S bend and Straight extensions of aerobars place a noticeably increased stress on the wrists as compared to the traditional “J bends”. Specifically, could this stress around the median nerve (i.e. compression) lead to carpal tunnel syndrome?
Since carpal tunnel syndrome is a gradual progression over time, we might be looking at the long term effects and impact. And considering that the S bend and Straight aerobars are increasingly popular in the triathlon scene, I think it’s worth taking a second look. Any medical professionals or people in the industry care to comment?
i had to give mine up b/c of that…same reason why i had to switch from Campy to Shimano…wasn’t worth the ‘aero’ benefits, so i’m back to my normal vision techs.
since going back, i haven’t had any issues.
i’m not a doctor, but i do work in the medical field:)
I’ve had an issue with the angle that “S” and “R” bend aerobars exert on the wrist when grasping the aerobar extension. I’m not an occupational therapist so I can’t speak with any degree of authority to the potential for increased risk of exposure to this type of injury. However, I do ride aerobars enough so that I have anecdotally found that “S” and “R” style bends froce my hand- when grasping the extension firmly- into an uncomfortable angle. I find a traditional bend is much more comfortable since it maintains a more straight wrist posture.
To me the “S” and “R” bend trend is largely fashion. While a rider may be able to exert greater leverage by pulling up on the “S” bend extension to exert additional downward force on the elbow pads for bracing the torso against a more powerful pedal stroke this all comes at a cost. It simply takes more energy. I’ve found it is less comfortable to me.
If a comfortable, economic style is the goal I think many riders are much better off with traditional bend aerobar extensions.
The risk of carpal tunnel syndrome increases as the wrist is rotated toward the little finger and pressure is applied . Sounds like a perfect set up for the s bend bar . If you wrist is loose or you are young , maybe less of a problem . If you get it , there are a series of wrist flexibility exercises a PT can show you . Some older guys even get it after a long swim . Look at your wrist underwater sometime . It seems just like the rest of the aero position , it depends upon what each person’s body will give them . Me , I race upright with a rockshock seatpost . Aero bars are for resting going fast .