Aerobar Confusion - Triathlon Week

moabrunner · 03-14-2006, 01:04 PM

Alright I am shopping for some aerobars and am finding it difficult to pull the trigger on an expensive set. I am doing a Half Ironman and am wondering what the main differances are between the expensive and cheap. I realize that carbon and weight is a big factor but will I notice that big of a differance. Also how comfortable are the lower drop bars. I am new to these things if you can't tell. They don't make them for mountain bikes. Thanks.

sfricks · 03-14-2006, 02:17 PM

USC riders showed aerobars improve a 40k time trial by as much as 60 seconds. That's significant in that respect. Here's what I've found. On a flat fast course they will significantly reduce wind drag. On a hilly course, I wouldn't say it makes all that much difference. It also takes practice to use them because 1) it's a different bike control style and 2) because it "closes up" your chest making breathing more difficult.

I live, ride and race hilly but like them because after a 2-4k swim, aerobars take stess from my upper body and allow me to gain a few seconds on the long down hills.

If you're hilly, keep your STIs and buy aero clip on's. If you're in aero a lot, you won't want to come on and off the bars to shift. If you're flat, consider dedicated bars with bar end shifters. This way you can stay in aero while shifting.

When you first start to ride aeros, angle them downward very slightly (5 degs or so) to aid in control. As you gain confidence, flatten them out or even up-angle them slightly for more aero.

All that said, I ride Profile Design Carbon-x's and love them. The bar you buy doesn't matter NEARLY as much as the comfort. You'll crap away any time saved on the later part of the bike and on the run from fatigue if you're not comfortable. Unless you're a Pro, forget the "Wing" style bars. Good luck!

sfricks · 03-14-2006, 02:18 PM

PS. Profile Design also makes the same bar in aluminum.