TT bars for everyday use?

ror_b211
ror_b211 Posts: 65
edited November 2008 in Workshop
I'm soon getting a bike (off ebay) and the seller is including both TT-style (tri) bars and normal drop bars. My question is could I use the TT bars for everyday use? They look so much more comfy with those arm rests....

Obviously I can find this out when it gets here, but just wondering if anyone else has done this.

Thanks

Comments

  • 16simon
    16simon Posts: 154
    Nooooo!!!! Don't do it. There's nothing worse than seeing numpties using tribars on their commute. Even more so when it's on a hybrid bike.

    You won't be able to reach the brake levers so easily, neither will you be able to change direction to avoid cars/potholes etc. If you don't feel comfortable when resting on the brake hoods or tops of your bars, you need to sort out your position on the bike.

    Hope that helps :D
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    If you intend to do TTs, training on the tribars is ideal. However I wouldn't suggest using the tribars in traffic or while riding in a group.

    Solo riding on quiet roads, is an ideal time for tribar use.
    I like bikes...

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  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Well you can use tribars for everyday use - but it depends what that use is.

    If you're commuting on busy roads - then I'd say its not a great idea. Especially if you are new to it. If on the other hand - you live out on empty roads - then thats fine.
  • andrewgturnbull
    andrewgturnbull Posts: 3,861
    16simon wrote:
    Nooooo!!!! Don't do it. There's nothing worse than seeing numpties using tribars on their commute. Even more so when it's on a hybrid bike.

    You won't be able to reach the brake levers so easily, neither will you be able to change direction to avoid cars/potholes etc. If you don't feel comfortable when resting on the brake hoods or tops of your bars, you need to sort out your position on the bike.

    Hope that helps :D

    Hi there.

    I'll take the opposite approach and assume the original poster is not a numpty...

    If you want to race a lot on tri-bars, then training a lot on them is A_Good_Idea. I do it a lot.

    Obviously watch out in traffic, but then I am assuming you're not a numpty ;-)

    Cheers, Andy
    http://www.andyturnbull.co.uk
    http://www.stirlingtri.co.uk
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Not in traffic or with groups, agreed, but that's not necessarily what the OP does. I don't see anything wrong with using them for normal riding even if you're not training for TTs if you're out on open roads on your own - yes they are more comfortable due to the padded supports taking your bodyweight through your skeleton rather than your muscles. If I was doing a long tour I wouldn't hesitate to have some on my bike. Meanwhile our tandem which does do most of its miles touring has Spinacis on (for those who don't remember, mini-tri bars without elbow rests - I put extra padding on the bar where my arms rest) - easier to steer the bike from these than with full size tri-bars, which I don't think I'd be allowed! I only use them on clear open roads, not in traffic.
  • ror_b211
    ror_b211 Posts: 65
    I think I'll use the TT bars for runs around my area when needed but keep the road bars on most of the time.

    I live out on very quiet roads which are pretty flat, so it'll make for some excellent training circuits, but I often commute into town which involves extremely busy roads, junctions and motorway bridges etc so I'll keep the normals on for the most part.

    Thanks guys.

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