The Full Monty

[Bentley]

I'm posting this knowing full well I might get flamed. This morning I saw an older gentleman on a full touring rig, front and rear panniers and get this an "Aerobar".

Hey what ever works, but he was in full rain gear and laid out with a "TT" helmet to boot. Should have gotten a pic.

Best

Ray

[ColonelJLloyd]

FWIW, aerobars and touring bikes are complimentary. Take a look at the field of an endurance race and try and count how many bikes are aerobar equipped.

I see this guy a every once in a while on my commute. What the still photo does not show is the strobe effect of some of the lights. Not gonna miss this cat.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2813/33773707055_788a3cfe34_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tst5s4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Tst5s4) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

[guido]

Aero bars are a whole lot easier on the hands. They are frequently used by touring cyclists, bikepackers and anyone doing long distance rides. What's wrong with a bit of comfort and free speed?

[Bentley]

My concern would be ability to steer effectively from the end of the bars with a bunch of weight up front.

Like I said, I knew I'd catch some heat on this, Live and Let Live, no issue just looks really "weird".

Ray

[ColonelJLloyd]

It's not "heat". Maybe the guy you saw was a total whack job. Maybe not. Either way maybe you learned something about the usefulness of aerobars for applications other than the racing with which you're familiar.

[Bentley]

I'm sure having more hand positions and riding positions is a good thing, no doubt. I also figure it takes someone to take the risk and try some of these things out, just looked odd, nothing more.

Thanks for reminding me that I learned something

Best

Ray

[ColonelJLloyd]

Well next time you see him let him know looking odd on a bike is my move.

[Bentley]

Actually there was a light drizzle and the guy was pretty focused on his "business". I know when I am on a morning ride I don't like being messed with, I just took it all in. I am sure it was all good for him.

😀😀

[ptourkin]

Also used in the Tour Divide and were picking up steam last year at Leadville. I don't use them in brevets because we can't but in any longer endurance race they're essential. I will use them for fast and light bikepacking too.

[ptourkin]

https://cyclingtips.com/2017/03/bikes-2017-indian-pacific-wheel-race/

[Ronsonic]

In the bike touring forums you'll see them called "prairie bars." More comfort and control than resting your forearms on the bars.