Aerobars are one of the most important components on a triathlon or time trial bike. The right setup can improve aerodynamic efficiency, comfort, and control, while the wrong one can leave you struggling to maintain your position over the course of a race.

With so many designs, adjustment options, materials, and price points available, choosing the right aerobars can be confusing. The key is understanding how you plan to use them, how much adjustability you need, and how well they accommodate your body and riding position.

As with most cycling equipment, the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best. Your goal should be to find an aerobar setup that balances aerodynamics, comfort, adjustability, and cost for the distances you intend to race.

Short-Course Time Trial Bars vs. Long-Course Triathlon Aerobars

Before comparing individual designs, it's important to understand the difference between aerobars intended primarily for short-course time trials and those designed for long-distance triathlon.

Time trial bars are often built with simplicity and aerodynamic efficiency in mind. They may offer limited adjustment of the extensions, arm pads, and pad width. Some use fixed configurations or come in basic sizes such as small, medium, and large. The pads may also be thinner and less accommodating than those found on long-course triathlon systems.

These bars can work well for short efforts, particularly when the rider has been fitted specifically to that setup. However, a position that feels acceptable for a short time trial may become uncomfortable after several hours on the bike.

Long-course triathlon aerobars generally offer more extensive adjustability and greater attention to sustained comfort. Depending on the design, you may be able to change extension length and rotation, arm-pad width, pad angle, and overall cockpit height.

If you're buying a triathlon bike, especially one built from a frameset, make sure the included cockpit is appropriate for the distances you'll be training and racing. A less expensive time trial cockpit may help keep the initial purchase price down, but it could cost more to replace later if it doesn't provide the fit you need.

Aerobar Adjustability, Comfort, and Extension Shape

Once you've selected the appropriate type of aerobar, the next step is comparing extension shape, adjustability, comfort, weight, aerodynamics, and price.

Why adjustability matters

An adjustable aerobar allows you to position the extensions and arm pads to suit your body rather than forcing your body to adapt to the equipment. Depending on the system, adjustments may include:

• Extension length and rotation: Positioning the shifters naturally in your hands without excessive reaching or wrist strain.

• Arm-pad width and angle: Setting the pads to support your forearms comfortably while maintaining a stable upper-body position.

• Cockpit height: Raising or lowering the pads and extensions together to achieve an appropriate riding position.

• Reach adjustments: Fine-tuning the distance between your saddle and cockpit without necessarily replacing the stem.

Some systems offer a wide range of adjustments, while others provide only a few preset positions. Greater adjustability can be especially valuable if you're working through a professional bike fit or refining your position as your flexibility and riding experience change.

One important consideration is pad height. Although spacers or shims can sometimes raise the arm pads, simply raising the pads without appropriately addressing extension height and wrist position can create ergonomic problems. Integrated riser systems that raise both the pads and extensions may offer a more suitable solution, depending on the cockpit design.

Arm-pad design makes a difference

Don't overlook the thickness, width, shape, and covering of the arm pads. These details can significantly affect comfort over long distances.

Wider pads distribute pressure across a larger area, while thicker padding may help accommodate sustained loading and minor movement. The best choice depends on your anatomy, riding position, and personal preference.

For long-course triathlon, I generally favor a setup that supports the forearms comfortably without requiring you to hold yourself rigidly in one position. A position that works for 20 minutes isn't necessarily one you'll want to maintain for several hours.

Choosing the right extension shape

Aerobar extensions come in several shapes, including straight, S-bend, and J-bend designs. Each offers a different hand position and may influence wrist alignment, leverage, and comfort.

Straight extensions

A relatively simple hand position that works well for some riders, depending on wrist alignment and cockpit setup.

S-bend extensions

Can provide a more forward-oriented grip that some riders prefer for shorter, higher-intensity efforts.

J-bend extensions

Offer a raised hand position that may feel more natural and comfortable for certain riders.

There is a common assumption that one extension shape is automatically more aerodynamic than another. In practice, aerodynamics depend on the entire rider-and-bike system, including hand position, arm alignment, shoulder width, and torso angle.

A shape that allows one athlete to maintain a narrow, relaxed position may be less effective for another. Wind-tunnel or other aerodynamic testing can help determine what works best for an individual, but comfort and sustainable positioning should remain priorities.

Choose the extension shape that allows you to maintain control, operate the shifters naturally, and hold your position without excessive wrist or shoulder tension.

Carbon vs. Aluminum Aerobars

Material choice affects weight, cost, and potentially vibration comfort.

Carbon-fiber aerobars are generally lighter than comparable aluminum designs and may offer useful vibration-damping characteristics, depending on their construction. They also tend to cost more.

Aluminum aerobars can provide excellent performance at a lower price. For many athletes, the weight difference is less important than having a properly fitted cockpit that can be adjusted to their needs.

Clip-on aerobars offer another option. They attach to a compatible handlebar and can allow a road bike to be adapted for triathlon training or racing. This can be a cost-effective approach if you don't want to purchase a dedicated triathlon bike.

The trade-offs include additional clamps and hardware, potential aerodynamic compromises, and the need to verify that the handlebar and clip-on system are compatible and approved for use together.

Are Integrated Carbon Aerobars Worth the Money?

At the premium end of the market are integrated carbon cockpits that combine multiple front-end components into a streamlined assembly. Some incorporate extensive internal cable routing and minimize exposed clamps and hardware.

These designs can be lightweight, visually clean, and aerodynamically refined. Depending on the model, however, they may cost hundreds or even more than a thousand dollars, and their adjustment options can vary considerably.

The important question is whether the additional cost delivers a meaningful benefit for you.

Reducing aerodynamic drag can improve performance, but the actual benefit depends on the rider, equipment, speed, course, and position. A costly cockpit doesn't guarantee a measurable race-time improvement, particularly if it compromises your ability to maintain an efficient position.

Your body position generally matters more than the price of your aerobars. If an aggressive setup causes you to sit up frequently, move around excessively, or abandon the aero position because of discomfort, any theoretical equipment advantage may be lost.

A well-fitted, moderately priced aerobar that lets you stay comfortably aerodynamic can be a better investment than an expensive integrated system that doesn't fit you properly.

See Also...

• How to Train Effectively for the Cycling Leg of Your Next Triathlon

• A Primer on Wheel Depth

• Designing the Hybrid Training Plan for Triathletes

• Aerobic Base Training: How Going Slower Gets You Faster

Matt Russ enjoyed a professional coaching career spanning over two decades of working with professional endurance athletes. His athletes have achieved numerous regional, national, international and championship titles under his direction. Matt achieved the highest level of licensing by both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling, and was a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. His accomplishments include being named "Team USA" Coach for the 2011 Beijing World Championship. Head Coach and founder of The Sport Factory, a USA Triathlon Certified Performance Center, he has authored many articles on a wide variety of endurance related topics.