Just fitted Redshift Aero’s (with risers) to my Mason - have been considering it for a fairly long time but as an ex triathlete who used aero bars for speed, I felt a little odd for fitting them purely for comfort. I also don’t remember them being particularly comfortable back then tbh. First ride this afternoon with them, only 60km to the Surrey Hills and back, but my god they make a huge positive difference to your upper body once the fatigue sets in. It was this video that tipped the balance for me to fit them and now I feel stupid for not doing it much sooner.. so cheers Andy, big impact because of this video. 🙏🏽 I’ll be down your way on Monday actually, maybe see you out on the road 😊
Another advantage of having aerobars with risers is that you can still use the top of your handlebar (wich would be occupied by the pads with a close-to-handlebar-aeros).
I started using clip on bars a couple of years ago. It was terrifying at first, but now I don't even think about it. I've done 120 miles solely in the aero bars before and averaged 19mph. They actually save a huge of power, somewhere in the region of 50 watts at 25mph. So what would have taken a threshold effort to stick at those speeds, then becomes an upper zone 2 low zone 3. I love them.
Good video Andy. I have just returned from a bike touring trip where I installed a set of aero bars. Apart from some practice sessions on the set up before the ride, this was my first real use of aero bars. I am impressed. Like you I installed them with the spacers to raise them a little - I prioritised comfort over speed - and used them to mount my bar bag onto. As you mentioned, you have to be careful when you used them. I only used them when I was riding on the front of our small group of 3 on clear roads/cycle tracks - of which there were quite a lot of these as we rode across the Fens and then the Netherlands. At one stage I managed a 30-minute sting on the front almost entirely on the aero bars. I did notice that the different body angle of the position used my leg muscles slightly differently and muscles at the very tops of my legs let that be known. I plan to do some work on the turbo with the aero bars over winter to work on that muscle development. However, the biggest issue I had was that they were too good! Especially on our 100 miles into a headwind in the Netherlands. Although, I tried to focus on pacing my effort when using the aero bars, I did find myself almost effortlessly riding off the front of our group. Much to the chagrin of my friends and rather defeating the objective of taking turns on the front! I ended up not using them on some sections so I didn’t keep annoying my friends.
Remember putting aero bars on an ultra bike is different from time trial. Don’t set it up based on riding on the front tip of the saddle. That’s not a position you’ll love after 6, 10, 12, 24 hrs In ultra, it’s a position to settle into. A good bike fitter might be able to help you get them in the ideal position
Thank you for the video. I have been enjoying your vids for a while now and about to do my first 1200 km Audax. Luckily for me I have watched plenty of vids like yours and even though I am slow I find having areo bars really help and your advise is exactly the route I took with risers etc . The only thing is cross winds can be scary in areo bars and I don’t use them in those situations . Keep up the great vids 😁👌👍
I have seen enough videos to know that they deserve a like before i even watch the first 30 seconds. Thanks for the tips and inspiration. I'm working up to centuries myself, but one day, i'll get into ultracycling. Cheers!!!
Useful video thanks. Have been using them on long gravel rides: thicker (stacked) pads helps to smooth the ride a lot, plus spacing the pads out closer to shoulder width improves stability and reduces strain across the back of the shoulders. Tilting the nose of the saddle down a bit helps with the bars and long climbs.
cheers Andy, aero bars do look like a good option for longer rides and some nice insights in terms of risers and when to use them- like the little tour around the eastern ave and the new cyclepath...burgers ftw :)
I’ve been running them for about 6 months. They’re good for about an extra 1.25 mph at zone 2 power levels. But the real get is the alternate rest position.
I have aero bars on my triathlon bike I love them. I would also advise taking your first ride on them on the turbo, see how the position feel for 5 minutes, ride upright and try to hold the areo position for 10, and build it up for a couple of weeks and then try it in a car park or a closed road. Ride them a bunch and try to stay in the position for some longer stretches before your first event. My first event I had spent a good deal of Time in the aero bars on the trainer and ridden them on the road for a couple of months but had t spent much sustained time in areo. Of coarse that day it was raining ☔️ n the bike coarse, some one clipped my front wheel while I was in areo trying to wash my sticky hand off on my leg. Some how a saved it but I road scare for the next 25 miles and hardly at all in aero, when I got off the bike to run a 1/2 marathon my shoulders and arms where sore AF.
Very interesting point about low aero bars and achiles tendon pain; maybe a low setup could also be used to stretch the hamstrings in order to gain some more hip flexibility (for us chair sitters that can barely touch our knees). Cherrs!
That was a perfectly timed video Andy, I was just about to pull the trigger on a set but having watched this and your own experiences with them, I’m going to have a look at some with more adjustment 👍. Thanks for sharing this, another great video 😊👍
Thanks for that Andy, interesting. My first thought when I get sore hands is "need to get better padded gloves", but perhaps aero bars is another good option.
Great video , mix thoughts about this one. I love to ride to see scenery but in long days in saddle in known what you mean. Q I know you might laugh but I have 38 mm width bars can you get aero bars to fit. Hope having a good break 🎉
Just fitted Redshift Aero’s (with risers) to my Mason - have been considering it for a fairly long time but as an ex triathlete who used aero bars for speed, I felt a little odd for fitting them purely for comfort. I also don’t remember them being particularly comfortable back then tbh. First ride this afternoon with them, only 60km to the Surrey Hills and back, but my god they make a huge positive difference to your upper body once the fatigue sets in. It was this video that tipped the balance for me to fit them and now I feel stupid for not doing it much sooner.. so cheers Andy, big impact because of this video. 🙏🏽
I’ll be down your way on Monday actually, maybe see you out on the road 😊
Glad to hear that mate! They make a lot of sense once you’re comfortable on them
Aero bars are a total game changer. And as you imply, I'm tempted to fit them to my other bike!
Another advantage of having aerobars with risers is that you can still use the top of your handlebar (wich would be occupied by the pads with a close-to-handlebar-aeros).
I started using clip on bars a couple of years ago. It was terrifying at first, but now I don't even think about it. I've done 120 miles solely in the aero bars before and averaged 19mph.
They actually save a huge of power, somewhere in the region of 50 watts at 25mph. So what would have taken a threshold effort to stick at those speeds, then becomes an upper zone 2 low zone 3.
I love them.
Same here mate
Good video Andy. I have just returned from a bike touring trip where I installed a set of aero bars. Apart from some practice sessions on the set up before the ride, this was my first real use of aero bars. I am impressed. Like you I installed them with the spacers to raise them a little - I prioritised comfort over speed - and used them to mount my bar bag onto. As you mentioned, you have to be careful when you used them. I only used them when I was riding on the front of our small group of 3 on clear roads/cycle tracks - of which there were quite a lot of these as we rode across the Fens and then the Netherlands. At one stage I managed a 30-minute sting on the front almost entirely on the aero bars. I did notice that the different body angle of the position used my leg muscles slightly differently and muscles at the very tops of my legs let that be known. I plan to do some work on the turbo with the aero bars over winter to work on that muscle development.
However, the biggest issue I had was that they were too good! Especially on our 100 miles into a headwind in the Netherlands. Although, I tried to focus on pacing my effort when using the aero bars, I did find myself almost effortlessly riding off the front of our group. Much to the chagrin of my friends and rather defeating the objective of taking turns on the front! I ended up not using them on some sections so I didn’t keep annoying my friends.
I love them too, once you’re used to them you can really settle in
I find the supporting pads closer or under the elbows way more comfortable.
Remember putting aero bars on an ultra bike is different from time trial. Don’t set it up based on riding on the front tip of the saddle. That’s not a position you’ll love after 6, 10, 12, 24 hrs
In ultra, it’s a position to settle into. A good bike fitter might be able to help you get them in the ideal position
Thank you for the video. I have been enjoying your vids for a while now and about to do my first 1200 km Audax. Luckily for me I have watched plenty of vids like yours and even though I am slow I find having areo bars really help and your advise is exactly the route I took with risers etc . The only thing is cross winds can be scary in areo bars and I don’t use them in those situations . Keep up the great vids 😁👌👍
Cool hopefully that ride goes well :)
@@theroadprovides thank you
I have seen enough videos to know that they deserve a like before i even watch the first 30 seconds. Thanks for the tips and inspiration. I'm working up to centuries myself, but one day, i'll get into ultracycling. Cheers!!!
Thanks a lot buddy glad you enjoy :)
Useful video thanks. Have been using them on long gravel rides: thicker (stacked) pads helps to smooth the ride a lot, plus spacing the pads out closer to shoulder width improves stability and reduces strain across the back of the shoulders. Tilting the nose of the saddle down a bit helps with the bars and long climbs.
Thanks Andy. Very helpful. I've just fitted some aerobars. Ill keep you posted
cheers Andy, aero bars do look like a good option for longer rides and some nice insights in terms of risers and when to use them- like the little tour around the eastern ave and the new cyclepath...burgers ftw :)
Great video Andy, new to audax, so this is an invaluable video as I plan to procure a set of aero bars for next year
Glad to hear that 😁
I’ve been running them for about 6 months. They’re good for about an extra 1.25 mph at zone 2 power levels. But the real get is the alternate rest position.
Great video Andy. I've been thinking about getting some aero bars so will look at these. All the best
aero bars are great for reducing back and wrist pain, and fighting the wind. and yes there are challenges too. YMMV
I have aero bars on my triathlon bike I love them. I would also advise taking your first ride on them on the turbo, see how the position feel for 5 minutes, ride upright and try to hold the areo position for 10, and build it up for a couple of weeks and then try it in a car park or a closed road. Ride them a bunch and try to stay in the position for some longer stretches before your first event. My first event I had spent a good deal of Time in the aero bars on the trainer and ridden them on the road for a couple of months but had t spent much sustained time in areo. Of coarse that day it was raining ☔️ n the bike coarse, some one clipped my front wheel while I was in areo trying to wash my sticky hand off on my leg. Some how a saved it but I road scare for the next 25 miles and hardly at all in aero, when I got off the bike to run a 1/2 marathon my shoulders and arms where sore AF.
Yeah I agree you have to train that position or it can be quite achey
Hello Andy…. Could you do a video on how you train and prepare for the winter months? 👍
Hey I will do yes I’m just pondering what my plan will be once I’m back from holiday 😁
Very interesting point about low aero bars and achiles tendon pain; maybe a low setup could also be used to stretch the hamstrings in order to gain some more hip flexibility (for us chair sitters that can barely touch our knees).
Cherrs!
Possibly yeah, but interesting what the knock on effect was for me
That was a perfectly timed video Andy, I was just about to pull the trigger on a set but having watched this and your own experiences with them, I’m going to have a look at some with more adjustment 👍. Thanks for sharing this, another great video 😊👍
Glad to help mate :)
Thanks for that Andy, interesting. My first thought when I get sore hands is "need to get better padded gloves", but perhaps aero bars is another good option.
I’d say yes, worth trying at least
Great video as usual mate, can I ask what bike you rode the LEL on? I am taking part next year.
Hey, that was my mason definition 😁
Hi Andy can you share link for that handlebar
Sure - dedaelementi.com/parabolica-uno-extensions
Great video , mix thoughts about this one. I love to ride to see scenery but in long days in saddle in known what you mean. Q I know you might laugh but I have 38 mm width bars can you get aero bars to fit. Hope having a good break 🎉
Thanks bud, I expect you can yeah but would just be closer together so more aero but possibly less comfy
Short top tube and gloves……..