Aero bar position

Tim Morton wants some information on aero bars, should they be placed high or low or is comfort the main decision maker for their position? We run through our thoughts and the general rules of using aero bars.

Question:
Is there any advantage to where you place the aero bars (high
or low) or is it just a matter of comfort.

Hi Tim.
The whole point of aero bars is their aerodynamic properties. If you want to use them for reasons of comfort then you just put them were they suit your position and comfort and their position is only important to how you want be on your bike.

If you want to use them properly (for aerodynamics) then things get a little more complicated. To set them up properly you will need a wind tunnel, a specialist in aerodynamic and a specialist in body dynamics and ergonomics, but we can’t all afford them so here are our thoughts on aero bars:

The most aerodynamic position is to have the bars pointing out forwards horizontally from the handle bars. When you have your forearms on the resting pads your hands should be close together and pointing forwards giving the least amount of frontage into the air, with your elbows slightly forward of your shoulders.

Your body should also be offering the least amount of air resistance by being as small as possible, so your back should be as flat/horizontal as possible with your head low and not stuck up in the air.

That is how you would want to be in a perfect world, but sometimes these things are not always possible due to your body shape and flexibility. Added to this, the comfort that you need to be able to ride the bike.

For a short race against the clock up to around 30 minutes or so, you can put up with a certain amount of discomfort for the advantage of aerodynamics, but if you are riding a longer distance then you have to make concessions between the aerodynamics and the comfort needed for sustained effort.

Set up the aero bars so that they look as aerodynamic as possible, then make adjustments, small ones at a time, until you find a position that you can live with, but still be in an aerodynamic position. Depending on the length of your race you might change the position to take into consideration comfort over aerodynamics.

Remember, small adjustments until you are comfortable and aerodynamic.