General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New bike, aerobars or no? Rss Feed  
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2009-09-21 3:46 PM

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Subject: New bike, aerobars or no?

I just picked up a used Trek Madone and I'm wondering if I need to get aerobars before I go for a custom fitting.  I have no background at all in riding, I'm a runner.  I'm planning to do the Augusta HIM in 2010 and sprints and olympic distance tri's before that. 

A bike shop owner thinks I don't need aerobars.  He says I can get into a tuck on the downhills and ride upright otherwise.  A triathlete buddy of mine says I absolutely should get them and stay in a tuck as much as possible.  He says he passes a lot of people without bars in a race.

What says the group?  I guess I should get the aerobars installed before I go for a fitting?  Any recommendations for a good set of bars at a nice price?  Thanks!



2009-09-21 3:55 PM
in reply to: #2418402

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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
I would say most definitely, and absolutely get them on before you do a fitting.  That way you can be sure you're in the right position when you use them.  I'd also go out on a limb and say that if they bike shop knows you're a triathlete and says you don't need aerobars, they may not be able to get you into a good race fit.  I'd find a different shop.

Profile Designs make several different clip-on aero bars.  Your best bet would be to try a few out to see what style is most comfortable for you.
2009-09-21 3:59 PM
in reply to: #2418402

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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
Sounds like they both gave you good advice.  You absolutely don't need them.  But, if you're going to be tri training and racing in a HIM, you probably will want them.  They'll make you faster and (for me) they're way more comfortable.

Edited by steveseer 2009-09-21 4:00 PM
2009-09-21 4:16 PM
in reply to: #2418402

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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
Thanks guys.  All3sports is local to me, should I go there for aerobars and to get the bike fitted?
2009-09-21 4:26 PM
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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
For Sure!!!!

They are great to have....add speed...and the kids yell cool when they see your bike!!!

Get fitted with them on the bike.
2009-09-21 5:07 PM
in reply to: #2418402

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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
get the aero bars for sure. i got a madone and had profile design carbon strykes on it and loved it. fast and felt great. i ended up putting bullhorns,tt brake levers and bar end shifters on it. at first i turned the seatpost around and slid the seat up. but then i changed stems from a 120mm to a 100mm and was able to put the seat and post back normal. great set up though. a little increase in speed also.


2009-09-21 5:20 PM
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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
My vote is for yes, get the aerobars before fitting. Most bang for your buck that way.
2009-09-21 5:30 PM
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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
My suggestion is buy the aerobars when you get your fit done so you get right size aerobars in the right position. Is the bike shop you bought the bike at going to fit your bike? If not where you are getting your fit done is it a shop? Then just wait as some aerobars work better depending on your body and how adaptable they are.
2009-09-22 3:33 AM
in reply to: #2418616

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Subject: RE: New bike, aerobars or no?
merlin2375 - 2009-09-21 3:20 PM My vote is for yes, get the aerobars before fitting. Most bang for your buck that way.


It's the least bang for the buck if you buy the wrong size aerobars.

Might be a better idea to have the fitting include finding the right aerobars for you.  That might also allow for the poster to try different grip angles to see what's most comfortable. 
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New bike, aerobars or no? Rss Feed