I made the switch from roadie to triathlete about a year ago. I’m now building up a dedicated tri bike. Is there a noticeable difference between aluminum & carbon aerobars? Or is this just more an aesthetic thing? Thanks all… great forum.
Unless you are considering one of the very high end integrated systems such as Zipp Vukka, Easton, Hed, Oval or Profile then the aluminum ones may actually be stiffer and feel better than the carbon ones.
I find the aluminum base bars feel much stiffer and the aluminum aero extensions feel somewhat stiffer. There is a weight difference on the better one, so put a couple on the scale to see what you come up with at your local shop.
I started out with aluminum years ago, then went to profile carbon for 3 years then went to oval concept carbon.I feel carbon is just as stiff as aluminum if not more.It is much more comfortable on the road.Comfort, light weight, and moveable setting are important to me.I dont think you get that in some of the aluminum bars out there.