clip on area bars for a road bike.

I’m pretty comfy on the drops and the stem is “slammed”. I do long rides, typically over two hours. Just wondering if clip on bars might be worth a go. I don’t think they will get me any lower, just bring the arms in. Is that going to make much of a real world difference?

Cheers.

Try it?

reduction in frontal area – always a winner IF your shoulders and neck can handle it – you spend alot of time looking up.

how ever over short rides such as 2 hours i shouldnt think its a problem.

was always nice to slump into aero bars when battling a headwind on a long ride though.

if you ride in a group forget it. You wouldnt be getting to ride behind me on aero bars.

I guess it depends on what purpose, I used to TT a lot and for 25’s and up used clip-ons aero bars on my road bike, I used to find it really comfy on the typical dual-carriageway type course. If you’re just riding and not racing then the only reason I can see for doing it is if you wanted another position for comfort, if you’re not putting out any more watts then it’s not helping you get fitter just because you might go a bit faster.

Thanks guys. Don’t do any group riding. Normally just ride to keep my heart rate up for a given time so the point about not getting fitter is a valid one.

I don’t race but might try a triathlon next year more to complete it rather than break any course records.

As for trying it, I’m just trying to work out if it’s worth £75 (profile t3+ caught my eye).

No, it won’t be worth it but do it if you like.

The gain in aero not really worth it unless you’re going quickly, if you’re not racing does it even matter? If you want an extra position to try then might be worth a go.

I see a lot of wanna be triathletes and TT’ers round here on the Clip ons at 15-20mph, no benefit at all IMO and added to which, hands no where near the brakes should anything pull out on them.