I am Fred.
#1
Dan J
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I am Fred.
What else would you call a 60 year old guy, 15lbs overweight, who wears a mirror on his helmet and put aero bars on his 21 lb relaxed geometry road bike?
I confess, I did it and I’m glad I did. Not for the aero effect or speed (tho I’ll take those), but comfort. I’ve always had problems with my wrists getting sore and my hands going numb. I’ve played around with handlebar and brake hood position to no avail. I get temporary relief from taking a hand off the bars, but it doesn’t last long. One solution which seemed to help was resting my forearms on the handlebars just holding onto the brake cables. That gave some relief, but I couldn’t do it for long because my forearms would hurt and it’s an unstable position. I did like the stretched out position though.
The obvious solution was aero bars. Thought about it for a long time and finally got a pair. First ride today. Loved them. I can see why they’re banned in mass races, tho. Anyone else use them?
I confess, I did it and I’m glad I did. Not for the aero effect or speed (tho I’ll take those), but comfort. I’ve always had problems with my wrists getting sore and my hands going numb. I’ve played around with handlebar and brake hood position to no avail. I get temporary relief from taking a hand off the bars, but it doesn’t last long. One solution which seemed to help was resting my forearms on the handlebars just holding onto the brake cables. That gave some relief, but I couldn’t do it for long because my forearms would hurt and it’s an unstable position. I did like the stretched out position though.
The obvious solution was aero bars. Thought about it for a long time and finally got a pair. First ride today. Loved them. I can see why they’re banned in mass races, tho. Anyone else use them?
#2
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.... I’ve always had problems with my wrists getting sore and my hands going numb. I’ve played around with handlebar and brake hood position to no avail.
I see many people on my favorite MUP using aerobars, so I know they are popular. When I see people using them, I just figure they are training for time trials.
#3
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I also have Aero-bars on my road bike. Not only does it help when fighting a headwind, it also makes a long day on the bike much more comfortable.
Needless to say, Aero-bars have a clear advantage over drops on windy, flat and straight roads.
I'm also using aero-bars as a comfortable alternative to riding on the drops and hoods. I now spend 40 percent of the ride on the aero-bars, 30 percent on the hoods and 30 percent on the drops. I'll use the drops for all technical riding. I never use the Aero-bars when in traffic or when I'm on a group ride.
I'm considering if I should add them to my 28 pound Touring/Monstercross bike. The Aero-bar position is a good alternative to riding on the drops and hoods even when aerodynamics is not a consideration. I have no problem keeping my balance when using the Aero-bars and cornering and bad pavement are not a concern most of the time.
I asked about bike-fit on the road forum before adding Aero-bars to my road bike. The thread provided a number of good responses: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ero+bars+drops
Needless to say, Aero-bars have a clear advantage over drops on windy, flat and straight roads.
I'm also using aero-bars as a comfortable alternative to riding on the drops and hoods. I now spend 40 percent of the ride on the aero-bars, 30 percent on the hoods and 30 percent on the drops. I'll use the drops for all technical riding. I never use the Aero-bars when in traffic or when I'm on a group ride.
I'm considering if I should add them to my 28 pound Touring/Monstercross bike. The Aero-bar position is a good alternative to riding on the drops and hoods even when aerodynamics is not a consideration. I have no problem keeping my balance when using the Aero-bars and cornering and bad pavement are not a concern most of the time.
I asked about bike-fit on the road forum before adding Aero-bars to my road bike. The thread provided a number of good responses: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ero+bars+drops
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 07-14-12 at 07:14 AM.
#4
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I just ordered my first road bike (been riding a comfort bike) so I could get more hand positions and more speed. Aero bars look like a great idea. I may have to try that. So many styles, how did you decide which ones to get?
Last edited by Ramfactor; 07-14-12 at 05:47 AM.
#5
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Go for it and get yourselves a brand new aero bike that's designed for an aero position. Then get the fitter to position it like a tri bike which isn't as aggressive as a time trial bike. If I had to choose, I would get a Cervelo P2 for that type of riding.
#6
Senior Member
I also have Aero-bars on my road bike. Not only does it help when fighting a headwind, it also makes a long day on the bike much more comfortable.
Needless to say, Aero-bars have a clear advantage over drops on windy, flat and straight roads.
I'm also using aero-bars as a comfortable alternative to riding on the drops and hoods. I now spend 40 percent of the ride on the aero-bars, 30 percent on the hoods and 30 percent on the drops. I'll use the drops for all technical riding. I never use the Aero-bars when in traffic or when I'm on a group ride.
I'm considering if I should add them to my 28 pound Touring/Monstercross bike. The Aero-bar position is a good alternative to riding on the drops and hoods even when aerodynamics is not a consideration. I have no problem keeping my balance when using the Aero-bars and cornering and bad pavement are not a concern most of the time.
I asked about bike-fit on the road forum before adding Aero-bars to my road bike. The thread provided a number of good responses: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ero+bars+drops
Needless to say, Aero-bars have a clear advantage over drops on windy, flat and straight roads.
I'm also using aero-bars as a comfortable alternative to riding on the drops and hoods. I now spend 40 percent of the ride on the aero-bars, 30 percent on the hoods and 30 percent on the drops. I'll use the drops for all technical riding. I never use the Aero-bars when in traffic or when I'm on a group ride.
I'm considering if I should add them to my 28 pound Touring/Monstercross bike. The Aero-bar position is a good alternative to riding on the drops and hoods even when aerodynamics is not a consideration. I have no problem keeping my balance when using the Aero-bars and cornering and bad pavement are not a concern most of the time.
I asked about bike-fit on the road forum before adding Aero-bars to my road bike. The thread provided a number of good responses: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ero+bars+drops
#7
Senior Member
What else would you call a 60 year old guy, 15lbs overweight, who wears a mirror on his helmet and put aero bars on his 21 lb relaxed geometry road bike?
I confess, I did it and I’m glad I did. Not for the aero effect or speed (tho I’ll take those), but comfort. I’ve always had problems with my wrists getting sore and my hands going numb. I’ve played around with handlebar and brake hood position to no avail. I get temporary relief from taking a hand off the bars, but it doesn’t last long. One solution which seemed to help was resting my forearms on the handlebars just holding onto the brake cables. That gave some relief, but I couldn’t do it for long because my forearms would hurt and it’s an unstable position. I did like the stretched out position though.
The obvious solution was aero bars. Thought about it for a long time and finally got a pair. First ride today. Loved them. I can see why they’re banned in mass races, tho. Anyone else use them?
I confess, I did it and I’m glad I did. Not for the aero effect or speed (tho I’ll take those), but comfort. I’ve always had problems with my wrists getting sore and my hands going numb. I’ve played around with handlebar and brake hood position to no avail. I get temporary relief from taking a hand off the bars, but it doesn’t last long. One solution which seemed to help was resting my forearms on the handlebars just holding onto the brake cables. That gave some relief, but I couldn’t do it for long because my forearms would hurt and it’s an unstable position. I did like the stretched out position though.
The obvious solution was aero bars. Thought about it for a long time and finally got a pair. First ride today. Loved them. I can see why they’re banned in mass races, tho. Anyone else use them?
#8
Have bike, will travel
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Of course, some group riders might want to complain, but just explain that you never use the aero position while with a group.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#9
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I see no need for aero bars. Does that make me a non-fred?
#10
Dan J
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I didn't have much choice. My LBS only had 2 models. On the cheaper ones there was no adjustment, so I opted for the more expensive ones ($89.00), which do allow a lot more adjustment. Glad I did. I know there are numerous mail order options, but for something like this I prefer to stick with the local shop.
#11
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I didn't have much choice. My LBS only had 2 models. On the cheaper ones there was no adjustment, so I opted for the more expensive ones ($89.00), which do allow a lot more adjustment. Glad I did. I know there are numerous mail order options, but for something like this I prefer to stick with the local shop.
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Just be careful until you get some miles under your belt. Your bike is not going to handle the same way in corners, or even on the straights, as it will when you're on the hoods, or even on the drops. The reason why they're frowned upon in group rides is you're not as maneuverable if someone swings out to avoid a pothole, or some other obstruction. Most clubs allow bikes with them to participate in group rides, but prohibit riding on them unless you're pulling at the head of a paceline.
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chinarider,
I have seen a lot of riders with aerobars and all are in a pretty tight crouch. My excess belly usually precludes me getting any farther forward than the hoods or the flats. Maybe I ought to try a pair, but I have never been comfortable that far forward and low.
BTW I like your avatar and user name. May the four winds blow you safely home!
I have seen a lot of riders with aerobars and all are in a pretty tight crouch. My excess belly usually precludes me getting any farther forward than the hoods or the flats. Maybe I ought to try a pair, but I have never been comfortable that far forward and low.
BTW I like your avatar and user name. May the four winds blow you safely home!
Last edited by Mort Canard; 07-14-12 at 12:32 PM.
#15
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#16
Dan J
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If you have a sharp eye, you might notice that the bars have a slightly different bend. When I picked it up from the shop, they said it came that way and they didn't have another set. They called the distributor and will replace when the new set comes (another advantage of dealing with the LBS).
After riding the setup a couple of times, I can see why people put shifters on the bar ends. Does anyone know what's involved in doing that? Do you have to disconnect the brifters or can you have both? If it's one or the other, I leave it as is.
#17
Dan J
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chinarider,
I have seen a lot of riders with aerobars and all are in a pretty tight crouch. My excess belly usually precludes me getting any farther forward than the hoods or the flats. Maybe I ought to try a pair, but I have never been comfortable that far forward and low.
I have seen a lot of riders with aerobars and all are in a pretty tight crouch. My excess belly usually precludes me getting any farther forward than the hoods or the flats. Maybe I ought to try a pair, but I have never been comfortable that far forward and low.
BTW I like your avatar and user name. May the four winds blow you safely home!
#18
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__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 07-14-12 at 03:51 PM.
#19
Dan J
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#20
Cycle Year Round
I am Fred.
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Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
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