What are aero bars?
Aero bars, sometimes called "clip on aerobars","triathlon aero bars" or "tri-bars", are handlebar extensions that mount close to the center of thehandlebar and cantilever out over the front wheel. As the name suggests, aero bars allow you to get into a more aerodynamic position by lowering your upper body and bringing your arms in-line with your torso. Unlike other handlebar positions,aero bars provide both hand grips as well as arm rests, allowing you to significantly reduce the pressure on your wrists and hands. The best clip onaero bars offer a wide range of adjustments to the height and separation of the bars and arm rests, allowing you to find the right balance of aerodynamic positioning and comfort.
Check out Redshift Quick Release Aero Bars
How do you install aero bars on road bikes?
Road bikes typically do not come with aero bars, so specialty clip on aero bars can be added. "Clip on" refers to the fact that they are bolted onto the handlebar and can be removed with the right tools. Typically, clip on aero bars are installed once and are not regularly removed. Redshift's quick-release aero bars, however, can be quickly installed or removed without tools.
Most road bike handlebars can accommodate aero bars, but it's important to verify that your bike's handlebars are compatible. Check out ourbike compatibility guide to see how this works with your bike.
Why should I put aero bars on my road bike?
After the thrill of doing a first triathlon, many people start looking for ways to go faster. You see other athletes out on the course riding by you on six thousand dollar bikes and you start to wonder, can I afford this sport? The answer is yes. On the bike leg of the triathlon,increasing your speed is all about reducing aerodynamic drag. And while there are dozens of small improvements you can make to your components and gear, the investment that gives the greatest returns is adding a good pair bicycle aero bars.
Why is there so much more value in investing in aero bars?
Optimizing aerodynamics can involve a lot of very complex analysis, but there's one simple rule that reigns supreme:
Reduced Frontal Area = Reduced Drag
Because your body represents the biggest percentage of frontal area, putting yourself in a more aerodynamic position means an instant reduction in drag. Most other upgrades are trying to improve the way air flows past an existing piece of equipment, but aero bars actually reduce how much of "you" is catching the wind.
For Superior Aero Riding Position Get The Dual Position Aero Seatpost
How much faster do aero bars make you?
So if you're starting with a standard road bike, you have a lot of room for improvement by riding in an aero position using clip on aero bars.After installing aero bars, riders typically find that they're going 1 to 2 mph faster at the same level of effort. Over a distance and time, this equates to about 1min 40s per 40km faster than without aero bars.
Why quick-release aero bars?
Redshift Sports Aero Bars offer a unique quick-release feature that allows you toattach and remove the aero bars in a matter of seconds, without using any tools. In the same amount of time that it takes to fill a couple of water bottles, you can switch between a pure road bike for group riding and a tri-bike setup for training or racing. Road bikes are more versatile than dedicated triathlon or time trial bikes, and adding quick-release aero bars lets you take full advantage of a single bike.
Ok, so I put aero bars on my bike. What next?
Stay tuned for our next post in this series, where we'll explain why you need to change up your saddle position!
FAQs
After installing aero bars, riders typically find that they're going 1 to 2 mph faster at the same level of effort. Over a distance and time, this equates to about 1min 40s per 40km faster than without aero bars.
Do Aero road bars make a difference? ›
Interestingly, at 30km/h there was relatively little difference, just 1-3w depending on the yaw angle. However, at 40km/h, the difference grew to between 8-10 watts. Thus, we found the shape of the SES Aero bar alone makes it faster than the traditional, round Compact bar.
Why do pro cyclists not use aero bars? ›
Aerobars can be considered less safe for a few reasons: mostly because your hands are not on the brakes while riding in the aerobars. It also takes more practice and skill to maintain a straight line in the aerobars (especially in cross winds) due to how close your arms are together.
What are the disadvantages of aero bike? ›
Disadvantages
- Heavier than a comparable non-aero bike.
- Could be stiff sometimes when in use.
- Long and low race geometry.
"At speeds near 30 mph, 90 percent of your power goes into overcoming air resistance." At 10 mph, half of your power is going to overcome air resistance, Barry says. “The slower you go, the more time aerodynamics will help you save, because you're spending more total time on the road.
Are Aero bars good for long rides? ›
Aero bars offer an entirely new riding position that's most beneficial for long days in the saddle. With your elbows and humerus (arm bone) supporting the majority of your upper body weight, you'll reduce strain on your arms, wrists and hands.
How much difference does an aero road bike make? ›
With an aero bike, you'll simply be able to go faster than you would with a non-aero bike. The 150-Watt rider riding during a windy day now finishes 6.5 minutes faster on an aero bike (8.4 minutes with no drafting) and is 83.3 seconds per hour faster (93.6 seconds with no drafting).
Are Aero bars good for long distance? ›
Using clip-on aerobars is highly recommend for long-distance comfort and aerodynamics (see below). These are designed to mount on a section of round bar with a diameter of 31.8 mm.
Why are aero bars not allowed in group rides? ›
They also offer an additional riding position, which can reduce fatigue when covering long distances. However, some racers and organisers perceive aero bars as unsafe, particularly when riding in a group because riders must move from the extensions and onto the bars to access the brake levers.
At what speed do Aero wheels make a difference? ›
If you regularly average about 20mph/32kph and faster on your rides, aerodynamics matters a lot and can save you minutes on a 50 mile/80K ride based on how you position yourself on your bike and what gear (wheels, frame, tires) and kit (helmet, jersey, etc.)
Your handlebar tape is the essential interface between your bike and part of your body that's full of nerve endings, sensitive tendons and small bones: your hands. It needs to provide both cushioning to reduce the road buzz a bit, and a grippy surface for your hands to hang on to in all weathers.
Can you ride an aero bike long distance? ›
Aero bikes are often associated with sprinting and time trials, but the watts you save will add up over long distances as well. The Canyon Aeroad has been used by pros to win anything from cobbled classics to grand tour mountain stages.
Why don't Tour de France use TT bikes? ›
There are 2 good reasons for this. First, a TT bike is the most efficient machine for flat, fast course racing, where there are a minimum of hills. It is not the most efficient machine when it comes to climbing. The body position is far too aggressive for even professional athletes to use in a non-TT style event.
Do Aero wheels make a difference cycling? ›
So, yes, aero wheels are measurably faster on the flat. The key takeaway, though, is that what initially seems like a small difference can add up to a significant gain over time.
Are aero bars good for long-distance? ›
Using clip-on aerobars is highly recommend for long-distance comfort and aerodynamics (see below). These are designed to mount on a section of round bar with a diameter of 31.8 mm.
Do I need Aerobars for Ironman? ›
Riding an Ironman with an aerobar is not only more efficient, but the position is optimized for aerodynamics and prepares you for the run portion of the triathlon. For riders who are used to riding with drop bars and clip-on systems however, it is not always easy to make the transition to a full aero position.
