I have noticed that some tri bikes come with STI shifters and others with bar end shifters. What are the advantages/disadvantages of these two set-ups? Specifically, how does this effect the handling of the bike? Thanks.
For a technical course or one that has many climbs, a road bike with STI shifters is overall, a better choice. For a flat and fast course where you spend longer in the aero position, a bike with bar end shifters is more suitable.
I am working a little with Steve Hed in getting my TT setup right. Since I don’t have a tri bike, I was going to get the whole bullhorn and barend shifter setup, but he actually convinced me otherwise. He said that if you get out of the saddle in the wrong gear a couple times during a 40k TT, you’ve negated any aero advantage you had vs drop bars with clip-ons.
If your want proof at the pro level, check out a race that was put on in Malaysia a couple weeks ago where a full TT setup was not allowed by the rules. Steve setup the Discovery team for this race and the riders loved it. Body position turns out to be the most important factor.
SO… have STI shifting out on the bullhorns is not a bad idea. I’m sure you know how easily you can learn to do a quick shift by dropping one hand out of the aero position.