Aerobars with flip-up pads?

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2009-06-18 12:48 PM

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Pro
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Irvine, California
Subject: Aerobars with flip-up pads?

I have Syntace clip-ons on my road bike, and find them to be pretty comfortable.  However, I really miss the extra hand position in the middle of the handlebars.  So I'm thinking of getting some different aerobars with flip-up pads.

I've googled a bit and found a couple models -- Profile Design Airstryke, and HED Flip-Lite.  Has anyone here used either of these, and can you offer any feedback?  Pro's and con's?  The Flip-Lite looks more compact to me, but maybe this translates to less comfort?  (Also, they're really pricey.)  Also, the Airstryke appears to have spring-loaded pads, whereas the Flip-Lite does not -- not sure if this makes much of a difference.

Any feedback is appreciated!

2009-06-18 1:05 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Master
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Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
The profiles are spring loaded.  I like them.  They are up out of the way when you are riding and then down when you're on them.  Obviously you have to get them down - but I've never had trouble.
2009-06-18 1:41 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
I am selling a pair of Profile Airstrykes (in silver) for $45...PM me if you're interested.  I bought them off of another BT'er that was selling them used (but in great condition!)...but later discovered that I won't be needing them. 
2009-06-23 8:42 AM
in reply to: #2227046

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Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
Second the recommendation for the PD Airstrykes. Very pleased with mine. Nice to have them spring up and out of the way when I want to ride with hands up top.
2009-06-23 12:36 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Pro
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Tejas
Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
I put PD Airstrykes on my roadie before I bought a tri bike. They work really well with road bars and were quite comfortable. I did have one of  the roll pins pop out of the hinge point on a ride once. Luckily I didn't lose it and I was able to reinsert the pin and stake it properly. No problems after that.
2009-06-23 12:37 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Master
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Columbus, Ohio
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Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
I have the PD Airstrykes on my road bike.
I like them.
They are quite durable.
I bought the bike used in 1999 or 2000, and I've been riding it since then. Only this year did I get a tri bike.
So that's a lot of springing back up (including the person who rode it before me), and I've never had a problem.
If I'm wearing a slippery longsleeved shirt, I do sometimes get the feeling I am about to slip out of them, off the side. However I think this has more to do with poor fit and too-long reach than it does with the design of the pads.

2009-06-23 12:38 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
I had airstrykes as well.  When I had a flat race I would zip tie them down so they were flat
2009-06-23 12:58 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Pro
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Irvine, California
Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?

Well, I just ordered the PD Airstryke bars in black.  (Oh and thanks for your offer, nscrbug, but I didn't want them in silver...)  Got a good deal at Nashbar for $79.  I'm getting a bike fit done this Thursday, hopefully they'll arrive before then (I did splurge for overnight shipping).

To be honest, I think I'd prefer it if they weren't spring-loaded, but stayed put once you flipped them up or down... I wonder if there's maybe a way I could tweak them to work that way?  In any case, I'm sure I can get used to the spring-loading too.

Thanks for all your input!  I'll follow-up here once I've got them on my bike, and have used them once or twice.

2009-06-23 1:02 PM
in reply to: #2227046

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Extreme Veteran
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Burke, VA
Subject: RE: Aerobars with flip-up pads?
x5/6. I have the Airstrykes as well. I have nothing to compare them to, but first ride out with them and I had no problems getting the pads down. I liked having the extra room, for when I am not completely comfortable to be in drops or in aero.
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