I’m new to triathlon and looking for my first road and tri bike. One thing I’ve noticed is the differences in the shape of the areobars. Some are flat(scott plasma) and some have a bend (trek equinox 7.0). These are just examples, I don’t have the money for the plasma and my mom would flip if I bought THAT expensive a bike(in second year of college)…I did find an 08 equinox 7.0 on sale though which is do-able. There has to be some difference between the two styles. Anyone have experience? Is one more comfortable or aero or both? Is handling different? Any views are appreciated. Thanks
Gazelle - welcome to the sport and to ST. Aerobars have and will continue to go through many shapes and changes. There are straight bars that are dead straight (I find that some riders get wrist soreness in longer rides) - then there are “s bends” probably like the ones you see on the Plasma (slight curve - comfy for many) and then there are the “ski bends” that curve up so you’ve got two fists in front of you (those have been around for awhile and some folks love 'em).
You would do well to invest just a touch more time and perhaps even a bit of money on a “pre-fit” so that you know exactly what size bike is right for you - and if you go to a reputible place I’m sure you can grip a few aero bar extensions to find the ones you like as well.
All the best, Ian
Here is a good reading about them and differences. Keep in mind Tom was against “S” bend when he wrote the article! Now I think he uses one 
I know of a local shop that does professional fittings and I planned on getting one. Looking at the 09 Cervelo P1 and the 08 P2SL, 09 Felt S32, and the 08 Trek Equinox 7.0. They fit my budget and allow for the extra cask to purchase pedals/shoes/shorts and jersey or tri-suit/other tri gear that I’ll need, which I don’t have any of at the moment. Great information so far, keep it coming.
Actually, I believe Tom D. uses the Blackwell Research Wrist Relief, which ar esomewhere between a S-bend and a ski tip. As seen here:
C. Blackwell Research Wrist Relief carbon fiber aero extensions, custom cut-down.
Many aerobars (HED Cliplites, Zipp Vuka, Profile Carbon X, All Oval Bars, etc.) let you swap out the bend styles fairly cheeply (many use a 22.2mm diameter standard). Also, since a clip-on aero bar is only $100-200 bucks it’s upgradable, and probably not the decision to base the bike purchase around. S-bends were all the rage a few years ago, but now there seem to be more folks (even top TTers like David Millar) switching back to upward bends. I personally like the upward bends and see the S-bends as a fad (they do look sleeker), but some folks swear by them. Go with what’s comfortable for you; the most aero bar is the one comfortable enough to stay in for the full bike ride.