What are the benefits of Aero/Tri bars?

Question

I understand that they make you more aerodynamic and efficient, I was wondering by how much?

How much energy do they save? How much time do they save per kilometer? What sort of training do you need to do to get the most out of them?

Answer 1

They make you more aerodynamic. They do not save energy. If you put out 300w on normal bars to go 24mph you would go 25-26mph at the same wattage on aero bars (just an estimate). The goal is not to save energy but to go faster at the same energy.

For training, you need to get used to riding in a different position. If the bars are the only change you'll feel the difference in your lower back, shoulders, but mostly in your legs. You will change the angle that your legs push from and that takes a lot of getting used to. All you can do is train until your muscles adjust.

Remember, aero bars are usually race specific. Unless you have a particular event in mind (triathlon, time trial) they are not worth the bother. Also, they are illegal in a standard road race.

Answer 2

from experience i gain .5-1mph by tucking into the bars versus riding in the drops.  that tuck position works.  it has proven out time and again.  i also find the bars give me a chance to rest.  instead of supporting your upper body on your hands, they allow you to relieve that pressure at times.

the downsides are that they are not allowed in road race, and tend to get in the way when you are doing a lot of climbing in a hilly ride.  the elbow supports are right in the middle of one of my favorite in the saddled climbing positions (hands on top of the bars).

davis phinney once said concerning positioning on the bike, that as cyclists we should strive to be as long and flat across the top of the bike as possible.  the one position on a bike that is very subjective is stem length and height.  a lot depends on personal flexibility and body build.  work towards a balance where you are still comfortable, but as low as possible.

Answer 3

Not much. They help you on the flat and going downhill but they're worse than useless for going uphill. If you're a good cyclist they might marginally increase your time but in general they won't greatly improve the performance of most cyclists. I have them on my road bike and I wouldn't say there's any perceptible difference between using aerobars and using the drop handle bars.