How do I measure for Aero bars?

Widget
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How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Widget » Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:18 am

Hey guys,

Planning on doing some Triathlons this season (im a beginner) and considering some clip on aero bars... though Im not entirely sure how to measure up so I dont buy any thats too big/too small etc.. How do I go about measuring for length? Is it just a matter of using tape measure and getting length from elbow to palm of hand ?

Also, regarding those TT style handle bars.. the ones that look like wings (not the bars that curve around and under). Is that just a matter of measuring shoulder - shoulder?

I ask as I've come across a couple cheap ones on those cycling buy/swap/sell pages on Facebook, but didnt want to jump into buying one as I wasnt sure if it would fit or not.

Thanks :)

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Derny Driver
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Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Derny Driver » Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:24 am

No mate you don't measure. Its your forearms that rest on the pads not your elbow. Any length will do.
As for width, same thing.
They are made in different sizes just for personal preference. Like handlebars, some people like wide and some people like narrow. There is no advantage to either, just what feels comfortable.
You cant really retro fit those wing type one piece bars because you would need to remount your brake levers and cables. Best just to clip on 2 of those straight extensions to the top of your existing bars. I like the straight ones best or the ones with just a small bend. Again, personal preference, you will get used to whatever type you fit.

Widget
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Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Widget » Tue Oct 27, 2015 12:40 am

oooh ok, thanks Derny :). Wasn't sure if the bars came in longer/shorter sizes for those who have longer/shorter arms. :)

Regarding the wing-type bars, would you generally need to also replace the bar stem too?

Thanks again :)

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Duck!
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Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Duck! » Tue Oct 27, 2015 8:39 am

Basic aerobars are fixed length, but have some adjustment for armrest positioning. Better ones are adjustable for length as well as spacing.

As a very general starting setup you want the length set so when your hands are at the ends (with shifters easily accessible if using bar-end shifters), your upper arms are close to vertical or angled only slightly forward. The arm pads should support the nice meaty part of your forearms about a handwidth down from your elbows.

If using bullhorn bars, get the same width as your standard bars. It's not generally necessary to change stem, as the position when you're on the horns is basically the same as the hoods on "normal" road bars, although sometimes changing to a slightly shorter stem can help with positioning on the aero bars.
I had a thought, but it got run over as it crossed my mind.

Widget
Posts: 157
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:38 pm

Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Widget » Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:39 am

Duck! wrote:Basic aerobars are fixed length, but have some adjustment for armrest positioning. Better ones are adjustable for length as well as spacing.

As a very general starting setup you want the length set so when your hands are at the ends (with shifters easily accessible if using bar-end shifters), your upper arms are close to vertical or angled only slightly forward. The arm pads should support the nice meaty part of your forearms about a handwidth down from your elbows.

If using bullhorn bars, get the same width as your standard bars. It's not generally necessary to change stem, as the position when you're on the horns is basically the same as the hoods on "normal" road bars, although sometimes changing to a slightly shorter stem can help with positioning on the aero bars.
Oh Thanks Duck!, muchly appreciated :)

Widget
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Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:38 pm

Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Widget » Tue Nov 03, 2015 3:15 am

Considering getting some clip on aerobars for my roadie, but don't have a lot of money. jumped on ebay and came across

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/381308615161 ... EBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know they would be made in China and probably cheap quality (how cheap, Im not too sure).. though has anyone actually used or seen these 'cheaper' alternatives to aerobars? Are they useful.. do they work?

What are the primary areas of an aerobar that needs to be of sound quality that one would prefer to spend 5x more on a name brand ?

Any feedback on these bars or on the general topic of cheap aerobars would be super.

Thanks :)

[EDIT] Fixed link
Last edited by Widget on Tue Nov 03, 2015 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Duck!
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Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Duck! » Tue Nov 03, 2015 4:17 pm

Link broken. :?

The thing to look for, with all aerobars to an extent, but particularly the single-piece ones with fixed mount spacing, is that your handlebar will actually fit them. All handlebars, whether 26mm or 31.8mm at the stem clamp taper down away from the stem. You need the bar to have a straight section at least 100mm between the tapers so the aeros will clamp on securely. If the aerobars clamp on the tapered sections you'll only have a small contact area, which is prone to slipping when your weight is in them, and can potentially lead to handlebar failure from the conctrated stress. With two-piece aerobars, you can set the clamps in close to the stem, so can get away with a shorter straight section, but one-piece bars have a fixed mount spacing. The other thing to look for is clamp diameter; most aerobars will fit 31.8mm handlebars, with shims to suit 26mm, but some cheap aerobars will only fit 26mm handlebars.
I had a thought, but it got run over as it crossed my mind.

Widget
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Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:38 pm

Re: How do I measure for Aero bars?

Postby Widget » Tue Nov 03, 2015 5:20 pm

Thanks again Duck :)

link Fixed

Ill measure my bar and see how I go. :)

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