Bike Aero Bars

Bike aero bars are bicycle accessories you can attach to the handle of the bike to help you assume an aerodynamic shape while riding to reduce air resistance and increase speed

The idea basically is to help increase the speed at which the bicycle is travelling by reducing air body resistance. The mechanism is quite simple. When you are riding with an aerobar installed on your bike, instead of the wind pressing against your body slowing you down, the posture you assume with the help of the aerobar lets air flow over your body thereby reducing the friction and slowness caused by wind.

Bike aero bars are popular among road bike racers and could make the difference between who wins a race and who comes in second. Aero bars came into prominence in 1989 Tour De France, when Greg LeMond, riding with an aero bar in the final day of the time trial turned a 50 second deficit into an 8 second lead. They have been used by many excellent riders and Tour de France winners. There are different types of aero bars in the market today each with its advantages and disadvantages. The best aero bars are light in weight, easy to install and adjustable.

Use of aero bars on bikes has helped triathlon athletes improve their timings. Earlier, metal aero bars were used to improve timings. However, these where heavy and would increase the weight on the bike thereby being counterproductive. However, things have changed with the invention of carbon aero bars. These are light in weight and sturdy. The designs are excellent with easy grips and are easily adjustable.

Riding with a bike aero bar for long could be quite uncomfortable. However, with the newer designs the use of cushions or pads attached to the aerobars has more or less eliminated that discomfort.