What type of aerobars do you use ?

I don't have experience with the split second model but I used the airstryke model for about 3 years.

I liked the airstryke model and didn't really have any trouble/uncomfortableness using it.

Those have since been retired as I had syntace on my QR when I purchased it. It's the entry level syntace NOT the lighter, more expensive syntace.

I've since put about 3,000 miles on the syntace aero bars and have not had any trouble/uncomfortableness using them either.

As far as a recommendation, honestly I really don't think it matters which one you choose as long as it's in your price range and they are the correct size for your forearm/bike setup.

The one thing I did notice on my syntace bars is that they are a little long. Not at the forearm length but the shifters are too far up the gripping end. I read a pro-triathlete site that said he cuts his aerobars down so that when he gets in the aero position his shifters lay right in his palm and he doesn't have to reach for them everytime he shifts.

this reaching did get on my nerves after awhile because I usually bike in the 90rpm range for the entire bike leg and RARELY get out of my saddle on climbs because I downshift to get up those huge mountain passes we have here in the midwest.


Anyway, I mention this because if you buy the airstryke you'll definately have to "reach" for the gear change EVERY time you want to shift because you won't have the option of trimming those aerobars.

Anyway, just a thought.

Christian- I am also looking at getting aerobars in the next few weeks. I'm looking at the performance design aerolite and the jammer. Not sure which one I'll go with. I wish there was a way I could try them out on my bike before I buy them

I just orderd the airstryke's this morning. They will be in a few days. I'll let you know how I like them. Not that I'll be able to tell after only a few rides.

I use the A700 aero bars from Oval Concepts. I like them.

http://www.ovalconcepts.com/products/index.html

Some bars may be better suited for road bikes and some for tri bikes.  You may want to email Profile Design and check with them, my experience with their customer service has been pretty good.  I see the Aerostrykes frequently on road bikes, while the longer flatter clipons I notice most often on tri bikes.  The forward seat position lets you more comfortable lay down on the longer bars.  I have a pair of the Aerolites on my tri bike and like them.

I ran a borrowed pair of Profile century bars before I bought my Syntace C2's. I really disliked the fold-up armrests. They rattled and I did not like the extra motion required to get them to fold down. I ride in the mountains a lot, so I'm all over the bars for climbing and descending, and I run 46cm handlebars. So for me, the fixed armrests were the better choice.

I started with the Profile Jammers but didn't like the U-turn bend in them. I replaced those with a set of Profile Carbon Strikes and like them very much...all the adjustment you could want and very light...plus the carbon looks cool

I like the AirStryke, and I happen to have a used one for sale.

Second the Profile Carbon Strikes. They came on my BRAND NEW CERVELO DUAL and I'm still playing with  the multiple adjustments.

I like the AirStryke, and I happen to have a used one for sale.






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I sent you a private email. Thanks !

Thanks a lot folks for all your posts. I should have specified in the first place that I will put the aerobars on my road bike. I will keep my standard steering so I won't have to shift on the aerobars. Is there a big difference between the position on a road bike vs triathlon bike ? I was planning on modifiying my bike setup so that my position resembles as much as possible that of a triahtlon bike... What do you guys do ? Is it a good idea to modify bike setup only for triathlons ? I also do bike racing so I'm gonna have to chage it quite often... Ouch !!!! Now I need a triathlon bike... Any advice that could help me save a couple 1000 $ ?

Thanks,

Christian.

I started out with a friend's pair of profile aerostryke bars, but changed to the profile carbon stryke bars in September. So far the carbon stryke have been far superior - They are more comfortable and can be adjusted in just about every way imaginable. It took some time before I got it all dialed in and set to my frame, but well worth the effort.

I saw a lot of road bikes on the replay of IM MOO this past weekend.  I also have a freind who does well in tris and rides a road bike.  I would stay with whatever you are comfortable with.

I'm pretty new to triathlon and cycling (I'm a swimmer), but in training for my first tri, I not only bought a set of cheap aero bars, but also a forward seat post (the Profile Design Fast Forward).  I found it far more comfortable to get in the aero position than the standard seat post.  You may want to look into it.


Edited by E-Bell 2004-11-23 4:24 PM

I bought PD's Airstykes and I love them. Tried 'em out today. I think I need to move my seat closer to the handlebars b/c my elbows were sliding out of the padding a little. Maybe my arms were just sweaty...but It's great having the option to ride on top of the handlebars if you want to come out of the aero position...

There is a good article in August Issue of Triathete magazine about position on the bike for triathletes. I guess that there also must be a lot of resources on the internet about setting up the bike correctly for the aero position...

Chances are that I'm gonna go for the split seconds or the carbon strikes. Thanks for all of your inputs.

Christian.