2012 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Aerobars

Get a sneak peek at the entire aerobar section from the 2012 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide, which is on newsstands at Barnes & Noble now. Or, purchase the digital issue now!

Valdora SR-1.0 $599

The SR-1.0’s large armrests are its most striking feature. While the padding is thin, the pads’ large total area make the SR-1.0 feel like an easy chair for your arms. Despite the limited range of adjustability for both the pads and extensions, the bars are quite comfortable thanks to the ergonomic extension shape and generous size of the pads. Long-course triathletes will surely be converted by the SR-1.0’s comfort during long sessions in the aerobars. Valdoracycles.com

Profile Design T2 Cobra $200

The T2 Cobra has been a popular bar for years, but Profile Design made a key change to its 2012 model. Whether or not it’s an improvement might depend on your needs. Previous versions of the bar featured moveable arm pads, allowing for a wide range of adjustment that gave athletes the option to shorten the reach to their bars dramatically. The new design sacrifices this huge range of adjustment, but dramatically simplifies the bar and ensures the pads stay clamped in their intended position. Profile-design.com

Syntace C3 and Stratos CX $493

Despite the aluminum extensions, the C3 and Stratos CX basebar create one of the lightest cockpits available. The C3’s uniquely shaped extensions allow for a neutral wrist position, something that long-course triathletes especially should appreciate. The arm pads, which are positioned to the rear of the basebar, have just the right amount of cushioning and cup the forearm nicely. Syntace.com

Zipp VukaAero $870

When Zipp designs a product, you know it’s going to help you go faster, and the VukaAero is no exception. In addition to aerodynamic shaping, it also provides many positioning options. The pads are generously cushioned yet don’t appear bulky, and they have an excellent degree of width adjustability plus moderate fore-aft flexibility. Zipp provides three extension shapes, including the VukaShift that allows the shift paddle to mount directly to the extension. They can be shortened to different degrees, depending on the bend shape. Zipp.com

Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Clip-on $180

The Race X Lite bar is a reliable and adjustable clip-on perfectly suited as a road bike add-on or part of a dedicated tri bike. It allows for plenty of adjustment to extension length and width, as well as pad placement. The carbon extensions lighten up the bar, and the steep upsweep at the end of the bar creates a comfortable hand position for athletes looking to adopt an aerodynamic high hand position. Internal cable routing provides a clean finish, and the clamping mechanism is simple but secure. Bontrager.com

Vision Trimax Carbon Si $730

Vision’s new integrated bar has many of the company’s hallmark features and a few improvements beyond its older designs. Extension length can be adjusted up to 90mm, and the bars can be rotated to suit rider preferences. Both adjustments can be made precisely using the clearly displayed corresponding marks on the extension and basebar. The upswept basebar brake grips create a secure place for the hand to rest, and the basebar’s aerodynamic shape makes the TriMax Carbon SI your ally in the fight against the wind. Visiontechusa.com

Hed Clip Lite $325

In addition to its sleek and streamlined design, the Hed Clip Lite clip-on aerobar also boasts a wide range of adjustment. The extensions—offered with S-bend, up-turn and Hed’s own Lazy S extension shapes—can be cut to rider preference. The elbow pads can also be moved back and forth. It’s equally suited for a clip-on on a road bike or the bar on a dedicated tri bike. At $325, it is priced above other carbon aerobars, but it delivers on the road. Hedcycling.com

Pro Missile EVO $1,200

A fully integrated base- and aerobar, the Pro Missile EVO’s extension is a slightly upswept single bend, so it plays more aggressively than some other single-bend bars. While extension length and pad placement can be manipulated to the athlete’s demands, extension width and rotation are fixed. As a product in the Shimano family, the EVO comes ready to integrate with Di2 or mechanical components, as cables and wires route internally, away from both view and wind. The optional Missile EVO stem (sold separately) will further integrate the cable routing. Pro-bikegear.com

Easton Aeroforce Mod aerobar $107

At just more than $100, this adjustable, comfortable clip-on is one of the best aerobar bargains. Its extension length and pad placement can be tuned, a major benefit if attached to a road bike. Easton offers two extension styles, and the drop from the pad to the extensions creates pleasant tension through the wrists. Pad height is slightly lower than many comparably adjustable bars, so these are a good match for true triathlon bikes and road bikes set up to optimize the aero position. Eastoncycling.com