Is there a resource out there that lists the maximum pad width for various flavors of aerobars out there? Even most manufacturers’ sites don’t seem to list this stat. I’m tall and have very broad shoulders; most stock aerobars are too narrow for me to ride comfortably for an extended period of time. I’m on PD Aerolites right now and they can get me wide enough when set to almost the limit, but also rotate inwards so I can get my hands close together at the bar ends (this has proven to be the most comfortable position for me). That is about their only redeeming quality. Ideally I’m looking for something with:
internal cable routing
slightly shallower bend (something like the Vision shallow J-bends are about what I’m looking for)
rotational adjustment to bring my hands closer together
maybe carbon (shaving a few grams won’t make a difference for me, but the dampening effect might help)
Again, comfort is my main consideration so I may just stick with what works but was wondering if there is some other option out there I’m somehow missing out on. Thanks
You can get the pads pretty wide apart on HED’s original aerobar. You can also angle-in the extensions so as to get your hands closer together. I think the aerobar actually comes with the J-bends that you prefer. Hope this helps.
Have you looked at the Syntace C3? I believe the pads get pretty wide (from looking at them in the shop, do not have them on my bike), the pads look pretty comfy, the cable routing is internal, and the grip position, while fixed, is both shallowly upward and somewhat inward. I have my Profile Carbon Strykes rotated inward because I really like the single bend with my thumb knuckles touching setup (I cannot stand having my hand parallel with the palms facing each other and thumbs straight up, it put too much rotation into my forearms and shoulders) and the C3’s were another bar I have been looking at very closely to get a similar position. Pair them with the Stratos CX base bar and you have a very clean front end with a hand position that sounds like what you are looking for.