Nope, but you will be much faster if you decide to add them.

Much faster is subjective...

Hi everyone,

I'm training for my first IM (next year) and was wondering how important it is to train/race with aero bars on my road bike?

Thank you in advance for your expertise and advice!

How is the comment helpful at all? It lends itself to have people believe that it's minimal enough to not be worth it.

Almost like when people talk about changing an older triathlon frame for a newer one, yeah, that could be subjective.

This one isn't really up for debate as the piles of minutes saved aero-wise, and the skeletal/muscular rest for your body on aero bars possibility to improve your run.............there is no debate. It is "much" faster.

As some have pointed out, you can ride 180km without aerobars.
Lets face it, no one in the Tour uses them except in time trials.
Why in the TT? Well because anyone who doesn't will lose time to those who do use them.
So there's a clue.

Second is comfort.
It's your first IM and you have given no idea of your bike experience, but as you have asked a basic question the assumption would be that you have very little. To ride on the hoods with no other options for probably 6 hours or more could mean a lower performance as there is a good chance the pain will get to you. And a painful ride means a very painful marathon run after.

If you have a good position on the aerobars it's actually way more comfortable than riding the hoods and takes less effort for the same speed. Don't overdo the aero (really narrow position). You are new to TT bars and many people have stability issues, mostly because they don't practice sufficiently. But if you make it easier your run will also benefit.

So (1) it's faster (2) It offers more position choices on a long day. (3) It benefits the run.

The bars also offer a useful place to put stuff (food, drinks etc)

One caveat, you will have to have a seat position that works for the aero position. It's not that hard, but a little experimentation and research goes a long way in making your IM long event a success.

I think I have to agree with LastLap on this one. "Much faster" is pretty vague. And maybe much faster from a cumulative standpoint. In an Ironman, I would say sure simply because of the time involved. In a sprint, maybe not so much. It's not like the OP is going to pick up 5mph on his pace just by bolting on a pair of aero bars. Probably a lot closer to 1mph. Going from a 17mph pace to an 18mph pace in a sprint is barely noticeable. In an Ironman, ya, you'll see that.

I'm not saying this to deter the OP. I run aero bars on all my bikes. But I don't believe in overselling anything either. Just setting reasonable expectations.

And let's not forget, there are downsides as well. There is less fine control with aero bars so on twisty routes, they're all but useless. And they position your hands further away from the brakes, slowing reaction time. Going up steeper inclines, how much are you really using them? Just like anything, there is a time and a place.

How is the comment helpful at all? It lends itself to have people believe that it's minimal enough to not be worth it.

Almost like when people talk about changing an older triathlon frame for a newer one, yeah, that could be subjective.

This one isn't really up for debate as the piles of minutes saved aero-wise, and the skeletal/muscular rest for your body on aero bars possibility to improve your run.............there is no debate. It is "much" faster.

Short answer, do you "need" them? no. BUT aero bars and getting into a more aero position will make a noticeable difference. Especially on long course races.

Hi everyone,

I'm training for my first IM (next year) and was wondering how important it is to train/race with aero bars on my road bike?

Thank you in advance for your expertise and advice!

@hangingon - the IM i am racing in is Lake Placid which is quite hilly. Can you please elaborate on your advice?

You are typically slower on hill thus aero has a reduced impact. That being said it's all marginal. How much cycling have you done, what do you plan on doing the bike in? Juts doesn't fall under the illusion that a TT bike with a disc and deep front wheel is all of a sudden save you 30 mins etc..

Also, at slower speeds (typical of a first timer) aero is even less important as drag reduces dramatically as you reduce speed.

Also, at slower speeds (typical of a first timer) aero is even less important as drag reduces dramatically as you reduce speed.