I have a Trek 2300 as my first road bike and I’m going to put clip-ons on soon. I’ve never ridden in an aero positin before but would like to be in a fairly aggressive position. I’d like to buy a decent pair but not the best. Any suggestions?
Tom, I have the Profile AirStryke. Not sure it’s the best, but it’s pretty adjustable and not too expensive. It also has spring-loaded elbow pads which add a little weight but lets you access more of the top of the drop bar.
I have used clip-ons from Profile, Scott and Syntace. I have found the Syntace to be the best. On some of the Profile models I had trouble keeping them from slipping where they mount to the base bar. The Syntace just seems more solid. I can also say that Syntace takes care of you with a crash replacement policy (1/2 price as I recall). Haven’t crashed with the others.
I second the recommendation of the Carbon Stryke - just put some on and I like 'em alot. They’re super adjustable in all respects (length/rotation/pad position & height) and have a solid feel. Check out tri-zone…they’re currently on sale.
I also succumbed to the marketing and went with Profile. No other particular reason.
I bought the Syntace C2’s but found they didn’t fit my larger 31.8mm diameter handlebar without an extra $20 bracket so I put them on my cross bike and bought the Carbon Stryke’s. In my opinion the C2 is a simpler, cleaner and lighter design…plus they come with a yo-yo.
One thing not addressed in the other posts here, is that this is for a road bike. Do you have a forward seatpost and plans to ride steep? If not, there is a good chance that the bars mentioned above will leave you too stretched out, and unable to generate power or stay down in the bars for long. If you want to keep your seat where it is and just add some aero bars for better aerodynamics/long haul comfort, I’d suggest looking into a set of “shorty” bars. Cinelli Spinaci’s, John Cobb’s “Big Slam” bars, or Profile Jammers just might suit you better than a full-length set of aero bars, which have been designed with a more forward position in mind.
Very good point. I use the small size Syntace C2’s on my TCR and Profile Jammer GT’s on my other road bike. Prefer the C2’s for comfort.
The AirStryke’s extensions can be moved in to create a “shortie” bar…
I also like the Carbon Stykes. I have the old style ones, and they are pretty good. The new ones look to be even better, expecially now that the armrests are adjustable again.
I was in a similar situation, and decided to get the cheap Century’s. I soon wished for more adjustability, and the pads actually bent under pressure. Went with the Carbon airstryke. These are fantastic
That’s what makes this site so great. Thanks for all the advice and info. I ordered a set of carbon strykes today. I’ll let ya’ll know how they work out. Thanks again.
I am in the same position and planning on buying bars today before the trisports sale is over. The picture of the carbon strikes on the website looks different than the ones above (the bull horn looking things)…Are these the same bars.
http://www.trisports.com/profcarstryk.html
I have a standard road bike, just want to work on getting a bit more aero without making any major changes, and don’t want to order the wrong bars.
Sure doesn’t look like those are meant to go on a road bar.
Yeah didn’t look right to me either but have never checked these in the store so didn’t know for sure…Thanks. I may just go with the C-2’s.
Tom,
Here's the lowdown.
Syntace best product for the money. They’re comfy, stiff, light, cheap, come in different sizes, and simple. Problem, they just don’t look that cool or different anymore.
Profile Carbon, adjustable comfy and sexy. Problems: heavy, not so stiff, and everyone is getting one.
The solution: Deda Aeroblacks. Sexy, light, different, stiff, fits road bars or bullhorns, and oh so pretty. Problems, not quite as cheap, harder to find at LBS.
If you want adjustible, aggressive, and different the Deda’s are the ticket. If you want to play it safe, go with the Syntace.
-The next greatest signature…in a minute…