2016 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Aerobars

$100, Profile-design.com
The draw: Ideal for first-timer and short-course triathletes
*Best In Class*

The new ADL is a quality clip-on bar suitable for riders who want to add aerobars to their road bikes. The new design features a taller S-bend
extension than previous iterations coupled with the company’s proven F35 arm pads, and this combination yields a very comfortable and adjustable bar. Profile’s Aero Bar Bracket Riser Kit, sold separately, mates perfectly with this bar to allow a ton of vertical adjustability.

$260, Visiontechusa.com
The draw: Clean design and high functionality

The latest version of the TriMax Carbon Clip-on bar is best suited for a triathlon bike. The bar features a new wider arm pad with a wide range of adjustability in all directions. Assembly of this bar is a bit more complicated than other clip-on bars due to the concealed screws, but it’s nothing your bike shop mechanic can’t handle. Vision Tech offers spacers (sold separately) that allow you to raise the bars above the basebar by as much as 80mm to fine-tune your fit. The bar is also available with ski bend extensions.

$179, Redshiftsports.com
The draw: Ample adjustability and versatility

Redshift launched its Quick-Release Aerobars a few years ago, and they remain a great option for people looking to outfit their road bikes with aerobars. The bars are ideal for the athlete who owns just one bike and uses it for both group rides and triathlon. You can install or remove the bars in seconds without compromising a fine-tuned fit. Even without the quick-release feature, these bars would be near the top of our list—they are well made and have a ton of fit adjustability. Couple the bars with Redshift dual-position seat post, computer mount or bottle carrier (pictured, sold separately) for the ultimate in versatility.

$850 with carbon extensions, Zipp.com
The draw: Fast meets practical

The new Zipp Vuka Aero bar borrows many of the features from one of our favorites, the Zipp Vuka Stealth. The Vuka Aero is a bit simpler, featuring a traditional 31.8mm handlebar clamp rather than an integrated stem, which allows greater frame compatibility. Zipp’s heritage is in aerodynamics, so it’s no surprise that the stem faceplate is protected from the airflow with a removable fairing. This bar is extremely adjustable; the arm rests can be moved in every direction. Be sure to check out the very cool fit calculator on Zipp’s website to see just how this bar can adapt to your fit and your frame.

$575, Specialized.com
The draw: Well-priced, quality bar
*Best In Class*

Specialized has developed a really great product package by combining an aero stem with an integrated carbon aerobar. This can be installed on any bike that has a 11/8-inch steerer tube and is sure to enhance the comfort and aerodynamics of most. The overall design of the bar shows that ergonomics and clean aerodynamics were at the top of the designers’ list of priorities. The bar can be clamped onto the stem in two different positions, creating an effective stem length of 60 or 90mm, and the integrated aerobars have a great deal of adjustability as well, making this one of the most versatile bars on the market.

$350, Profile-design.com
The draw: Best bar for the money
*Best Value*

The Profile Design Aeria T4 Alloy borrows all the great features from the Aeria Carbon bar but at a fraction of the price. This bar is extremely adjustable—the arm pads can be installed from 55mm to 135mm above the basebar. The pads can also move forward or backward to a very large degree by way of the reversible mounts and various mounting holes. If ski bend extensions aren’t your thing, then opt for the Aeria T2, which comes with S bends.