Is it worth getting aero bars?
There are numerous benefits to using clip-on aero bars and if you are a triathlete, clip-on aero bars are definitely worth it. The position you adopt while using the bars can represent some of the best savings per dollar spent. Because of the aerodynamic advantage, energy saving is another major benefit.
Are aero bars legal?
THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AERO BARS
Short vs. long aerobars: elite triathletes use short aero bars (no longer than the handlebar) on short-distance events (draft legal). In most cases, amateurs are not allowed to use them in draft-legal races. For non-drafting races, the longer aero bars are the ones being used.
How much do aero bars cost?
The average cost of a carbon fiber aero bar is 175 USD while ranging from $44 to $250. The price of the aero bar depends on the brand, weight, and the type of material used, as carbon fiber or aluminum.
How much difference do clip on aero bars make?
Reduced Frontal Area = Reduced Drag
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.
How much time do clip on aero bars save?
If you’re talking about clip-on bars on a standard road bike and, as you say, your position using them has been optimised and you’re not shipping excessive power, the usually quoted figure for time saved over a 40km TT is around two minutes.
Why are aero bars not allowed?
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.
Are tri bars more comfortable?
The primary reason why aerobars are popular with ultra-distance cyclists is often not the aerodynamic gains (which are significant), but it is the extra comfort that they offer by taking the weight off of the hands and instead using the skeleton to support the weight of the upper body through the elbows.
Do clip-on aero bars work?
Yes, typically you will obtain an improvement in speed by adding clip-on aero bars to your bike. How much extra speed is dependent on many variables though (mostly how it changes your aerodynamics) but a couple of km/h faster is certainly possible.
When should you use aero bars?
Your default option should be to get down on the aerobars. Use them unless there’s a compelling reason not to. The vast majority of the drag working against you on the bike – 70 or even 80% in some cases – comes from you rather than from the bike, so getting into an efficient riding position is vital.