get used to the position and adjust its output so that you are efficient in the aero-position. If you train without bars then you will probably be faster without bars. The body must be given time to adjust to the new position.
Hopefully this helps.
2nd thumbs up for Aerolites.
the_eleven, take a look at the Scott handlebar RAKES as shown on fleaBay here
As well as draft-legal tri, I'm fairly sure I remember seeing a pair at the local crit.
Except for me, apparently. I had a beautiful custom Italian road bike. It was sweet except for the fact that I absolutely hated riding on the road... so I sold it and bought my first DH bike with the money.Quote:
Originally Posted by Telephil
PAY ATTENTION, YOU'RE A JACKASS. I did see that she was going to be doing triathalons. Without buying a set-forward seatpost, and if she's built like an average woman (short torso, long lower body), there's little chance that she can get in a good position on a normal roadbike. Here's an example, maybe you'll pay attention...someone who generally rides a 55-56cm road bike, will usually end up with about a 52cm tri/tt bike. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one large one has to do with the toptube length and how it affects fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cornholio
Also, with aerobars, you lose access to the tops of the bars, and this happens to be many people's (including myself) favorite place to have one's hands while they are climbing. If you're only doing flat TT's though, maybe they'll make a small difference.
I think that if you're looking for the best place to spend money, it's wheels, wheels, and wheels. This will make the biggest difference in your speed. Plus, if you just get used to riding in the drops, you'll be just as aero as with aerobars.
But, hey, thanks for educating me.
Kellie stated that she was looking for a more comfortable position and the right bars with proper fit can provide that.
Anyway, what do y'alls think about putting aerobars on ski poles? Would that be tits or what?
Check out this article on aerodynamics. It aslo has a bunch o link as the bottom that go into more detail.
http://www.timetrial.org/aerodynamics.htm
Darkside, no need to get defensive over such a trivial thing were all maggots here.
And I disagree about wheel being the #1 most important aero feature of a bike. you will get more aero for your money with bars IMHO as well as opionons of just about every article I have read. I do agreee that wheels are very important and will make a huge difference but gettting into the aero position should be the first step.
I concur. A simple experiment: try an aero tuck vs. riding the hoods on a long decent. Feel a difference? What does the speedometer read for one position compared to the other?Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinman
Kellie, the boys are bickering in the sandbox again; You like it, don't you?
This is all a bunch of BS. Aerodynamics, weight and so on and so forth. I might be jumping to conclusions here, but I am willing to bet that no one here is a pro road racer, maybe not even a racer at all. The biggest difference in how fast anyone will go is with themself. Train, be fit and determined and you will go much further than a set of wheels or aerobars can bring you.
i have opinions all over on this issue. Viva's right aero does make a difference and a good way to notice is on a downhill. even bringing your knees in tight, or if you've got the balls tuck down onto the top tube and you'll pick up some MPH.Quote:
Originally Posted by Viva
however... i think aero bars are just another piece of garbage i don't want bolted on my bike, and they are for sissies.
seriously people, if comfort and efficiency are the number one advantage of aero bars, it is a slippery slope and you are one step closer to riding a fucking recumbant.
i hear supergo is having a sale on orange flags.
Exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by cumerritt
But you are right about the training and fitness. But even being the racing JONG (~10TT's and 1 Tri) that I am I can tell the difference when I am in the aero position.
So, what's your opinion on carbon derailleur hangers? I hear you can shave off 15 gm by switching to those! And handlebar streamers? Those rock!Quote:
Originally Posted by cumerritt
Stupid gorilla polluting with jerk off comments gets bukkake to the face! you are drown in warm puddle of death form above! Atomic sputum will contaminate your monkey brain!Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkside
Shinjuku, MOTHERFUCKER!
Streamers ruleQuote:
Originally Posted by Viva
the aerobar dealer in chicago is apparently an amazing salesman because every jackoff retard riding up and down the bike path on the lake has a pair on his $250 8 year old mountain bike. then there are the fat douches in US Postal gear DRAFTING eachother on their aerobars on the path, weaving around kids and pedestrians and runners.
kellie and the rest of you, if you get them or if you have them BE CAREFUL! there is a reason they are not allowed in regular races - they are fucking dangerous, you can't control your bike very well from them, and the vast majority are like spears sticking off the end of your bike like pointy battering rams.
that is all.
They do take a bit of gettting used to and reduced your ability to handle a bike. Riding etiquette says never be in your aerobars while in a pack. But with enough practice I feel pretty comfortable handling my bike while in them. But I still switch out if there is alot of cornering or the road is rough, expansion joints on bridges etc.
I guess I'll throw in my two cents and try not to tell everyone else they're a moron and everything I know is first, right and second the only way. Because that would just show how stupid I am.
I'm not sure what brand my aero bars are as they were donated and they fit ok and that's all I need. First thing I would look for is lightness. Putting them on affects the way the bike steers as the inertia extended a ways in front of the steering tube has an impact. That and the above mentioned limit of climbing positions is the main reason I don't have them on much.
Aerodynamics, if you think there is no difference then you could watch my tape of Lemond winning his last TdF by 7 seconds by taking 57 seconds out of Fignon in the last time trial. Will it win you prize money? For most no. Will it maximize your speed while minimizing your effort while putting less strain on you swim tired shoulders and arms? Absolutely and in triathlon that means something.
I use them in TTs since I like to do well and the $200 compares well in time savings to the $2000 tri spokes and discs I find myself up against. I also used them in a 320km ride I did this summer. That ride was all about making it and minimizing my effort into a head wind was key. My neck and upper back generally go on a big day before my legs especially if I'm going easy to make the long haul. Again aero bars were extremely helpful there in taking the pressure off my shoulders while letting me maintain a low position for a very long time.
A good road set up is generally the better way to go for tris especially in the ironman and 1/2 ironman distances. A harsh riding TT or tri set up might help in sprint distances but if it's your only bike that means a lot of evil training. Do some of the top ironmen ride tri bikes? Absolutely but it's hard to say how much of that is preference and how much is sponsor dollars. The forward seat tube generally just encourages triathletes to mash the pedals like it's a stair climber which is the bain of most new triathletes.
The one thing you don't want to do is only throw the aero bars on for race day as the muscles you use are a bit different and you want to train them for riding in that position. The flip side is the last thing you want to do is try to climb down in the aero bars when you can't even make 20 kms/hr and you're mashing pedals like a stair climber with a 60 cadence. Anything under 30km/hr I tend to come out of the aero bars unless it's a big head wind. Yes Ullrich climbed in that postion but he's not human and his pedal stroke remained smooth.
Just read Cornholio's post and agree with what he says. I also use the separate (bullhorn) units and find they give more fit options for given weight. I also agree that the fold up arm rests offer little advantage compared to weight they add and breakdown issues.
Brands aren't really as important as what fits and works for you and your bike. Unfortunately that is just experimenting and as Corn dog says sadly they come boxed up usually.
edit, Oarhead already covered the bit on training with the aero bars. That Oarhead, very tall and clever.
Hey guys, thanks for all the input - despite the "sandbox," the maggots are always a great source of knowledge . . . and I appreciate it. Plus, it cracks me up how silly we (and by "we," I mean the collective us) get :)
classic...yeah, even here in the bay area, where people are generally pretty fit, the "aerobar crowd" (as we call them) is everywhere. decked out in full postal outfit and/or various euro teams (the phonek jersey is most poplular this year), these gapers draft ea/ other on the bike path from sausalito through larkspur, or around the paradise loop....while we ride by passing them in normal position on top of te drops :DQuote:
Originally Posted by gonzo
then my favorite: wen you see these gapers climbing slight hills, etc IN THE AERO BAR TUCK :eek:
DON'T GET THE AEROBARS, they reek gaper....unless you really race, and even then, get removables for TT only....Just my 2 cents :D