What are Aero Bars?
Aero Bars are aerodynamic handlebars that are mounted on a bicycle. Designed to reduce air resistance and improve riding efficiency. These handlebars allow riders to adopt a more streamlined riding posture. which significantly reduces drag and increases speed. But it’s not for everyone, only triathlons, time trials, and long-distance cyclists. This paper describes What are Aero Bars? And everything about Aero Bars. By providing optimal riding posture, they enable riders to maintain higher speeds with less effort. making them essential gear for serious cyclists aiming to achieve optimal performance.

What are Aero Bars?
Aero Bars are also known as “Clip on aero bars”,” triathlon aero bars” or “tri-bars”. It is a handlebar extension mounted near the center of the handlebar and suspended above the front wheel. The Aero Bars allow you to lower your upper body and align your arms with your torso for a more aerodynamic position. Unlike other handlebar positions, air-powered handlebars offer both handles and armrests. allowing you to significantly reduce stress on your wrists and hands. And reduce the resistance of the air, thereby increasing speed and efficiency. Aero Bars are widely used in triathlons, time trials, and long-distance cycling. and are an important piece of equipment for cycling enthusiasts looking for speed and performance.
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Construction and design of Aero Bars
With its streamlined structure and functional design. Aero Bars offers riders a solution to reduce air resistance and improve cycling efficiency. The main construction and material selection of the handlebars are as follows.
Main structure:
- Trunk: The trunk of the Aero Bars is mounted directly on the handlebars and is the core of the entire construction. The rider’s riding posture can be adjusted to place the body in a more streamlined position to reduce wind resistance.
- Arm pads: Arm pads fitted on Aero Bars provide support to the rider’s forearms for increased comfort during long periods of riding. Arm pads also help maintain stability and ensure a more balanced center of gravity during high-speed riding.
- Handlebar end: This is the position where the rider holds and controls the Aero Bars. The design is often ergonomic, providing both a good grip and easy change of direction, and is a key part of keeping the ride smooth.
Material selection:
Aero Bars are mainly made of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber. Aero Bars made of aluminum alloy are known for their durability and economy. suitable for entry-level riders, and despite their high weight, they offer very good value for money. making them ideal for riders trying Aero Bars for the first time. The carbon fiber Aero Bars are more suitable for professional riders. with their lightweight design and excellent shock absorption. they are especially ideal for long-distance riding and competitive use. their superior performance makes them a high-end choice despite their higher price.
Types of Aero Bars
The main types of Aero Bars are the short-range (Clip-On Aero Bars) and long-range (Integrated Aero Bars).
- Short-range (Clip-On Aero Bars) Clip-On Aero Bars are lightweight and easy to install on existing handlebars. They offer flexibility and simplicity, making them ideal for short-distance races or temporary use. These bars are often used by amateur cyclists or for training. providing a quick and affordable way to enhance aerodynamics for short events.
- Long-range (Integrated Aero Bars) Integrated Aero Bars feature a streamlined, one-piece design, specifically tailored for aerodynamic bikes. This design offers enhanced stability and further optimizes airflow. making them suitable for Ironman triathlons and professional time trial races. where high-speed performance over long distances is crucial.
Advantages of using Aero Bars
- 1. Reduce air resistance:
- Aero bars help riders adopt a streamlined riding posture, effectively reducing air resistance. and increasing speed, giving them a competitive advantage.
- 2. Improve riding efficiency:
- With less air resistance, energy consumption is also reduced. It allows riders to last longer over long distances and helps conserve energy to maintain better cycling speeds.
- 3. Comfort enhancement:
- The arm support design of Aero Bars effectively relieves pressure on the wrist. providing a more comfortable experience for riders. Suitable for long riding.
How to choose the right Aero Bars
Choosing the right Aero Bars requires a comprehensive consideration of the application. frame compatibility and material.
- 1. Choose according to the use
- For short races, you can opt for the lighter and more flexible Clip-On Aero Bars. For longer rides, the Integrated Aero Bars may be more suitable. as they are designed to achieve better aerodynamic performance.
- 2. Consider frame compatibility.
- Before purchasing, you need to confirm that your Bike Frames. and Carbon Bike Handlebars(Carbon Road Bike Handlebars) are compatible with Aero Bars. so on guarantee stability for later use.
- 3. Focus on materials.
- You can choose the right material according to your needs. If you are a beginner, then aluminum alloy is cost-effective and more suitable. If you are experienced. then you can choose lightweight and excellent-performance carbon fiber material.
How do you install aero bars on road bikes?
Most road bikes are not equipped with aero bars at the factory. but we riders can install special clips on aero bars according to our own needs to help ourselves achieve performance. The “clip-on” aerodynamic handlebars are designed to be bolted to the handlebars, so you need to use the proper tools when installing them.
Although this handlebar is usually not a one-time installation after long-term use. But there are exceptions, such as the Redshift quick-detachable aerodynamic handlebars. which are uniquely designed to be easily and quickly installed or removed without tools. making them ideal for riders who need flexible change.
Make sure your road bike is compatible with the selected aerodynamic handlebars before installation. Most standard handlebars support installation, but it is necessary to check the diameter and shape. and the material of the handlebars match to ensure that the installation is firm and safe. With the right selection and installation. we need to achieve more efficient aerodynamic performance and bring both speed and comfort to your ride.
Why should I Put Aero Bars on my Road bike?
For a longtime triathlon rider, it’s probably the fastest way to find speed. Maybe you start to wonder when other riders are speeding past you on a better bike than you. But if you want to do well in triathlons, then you can put aerodynamic handlebars on your road bike. which will help you reduce air resistance and increase speed. Allow you to cut physical exertion during the game.
And with this handlebar, you can also be equipped with an arm support design. so that you can help reduce the pressure on the wrist and upper body so that long riding can be easier. Moreover, this type of handlebar is flexible and relatively reasonable in price. which is a benefit for riders with limited budgets.
Aero Bars On A Touring Bike
Some might wonder, as a travel enthusiast, can I use Aero Bars? Recently, I planned a long-distance trip and ordered a touring bike. Many friends asked why I decided to install Aero Bars.
When riding long distances, I often spend extended hours in the saddle. My bike, a gravel bike, is designed with a more comfortable geometry than a standard road bike. I still need to rely heavily on my hands and wrists to support my upper body. Over time, this can cause significant strain on my wrists and hands, leaving me feeling quite fatigued.
That’s why I decided to add Aero Bars. With them, I can switch to a different riding posture, shifting the weight from my hands and wrists to my forearms. This change not only makes my rides more comfortable but also provides more functionality—like strapping a waterproof bag underneath the Aero Bars to carry extra gear. This feature is particularly helpful during winter camping trips. allowing me to bring a warm wool blanket to improve my comfort in freezing conditions.
I opted for the Profile Designs Legacy II Aero Bars because of their excellent adjustability. I can customize the armrest pad positions and angles to fit my needs, and even adjust the bar’s horizontal angle. To enhance comfort further, I added 70mm risers to elevate the bars by 7cm above my handlebars. This setup allows me to adopt a more relaxed riding posture while still having easy access to the top of my handlebars for alternate hand positions.
At first, I was a bit nervous due to warnings from others about potential instability with Aero Bars. Some people claimed their bikes wobbled dangerously while using them, which made me apprehensive. But, during my first ride with the Aero Bars, I quickly realized my fears were unfounded. After a couple of stops to fine-tune the angles, I found a comfortable position, and my bike felt completely stable throughout the ride.
What surprised me the most was how much my efficiency improved with Aero Bars. On a short 10-mile ride, I finished noticeably faster than usual—even with a loaded gear bag attached. This wasn’t just a psychological boost. the aerodynamic design genuinely reduced wind resistance and made my ride smoother and more effortless.
Now, I believe Aero Bars are the perfect addition for long-distance rides or gravel adventures. They not only make my cycling experience more efficient and comfortable but also boost my confidence to take on new challenges.
Aero Bars are worth it
Based on some of the points I mentioned above, its greatest value is the optimization of aerodynamics and the reduction of wind resistance. Aero Bars is a professional handlebar designed for aerodynamic reduction of air drag. It allows you to improve airflow and reduce air resistance, allowing you to reduce the windward part and achieve the fastest speed. price, it has an absolute advantage, with price points ranging from 50 pounds or less. In conclusion, I think investing in Aero Bars is worth considering.
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FAQ
Conclusion
All in all, I believe that you have a good understanding of Aero Bars from this description. This type of handlebar not only reduces air resistance but increases cycling efficiency. it also allows the rider to adopt an aerodynamic position. This is especially valuable for cyclists who are often used for racing rides. , choosing the right pneumatic handlebars can make a big difference. It is important to choose the pneumatic handlebars that best suit your riding style and needs, so contact us if you have any questions.