Asphalt Green Tri Club

Use caution when riding in your aero bars.  Because your weight is further forward and the aero bars move your hands forward your bike will “over steer” - it reacts quicker and more dramatically to all steering movements.

A good “test” to see if you are ready for aero bars is being able to ride a loop of your favorite training route (Central Park for NYC triathletes) with your hands on the top of your handle bars next to the stem.  Don't try this when the route is crowded.  If you can make it around the loop without moving your hands and are reasonably comfortable you are ready for aero bars.

Start slowly and cautiously.  the shift in weight and the placement of your hands ahead of your front wheel make steering and control “twitchy.”  Tone down your movements - slower and less movement will produce the same results while on your aero bars as when you are on the “hoods.”

Practice makes perfect.  Get onto your aero bars before your first race, or the first race of the season.  But, remember “over steer” and your hands are not near your breaks.  So, use caution.

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