How To Choose Aero Handlebars | Maintenance Monday

[@gcn]

Which aerobars would you choose? Let us know 👇

[@juknevij]

DIY bars by handmade carving of oak wood. After all, on the flats, weight doesn't matter as much.

[@xGshikamaru]

I’ve got something similar to the Profile Design Airstryke, because I like it that there are several positions for my hands, one that is more aero, one that is more comfortable. I’ve tried short aerobars that are draft legal (the vision TT mini clip-on) that I borrowed from a friend and didn’t like it. First you’re not resting your elbows on the pads but the middle of your forearms. So every bump in the road gets painful quickly, second you’re not getting significantly more aero than with your hands on the hoods and your arms with a 90° angle. It’s not really useful in draft-legal races because if you’re in a pack you’re already getting some aero advantages. tl;dr: short handlebars are useless.

[@cheminremi7835]

I'm a triathlete (well, trying to be) and I use J-bend clip on, on a normal road bike. You are not exactly right with "no longer than the hood" rule : it only applied to triathlon with drafting (like in the olympics). When drafting is banned, you can use long aero bars.

[@xGshikamaru]

re watch the video, he did say it ;)

[@batterycock]

i use aero mint chocolate bars

[@D.Eldon_]

I use aerobars most of the time and I've tried a lot of different makes and models. I'd prefer to use an integrated aero handlebar with aerobar combination but none on the market are adjustable enough to fit my geometry. So I've been forced to use only the clip-on variety. My favorite manufacturer is Profile Design and my favorite road bike setup includes a pair of their Carbon Stryke extensions mated to a set of alloy ZB Flip-Up brackets. The brackets are spring-loaded and flip up into a vertical position when you are not resting on them. This is a great feature because it allows you full access to your handlebar, making riding on the tops possible. The Carbon Stryke extensions are Profile Design's most easy on the wrist because the grips curve upward at the greatest angle of any aerobar extensions on the market. This is essential for me because a bike accident several years ago injured my right wrist and prevents me from bending it as far down as most of the other aerobar extensions require. My aerobars are mounted to a Ritchey WCS Carbon Evolution handlebar and here I'd like to add a word of caution: If you use a composite handlebar like I do, make sure that it is designed to accommodate aerobars. If it does, the mounting position will be marked on either side of the stem to show you how far away from the stem you can mount the aerobar brackets. If you mount them too far away from the reinforced area near the stem or if you mount them on a composite handlebar that is not designed for aerobars, you will probably damage the handlebar with the clamping force required for the aerobar brackets. Important: Be sure to use a good friction compound (like Park Tool SAC-2) between the handlebar and aerobar brackets and do NOT exceed the allowed clamping force for your handlebar (typically 4 to 5 Nm)!!! Discovering how to fit aerobars can be a big challenge if you must do so on your own -- especially if you're tall like me. In some cases, the aerobar extensions are too short for tall cyclists. I began by purchasing a set of cheap alloy aerobars via eBay so I could experiment with mounting position, angle and extension length. Once I had a rough idea what geometry I needed, then I was ready to spend more money on some nice aerobars. I chose to go with composite carbon extensions because they offered the most comfortable shapes (especially the hand grip) and felt much less cold in cold weather. However, the carbon extensions are rarely the lightest -- often alloy extensions are lighter. I tried Profile Design's T3+ Carbon extensions but I eventually settled on their T1+ Viper Carbon extensions. After my accident, I had to switch to the Carbon Stryke extensions to accommodate my wrist. Unfortunately, Profile Design doesn't appear to sell their ZB Flip-Up brackets separately like they used to. But you can purchase them with a full set of the Airstryke S alloy aerobars. This is a joined extension that is short and meets the length restrictions that Si mentioned. But you can remove the alloy Airstryke extensions and replace it with any extensions that you want. Unfortunately, the ZB Flip-Up brackets mount the extension on the bottom of the handlebar -- that's why I needed to use the Carbon Stryke extensions in order to avoid bending my wrist too far downward. Lastly, Profile Design also has some nice accessories for aerobars like their UCM mounts for mounting lights, cycling computers, etc. They also have a UCM Aerobridge but I've heard that it isn't very strong. I used two of the short UCM mounts, cut them a little shorter and joined them into a common bridge between my two aerobar extensions. It's quite strong.

[@jonathanzappala]

+D.Eldon nice post. I am average height and I have my bars at max extension, and my pads adjusted all the way back. I can imagine what a problem it is.

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

3nm should be enough for hollow carbon with friction paste, there are horror stories about carbon cracking at 5, 3t aero nova are good bars for clip ons, just don't buy them from aliexpress

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

I was just guessing you do use profile design! I agree with composite extensions being more comfortable, I don't like the look of bar wrap on extensions, some alloy extensions have very rough surface treatment for clamping, not a big issue but did stop my phone from recognizing finger print occasionally, I'm on my pair almost everyday

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

If you use j2 bracket you can clamp the arm rest in front of the base clamp instead of behind, this will offer slightly more room for extension, good as long as the base clamp does not exceed minimum insertion line and both are torqued to same recomendation. Also cover any cable holes on the extensions to stop them from whistling

[@jonathanzappala]

I used to use no tape until I was racing on a 80+ degree day and after I changed gear and only had my left hand on the bar went over a manhole cover. As I juggled my sweaty hands trying not to crash I knew tape was needed. I have now settled on after getting the idea from a GCN pro bike video that I use sand paper tape. Like the kind they put on stair treads to make them not slippery. It comes in 4 inch widths from 3M and I have one wrap of that around the end of the bar. Profile Design makes an aero bar tape now too that is something like 1mm thick.

[@123456bmx]

Dear god please make sure you don't clamp any cables.I remember when a guy brought his bike into my shop after he had installed aero bars.He denied profusely and started to get angry and say that the clamped cables had nothing to do with the shifting.Best $80 full cable change I've ever done. Listen to your local certified bike mechanics,Contrary to popular belief we do have your best interests in mind!

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

😆

[@NielsHeldens]

Pro tip: If you want to have children, try to put a saddle with a wider nose on your bike. This won't create as much pressure on "the eggs" as much as a narrow saddle. Example: Specialized power saddle(my personal choice)

[@Hexsense]

i found Shimano Pro Stealth saddle to be superior for me. And their carbon rail being cheaper than alloy rail Specialized Power online (like Bike24) .

[@JanosZakarias]

I use ISM Adamo saddles for this position, e.g. in triathlon races.

[@madbirdiee]

In October I start training for a 4500 mile cross-continental bike ride. Your videos have made it seem less impossible!

[@wesleyvandeurzen7199]

How was the ride?

[@madbirdiee]

@@wesleyvandeurzen7199 it was fantastic, best summer of my life!

[@lancepogodzinski8768]

Thanks. I just did my first 50 mile ride with just road bars. I have in my mind what I want now as I know my rides will progress into more and more mileage.

[@94mikyyy]

I'm staggered how no one yet relized that if you put your wrist narrower that the elbows it is much easier to maintain that position than if you keep your forearms parallel. Just try to do simple plank and put your forearms parallel then try again and bend them slightly inwards and you will see how much your middle deltoideus is relieved.

[@94mikyyy]

sorry for some bad english

[@D.Eldon_]

It doesn't sound like you have any experience with aerobars. It is very easy to angle your forearms in toward your wrists and many cyclists do this with their aerobars. All you have to do is use aerobar extensions that are bent or curved, then rotate them axially as much as you want so the bent or curved ends move closer together. Virtually all of the aerobar brackets that I've seen on the market allow the cyclist to axially rotate the extensions in the mounting bracket. But you must have extensions that are bent or curved to take advantage of this -- if the extensions are perfectly straight, axially rotating them will not change anything. Plus, there are aerobar extensions available that have more complex bends that allow the cyclist to bend the forearms in or out depending on which side of the bike you mount each one. And the same is true for many of the clip-on aerobar brackets. The brackets can be reversed to change which side of the extension the forearm rest is located.

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

D.Eldon arrogant comment. 94mikyyy is just talking about a discovery he's found from his experience, comfort has much to do with anatomy, Wiggins has very narrow elbow spacing on aero bars sometimes almost 'parallel', which most other cyclists will probably find uncomfortable, Lemond on the the other hand is at the opposite end of the pro spectrum. Everyone knows what aero bars are and how they look like no need for a description from profile manual.

[@94mikyyy]

I'm saying from a standpoint of recreative biker who wants to be more aero, not a pro who's most ipmortant thing is to be faster then secondly be comfortable. In recreational purposes it's vice versa.

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

there appear to be an issue at the moment on pc, part of the comments are not showing up, I don't know if this affects other KZbinrs or just me. To read full paragraphs watch this on android

[@CrzyMan_Personal]

First thought after looking at the thumbnail was, "How To Choose an X-Wing Fighter"

[@robinsingh760]

could you share a video showing how to install bar end shifters

[@toddholmes1719]

@4:28 You can increase the stack by 10 CENTIMETERS? I'd love to see that setup!

[@yourmajestykingcranjismcba4637]

GCN can you do a video about how to do shopping along the way for road cyclists?

[@edwardjednacz1641]

I use Profile Design T2 Carbon and love them

[@penklislawnmowing4508]

I just want to enjoy the ride. Knowing how to ride with a peloton is the best way. You always have someone to ride with. You use less energy and that is what makes the ride enjoyable.

[@Tome4kkkk]

I need a handlebar with angles almost exactly like a sports motorbike's. Sloped down and even more - to the back. The trick is, I need it short. Just throwing it out there. I already accepted I'm gonna need to make it myself :)

[@Tharindu43]

I want to see a video where you guys change the whole drop handlebar to the time trial handlebar

[@ReiHeineken]

I used to ride with clip-on aero bars but they caused too much pain in my neck. And something else I really dislike; they make my bike look like a mess. I like clean bikes. The less visible parts the better.

[@Jack-bw2qw]

For next video or QNA. As a normal amateur rider who just wants an aesthetically pleasing bike is it just personal preference over the Campagnolo bora 50's or 80's or is there a limit as to how deep a rim you can have before you go overboard unless you are a pro.

[@Hexsense]

it purely depend on crosswind. If you just start out i'd not go deeper than 60mm. Anything over is hard to control in crosswind even for pro.

[@gmailremio1869]

I have this bike model. Orbea orca m10 e team. And older di2 dura ace ( 9000) and zipp 303

[@OmkarK45]

What are the good tt aero bars for the road bike which is already having aero bar and not circular handle? Like canyon cf sl 8.0 handle. Or can profile design t4 fit thr canyon cf sl 8.0 handle?

[@davidadamus177]

Got clip on aero bars on my road bike recently. Has anyone who pushed their saddle forward and up noticed a difference in power output in the drops or on the hoods? Gonna have to move my saddle forward and up, having trouble putting out power in the aero position. Jw if it affects the road positions negatively.

[@joelaustin5602]

thanks gcn for another great video

[@stefanhansen5882]

New to all this, and I have a question: Why not have the brakes on the aero bars, so you don't have to move your hands to brake (and change gear)?

[@phillipgardner6200]

Control

[@cyclejockey4397]

Enjoyed the tips guys !

[@Dhungerf60]

Would a "round" body like mine be more aero than a "fit" body like Matt? I would guess that the air would flow smoothly around my belly.

[@123456bmx]

Doug Hungerford more aero yes probably,Up hills is a different story though.

[@Hexsense]

don't give an idea for fake lightweight belly insert with slick shark-skin-like treatment to Skin suite manufacturer.

[@fiddleronthebike]

who can say that... may be the CW is better, but on the other hand the frontal area is bigger, so only a wind tunnel can tell you the exact numbers

[@merrick926]

on long rides the position they provide seems to be more comfortable. is it? i have tried putting my elbows on my handle bars and it seems more comfortable but is it in the long run? i never leave my elbows on the bars for more than a mile or so. the bumps etc.. are too much and it feels very unsafe

[@marchelligaming]

question regarding UCI events am I allowed to race with clip on bars, I couldn't understand the regulations?

[@SimplicityForGood]

Can you put a brake lever on the bar itself as well if you ride foxed gear instead of gear shifters, are there any such brake levers that fit into the bar?

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Hey GCN, how about reviewing a set of the synthetic lightweight cabling systems from PowerCordz ?

[@robertbotta6536]

Sooooooo good! Thanks buddy.

[@clyderivers1350]

Informative and succinct Refreshingly well done.

[@spardan010]

thanks for the content!

[@tonysegadelli9421]

This was produced 5 years ago. Do you have any additional information or anything that you'd change? I'm looking to use them on a Ribble CGR for single day rides of 250 km and longer

[@TJBADGER19]

What are the benifits if there are any if I would put TT handlebar extension on my hybrid bike. I know it sounds crazy

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

They don't allow long aerobars like these in a lot of Tri race series. For training and fun I also like Profile Design.

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

what kind of race are you talking about? Im looking to get a pair for my half ironman, but I dont know all of the rules. thanks

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

I only know this from having watched the Sprint type of TRI's on TV. If they're bars extend to far beyond their drops and brake levers I guess there's a danger of impailment. Check it out with your sanctioning body to be sure. It shouldn't be too hard to find out before you spend any money. Please don't go by what you hear online. Just because Gwen Jorgensen can't use the type that Si' was talking about doesn't mean they're not allowed in your series

[@prof_meloyza16]

where can i even buy one ive been trying to find a good one but the internet fails me everytime

[@TriRussell1]

You might also want to drop the nose a bit or get a TT specific saddle.

[@javiertriay8071]

Hi there, I have the S3 disc with the new cervelo handlebar... Have you come across any aero clip on bars that work with these handlebars?

[@squidy932]

I’m thinking about buying tt clip on bars. Are they compatible with Boardman slr 8.9

[@jeanenamoncada1494]

It works well

[@julioalbertoalbacabo9582]

Hey there!! I would like to know how to avoid lower back pain caused because of the bike's position.

[@bartekwolyniec7803]

Bike fit! Check if the saddle is not to high or too low. Think about saddle angle and move it fore and aft. Cleet position. Adjust your reach. Core work out and streching is crucial. And remember that going lower is not always better. Narrow high position with hands up considered better for many riders. Flat back is very good but a hunched teardrop position with higher hand position is sometimes faster. SO BIKE FIT FIRST.

[@maxdejongh6641]

I am looking for aero clip in handlebars but my handlebar of my bike is pretty wide (more oval then round shape) and a normal mounting system is too narrow. Any suggestions?

[@sirhanlec]

what about the "no aerobars on road bikes" rule (#54)?

[@benwoodland5786]

You didn't mention sweet spot once in this video, not once even though Si was clearly doing it testing the aero bars

[@njbeal]

grateful to know the name/artist of the background track that plays in this video?!!

[@ivanpuja]

I have a question, I do cycling ultramarathon, my distance as 24h, 500 km to 1400 km. Which aerobar for us cyclists ultra-marathon?

[@khairilnazeri7264]

may i ask, can i try to put it on my fixed gear bike or might it look even worse?

[@Tsukuyomi8]

for a cheap starter , non triathlon aerobars should i buy sth under 100$?

[@tyrantreality920]

How long ago did you record this? UCI has set 3:1 ratio as obsolete for the 2017 year. Silly Simon. *Would be awkward if I were wrong*

[@evelinebroekhoff1135]

does it come assembled

[@kuanhau4323]

#torqueback is an aero position with a TT bar less stable in a crosswind?

[@xGshikamaru]

Indeed it is, especially since these are often combined with deep section wheels…

[@Hexsense]

and your effective handlebar width is only a fraction of what you normally use on road bar or MTB bar. So indeed less stable, harder to control.

[@nanba739]

Anyone know the ball park wattage difference between clip-ons (on a normal road handlebar) and a full aero setup?

[@wesleyvandeurzen7199]

45W at 40 kph

[@hanzellumansang1395]

can i put an aero handlebar ob road bike?

[@jorrevandeweyer5188]

#torqueback how much and how do the pros warm up for the race?

[@fiddleronthebike]

quite a lot - and the shorter the race (or when key segments are at the beginning) the more and the harder they warm up. In fact, what they do when warming up is more than the most amateur cyclists are able to do when they go all out 😎

[@Kdot_99]

HELP! I experience a bad crash a couple of days ago and can't figure out how it happened? I was going around a sharp bend, while pedaling out of the apex the rear locked up bucking me from side to side until i got ejected of the bike. upon further inspection i see the chain had fallen off but would that cause my rear wheel to lock up?

[@MW-kh8dh]

Kevin Nguyen maybe your rear derailleur got into your back wheel which causes it to lock up.

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

Kevin Nguyen Yes it could but, did it? Only you can answer that question for yourself. I hope you're Okay and heal up quickly.

[@curtknightracing]

Did you have a turbo training skewer on? I had one on once and it just came undone, wheel locked up and because the cassette moved the chain came off

[@NicholasWoodley]

When are you guys going to come and play with the Triathletes? Dan is running all over the place and Matt was at the pool and now aero bars.

[@smalerider1727]

Vision Team Mini TT. Not really for the aero, just for the distance

[@fgoehner]

Put on a belt, pull up your pants, we don't need to see your Calvin Klein's

[@M4NGO2K]

This upload was no doubt indy pac inspired #IPWR

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

I dabbled in taping a couple of my mum's old vibrators on the front of my handlebars. Didn't make me any faster, should have removed the batteries.

[@Enalius]

Isn't the 3:1 ratio no longer a rule in 2017?

[@fiddleronthebike]

I think it is obsolete for 2017

[@velogicfit3280]

It is still applicable to components. The UCI didn't see fit to make the relaxation of 3:1 universal.

[@powskier]

How do you brake with clip one?

[@christocr]

Just like you always do. Move your hands to the drops or hoods and pull the lever.

[@TheDp1965]

My understanding is you are not suppose to clamp Aero bars onto Carbon fibre handlebars?????? Is this true???? Cheers.

[@zeegermens]

What is going on with Simon's cable management in this? A lot of extra housing it looks like

[@ricksnyder6318]

I thought the UCI did away with the 3 to 1 ratio after last season.

[@nonapplicable5918]

More Triathlon Content Please! :)

[@bogynasr7685]

i like this badj from egypt

[@pauldowner1]

Where can i buy those aerobars?

[@robinsingh760]

bike24

[@edwardcox2311]

Is there a video on how you set these up etc etc?

[@edwardcox2311]

ah, found it. Thanks

[@tarekgaming2450]

what is the name of this.... I don't know.

[@ianpontin1384]

cmon si whats your best 10mile TT time ? you got to be a 20min man

[@charleyweinhardt]

Was anyone else expecting an X-Wing joke when he pulled out the Aero bars?

[@shikaotewarrior]

0:12 lol

[@birkhansen8210]

The 3:1 rule is not a thing anymore. UCI skipped the ban over the winter.

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

So what I heard was if you want to go faster drop weight.

[@kuanhau4323]

And how does Sagan manage to rest his elbows on his handlebars without aero bars at 50+ kph!

[@joskills1]

GGRRR I'm never first.. Except for my KOM this morning :)

[@unnaringi1334]

5:33. Profile design 1/ZERO? that's undefined. (try dividing 1 by zero on your calculator)

[@marcw7237]

#torqueback do you guys still race? If not, why would Si need aero clip ons?

[@williamdeely7836]

Marc W time trials

[@macmurfy2jka]

Si do tri!?

[@JonCannings]

make sure you slam them 😉

[@johnmccaughey5218]

Jon Cannings 😂

[@rawBaconTrip]

member 3ttt bio arms ? 500grams in the old days

[@jascollinscork]

How the New Wahoo Cycling computer going for whoever using it... ???? ;-)

[@jessechen4971]

The way the wrists are angled do not look comfortable...

[@swjm07]

Geek+Bike= BEEK

[@jason200912]

dont ever choose s bend aero bars. They are wrist breakers.

[@nhamnhi3374]

It that English. Balabslabala .

[@reatleatmcpagani4997]

why use handlebars? no handlebars-logan paul

[@poloshmolo]

The roadie purist in me is horrified by this video

[@JohnAIDoe]

My bar is more aero than that. *wink wink*

[@johnmccaughey5218]

First

[@cameronpilkington7639]

please pin

[@michaelalbany]

No aero bars on a road bike! Aero bars on TT & tri bikes only.

[@philipk4475]

What about ultra endurance races? Do you really expect them to race on TT bikes in the TCR?

[@leonhopkins1021]

clip ons; do me a favour. other than ultra distance dont bother. Otherwise get a tt bike if you need to chase seconds. Don't look like the dork chasing that strava kom.

[@cipher.u.justice]

clipons are only permissible if you're doing an uphill time trial

[@williamdeely7836]

Lol not everyone can afford a tt bike mate

[@kieranbrown1506]

exactly. some people are just made of money bro.