What do you think of clip on aero bars?

[2IT]

Started with clip on aero bars to do short distance triathlons in the US because drafting is not allowed.

Aesthetically, I think a bike looks better without them.

However, now that I have gotten used to them they are comfortable. No hand numbness. Good back stretch. More aero. Only on them when not riding in a group. If the group drops me, I do use them to catch back up.

What do you think?

 

[guitarpete247]

Can't hold the stretch for long enough to make them any point. I think, as your recent post, I'm similar age to you. 60 in September. Only really down on the drops for downhills.

 

[palinurus]

No problem. For a while I was doing time-trials and only had one road bike so fitted clip-ons, left them on for the odd club run- just didn't use them.

After a while I got a TT bike so I took them off and sold them at that point.

 

[User33236]

Personally I think they are a potentially dangerous additon when riding in a group in event of crashes.

They may have their place on closed road events where drafting isn't allowed and you don't wish to go to the expense on a dedicated TT bike but on open roads I'd be uncomfortable being so far from the brake levers.

I temporarily had a set I used whilst on the turbo as I was recovering from a wrist fracture so couldn't weight bear in the usual way.

 

[Cuchilo]

I used them for a while to see if i could get used to the position . Then bought a dedicated TT bike so removed them .

 

[screenman]

I have them on one of my bikes and use them without problems, mind you I am a young 60 and not an old one.

 

[HLaB]

Depends what you are doing for a solo ride there fine. I used them for my early tt's and there apt for that but for group riding IMO they are aono, no!

 

[palinurus]

Personally I think they are a potentially dangerous additon when riding in a group in event of crashes.

They may have their place on closed road events where drafting isn't allowed and you don't wish to go to the expense on a dedicated TT bike but on open roads I'd be uncomfortable being so far from the brake levers

Agreed. In group riding* they aren't welcome, but OP stated he doesn't use them when riding in a group. Still fitted, but not used.

*there are some exceptions- like team time trials.

 

[User33236]

Agreed. In group riding* they aren't welcome, but OP stated he doesn't use them when riding in a group. Still fitted, but not used.

*there are some exceptions- like team time trials.

OP states "If the group drops me, I do use them to catch back up" so they are fitted to his bike.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

They're great, but shouldn't generally be used on group rides (ITU Oly distance being the exception and where they aren't permitted to extend beyond the brake hoods)

I've no problem with them being fitted on group rides

 

[Sharky]

Have used since they were made legal for UK time trials, both for TT racing and for leisure riding, but a more relaxed position when the latter.
Also used the spinachi bars for a while.

 

[2IT]

Can't hold the stretch for long enough to make them any point. I think, as your recent post, I'm similar age to you. 60 in September. Only really down on the drops for downhills.

When training solo probably on the hoods for 55%, clip on 34%, and on drops 10%. With the other 1% probably reaching for the bottle or food.

Have some essential tremors in the left hand, so that left hand enjoys the break of the elbow resting on the clip on pad. The ride is much more enjoyable without that left hand going a little numb from gripping tightly.

 

[Tin Pot]

Started with clip on aero bars to do short distance triathlons in the US because drafting is not allowed.

Aesthetically, I think a bike looks better without them.

However, now that I have gotten used to them they are comfortable. No hand numbness. Good back stretch. More aero. Only on them when not riding in a group. If the group drops me, I do use them to catch back up.

What do you think?

I think they're fine, I'm building a Tri bike as the position on my roadie doesn't really work.

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/tps-cinelli-experience-tri-conversion.195947/

 

[fossyant]

I have them in the garage. Used to TT on a road bike before the days of plastic bikes. Took them off when not doing TT's. Yes they help speed, but look ugly so came off when I stopped the racing.