Best value decent tri-bars/TT bars

CXrider

Bit of a weird one.. I fancy some TT bars but NOT because of any intention to Time Trial or Triathlon but to give my back and neck a couple of more possible positions to alleviate my issues with being in any one or two positions for too long.

EDIT: Had a quick look on Wiggle - they call them Aero Bars

Can anybody recommend any current deals out there for those clip on bars.
I had one brief look in one shop and I believe that my feature priority is in this order:

1. Comfort (some looked to have nice handles and marvelously designed-padded elbow rests)
2. Price - would love to keep this below £100
3. Weight
4. Brand - not bothered about the name.

All in all, with my back, I should not even be using the drops or a full TT position but, hey, I love this cycling too much to not put up with some discomfort. Just want to be careful and give myself more options for comfort on long rides.

These MUST be clip ons. I do not want to or need to replace the whole bar system.

Thanks in advance.

ai_1

I bought a pair of Deda Parabolica extensions a while back. I got the Uno (single bend) version which from what i can see should be the most comfortable for most people.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-parabolica ... -aerobars/
Review here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-44511/

I have no previous experience with extensions and haven't used these much yet so can't compare to others or give much feedback but they're relatively inexpensive, not a bad weight and seem well made.

However, as a comfort aid to relieve your back and neck I'm not sure if extensions are the right approach. They take up a lot of space in the cockpit which means they'll always be in your way when you're not using them and the tops will either be partially obstructed or unusable depending on your setup. Also when using extensions on a bike set-up primarily for use on conventional bars I think you're likely to find the extensions the least comfortable position and they're not ideal for getting in and out of regularly. Switching between hand positions on a normal drop bar is much quicker and easier than getting in and out of an aero position using extensions.
As I said I haven't used mine much yet but on my initial few tries I found it difficult to get used to extensions mostly due to the demands on my neck. On a turbo it feels okay (when I don't have to look forwards!) but on the road I can't stay in the aero position for long due to sore neck and shoulders. My setup may not be perfect but I think neck problems and extensions will always be a problematic combination.
Best of luck whichever way you go!

CXrider

Ah, the neck strain is an issue for me.

Also, I was looking through reviews and when I spotted this one:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/profile-airstryke-2000-aerobar/

It dawned on me that I need easy access to the bar tops for climbing so this one makes a lot of sense.
I have not found any others that spring up like this when not is use. After all, I will only probably use them sporadically.

iron-clover

Ebay.
I bought a pair of second hand deda parabolica bars that cost £30, and are quite nice.
You can usually find cheap new ones for between £20-30 as well, and these are also reasonable. In fact I've just had a quick search and there is a good selection of second hand ones up at the moment.

slowbike

I have the Token clipon aerobars to adapt my road bike for TT use.

The pads don't get in the way of the tops for climbing.

I would question the suitability of aero bars though - I've had to adjust my saddle considerably by moving it forwards on the rails then tilting forwards too, just so I can sit comfortably whilst using the bars. It does nothing to alleviate any neck pain either.

In reality the position is not far removed from sitting with your hands on the top of the hoods and forearms resting along the bar - it's the narrowness and the arm pads that are the significant difference.

cougie

Maybe spend the money on a bike fit if you're getting aches ?

Tri bars are good for getting an extra mph or 2 for the same effort. They do weigh the bars down slightly and change the handling slightly - and unless you get the spring loaded ones - you may knock them with your knees when you climb.

jotko

You should get shorty bars if you are not going to adjust your bike setup in any other way, full length one you will be far to stretched out.

Some more bumf here - http://www.t1tri.com/triathlon-tip-aero ... triathlon/

I have a pair of these - (Profile Jammer GTs), cost me £20 from classifieds.



I just clip them on/off when I want them, dont adjust anything else.

You have restricted access to the tops though so if that is gonna bother you then perhaps the whole idea is not really going to work. Doesnt bother me much as I usually climb on the hoods, but if I know I have a day with a lot of climbing I usually take them off anyway.

ai_1

CXrider wrote:

Ah, the neck strain is an issue for me.

Also, I was looking through reviews and when I spotted this one:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/profile-airstryke-2000-aerobar/

It dawned on me that I need easy access to the bar tops for climbing so this one makes a lot of sense.
I have not found any others that spring up like this when not is use. After all, I will only probably use them sporadically.

I looked at these before as well but I reckoned the armrests would be very annoying in the flipped up position as they'll be sticking up over the bars.

CXrider

Yeah, going off the idea now.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives in my case - position change,rattling, inability to ride on the tops, extra weight on the front, cost, etc.

Oh well... back to the drops it is!