Triathlon aero bars and accessories

How to choose your aero bars

Aero bars bring your forearms horizontal and make your position narrower at the front. It’s the biggest aerodynamic gain you can get for the price — provided you can hold the position and know where you’re allowed to use it.

Clip-on or integrated

• The clip-on clamp onto standard 31.8 mm road handlebars. Fit them for a triathlon or time trial, then remove them afterwards. They’re the most logical starting point in the range.
• The integrated systems are fitted to a base bar time-trial base bar (Deda Crononero, Vision Team Base Bar), available in this range. A complete cockpit that’s stiffer and neater, but dedicated to one bike.
• Aero bars are banned in the peloton banned in the peloton in most road races. They’re for time trials, triathlons and solo riding.

Extension shape

• Straight (ski bend) : simple, adjustable for reach, with your hands in a neutral position.
• J-bend : upturned at the ends, allowing you to bring your hands closer together and raise your forearms slightly.
• S-bend : a double bend, offering the most supportive hand position and popular for long distances.
• Extensions are also sold separately (Zipp Vuka 110 EVO, Profile Design 45/25c): keep the base and change the shape.

Adjustment is half the story

The armrests can be adjusted for width, reach and height; spacers and risers raise them in increments of 10 to 25 mm. Armrest platforms and pads can be replaced separately, and the pads really do wear out: the foam compresses and absorbs sweat. Elbow spacing affects aerodynamics as much as extension length.

Accessories

The range includes aero bar bridges (aerobridge), which stiffen the setup and provide a mounting platform, as well as between-the-arms hydration mounts (BTA) and GPS mounts integrated. Over a long-distance event, being able to drink without leaving the aero position matters more than saving a few grams elsewhere.

Before buying

Check the handlebar clamp diameter (31.8 mm in almost all cases) and the space available on either side of the stem with the levers in place. And test the position in training before an event: an aero position you can’t hold for two hours costs more than it gains.

To find out more: How to choose your bike aero bars

See also: Road handlebars · Road bike stems · Road cycling power meters