When to add aerobars to a road bike?

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2013-11-18 1:39 PM


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Subject: When to add aerobars to a road bike?
I just started doing Triathlons this past year and have been racing on my Felt road bike. I can't afford to drop the money in a TT/Tri bike in the next year an so I have been looking at other ways to upgrade my bike and improve my bike leg time. I have considered adding aerobars to my bike for next season but have heard conflicting things about their usefullness on a road bike. If I put them on I know I will need to re-fit my bike but is there a particular time when having them is worth it.

Thanks


2013-11-18 10:34 PM
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Subject: RE: When to add aerobars to a road bike?
Now is a great time to make equipment and fit adjustments to any aspect of your training. The off-season will give you plenty of time to adapt, and if something does not feel comfortable, then try something else. Aero bars are definetly the best bang for the buck in terms of speed improvement per $ spent, as long as you are comfortable in that position. You might also want to get a seatpost that puts you a much more forward position. And a 60mm / 30 degree stem to reduce stress on the back.

Edited by Six000MileYear 2013-11-18 10:36 PM
2013-11-19 1:01 AM
in reply to: #4900688

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Subject: RE: When to add aerobars to a road bike?
I agree with switching to a forward seatpost, and shortening the stem to 60mm, but 30 degrees would put you more upright and make you less aero. Unless you were meaning to install it upside down at -30 degrees?
2013-11-19 4:03 AM
in reply to: tdprange

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Subject: RE: When to add aerobars to a road bike?
Why would you need to get refitted? Putting aerobars on a road bike and having to change your position to fits the bars, basically means you bought the wrong bars to start with…. the bars should adjust to you, not the other way around.

Get a pair of shortie (aka ITU style) bars, for example VisionTech MiniTT, that will allow you to maintain your position, yet take advantage of the aero bars.
2013-11-19 6:55 PM
in reply to: ultramike

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Subject: RE: When to add aerobars to a road bike?
A stem with+/- 6 deg may lead to the knees hitting the elbows. If the steering tube is cut relatively short, a 30 deg stem would help the knee-elbow clearance. There was not enough info, so I gave some solutions to common problems.
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