General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Aero Bars S Bend or Trad? Rss Feed  
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2010-12-13 3:19 PM

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Covington
Subject: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
In the market for some new aero bars.  I would be interested in knowing which style (not so much brand) is preferred and why?  Currently using so older Profiles.

Thanks, Mike


2010-12-13 3:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
Whichever ones you like best are the best ones for you.

Personal preference all the way.

2010-12-13 3:55 PM
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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
I'll echo DanielG's sentiment and say to do with whatever feels most ocmfy to you.

But I'll also add my personal preference -- Traditional ski bends. S-bends, to me, tend to put the wrist rotated inward, which translates to tension in the lower arm, and travels all the way up into the shoulders and can even cause discomfort in the low back. Add the wish for a narrow elbow position, and you're looking at a very uncomfortable position for anything over 5 minutes. YMMV.
2010-12-13 4:00 PM
in reply to: #3247215

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Extreme Veteran
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Strong Beach, CA
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
I much , much MUCH prefer my s/f bends over my old ski tips.  I really like the feel of having my hands out there straight.  Plus, by simply rotating my grip one way or another, I engage different muscles in my arms and shoulders which gives me a break on long rides.
2010-12-13 4:02 PM
in reply to: #3247215


1072
10002525
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
Personal preference is the traditional bend. I have tried the S-Bend type and did not like the position even for a few minutes. I figure "if it ain't broke don't need to fix it"
2010-12-13 4:06 PM
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Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?

Traditional ski bars are more comfortable for me.  It puts my hands in a more natural position.  S- bends stress the muscles in my forearms too much.  I've got thick arms, so that might be a contributing factor. 

Mark



2010-12-13 4:16 PM
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Master
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Midlothian, VA
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
My new bike came with S-bends and I didn't like the way they put tension on my wrists.  Have ski-bends now (I think.)  They don't look as good on the bike, but they are more comfortable.  Also give me more to pull against on climbs.

Definitely a personal fit thing!

-eric 
2010-12-13 5:21 PM
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New user
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1002525
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
I gotta agree with Mark and Eric (and well, everyone who said personal preference) - I had ski bend clip-ons and bought some fancy s-bend carbon bars and while they look cool they force me to bend my wrists and it feels like it puts extra stress on my arms and shoulders.  Going back to ski ____/ bends next time.
2010-12-13 5:29 PM
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Veteran
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Kingwood, TX
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?

I spent the money on a sweet set of cabon s-bends and they looked great - after a couple of months of trying to make them work they were killing my wrists as well, luckily I got my money back on ebay.  Really a personal preference, you gotta try both to know what feels best.

Good luck!

2010-12-13 5:47 PM
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Champion
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MA
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
My Ordu came with straight type bars but I knew I wanted the type I had been using so at the time I got the bike had the shop change them to the same as I had been using ski jbend type same Profile Design bars as I had on my Kuota.

My hands naturally go in ski bend position and it's comfy. I actually don't hold the end of the bars all the time but my hands sort of hang out around the ends of my aerobars but easily move to shift gears if needed.. S bends were uncomfortable in the few test rides I did of different bikes.

I listened to friends who shared go with what is comfortable. IM is long time to not be comfortable.

Edited by KathyG 2010-12-13 5:48 PM
2010-12-13 6:08 PM
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Champion
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
Started with j-bend ("ski tip") bars and switched to s-bend.  Prefer the latter (at least on my current bikes).


2010-12-13 7:48 PM
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Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: Aero Bars S Bend or Trad?
100% personal preference. I started with ski bends, moved to S bends and never looked back. I like the S bends because I think I can get more movement (more hand positions) and can pull up on them during hard efforts or if I am really riding forward on the rivet.

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