Triathlon Clip-on Aero Bars – Beating the Wind
Whether it's a professional triathlon or an amateur time trial – seconds count in every race against the clock. If you want to have an advantage in the race, you should therefore not only improve your training, but also your equipment. Triathlon attachments are one way to do this. With the right clip-on aerobar, you can beat the wind and improve your time. In this article, we explain which clip-on aerobars are available and what you should look out for when buying one. Read more
Triathlon Attachments – Simple Design, Great Effect
When eight seconds decide victory in the Tour de France, it is more than clear that every second counts for the professionals. This was the case in the 1989 Tour de France, where the US American Greg LeMond took 58 seconds off the previous leader Laurent Fignon (France) on the 24.5-kilometre final time trial to Paris – turning a 50-second deficit into an eight-second lead. The exciting thing: LeMond used a so-called triathlon clip-on aerobar in that time trial. A technical advantage compared to the traditional lower handlebar position used by Fignon – and ultimately the key to winning the Tour.
A clip-on aerobar as the key to victory in the world's most important cycling race – it didn't take long for clip-ons, which originally came from triathlon, to become popular in amateur sport. Today, the prime example of triathlon parts is also part of the standard repertoire in various cycling disciplines when it comes to aerodynamic material. In amateur time trials and shorter triathlon distances, clip-on aerobars are also screwed onto classic drop bars. For long-distance triathlons and important individual time trials, they are part of a complete triathlon handlebar. And even in gravel and bikepacking races, many riders fit triathlon attachments. The goal: to be able to lie down on the handlebars and rest during long lengths.
How Do Tri Bars Work?
Whether it's a triathlon or a road time trial, the way a triathlon attachment works is always the same. However, the design is sometimes different, depending on the initial situation. For a classic road bike handlebar, special triathlon attachments for road bikes are suitable for retrofitting. These clip-on aerobars are screwed onto the top of the classic road bike handlebar with a clamping device – hence the name clip-on bar. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a clip-on aerobar for a triathlon base bar, it is best to look for a triathlon attachment for aerobars. These are either clamped in the same way or bolted directly to the base handlebar for even more aerodynamic integration. The actual aero clip-on aerobar always consists of two elongated, forward-facing tubes (extensions) that act as grips. There is also a left and a right arm rest on which you can support your forearms. The result is an almost reclined upper body position, with which you offer less surface area for the wind to attack – and therefore an aerodynamic and in some cases even more comfortable position on the bike.
Triathlon or time trial clip-on aerobars are available in different materials and designs to suit different purposes. They are available in aluminum, carbon and plastic. There is also a wide range of clamp diameters for different handlebar types. At BIKE24 you will find a large selection of attachments so that you are sure to find the right attachment for your next competition or endurance ride. We stock the best-known brands when it comes to triathlon attachments, such as PRO, Profile Design and Vision.
Clip-on Aero Bar Accessories – Gadgets That Make Your Attachment Even Better
Do you want to get even more out of your triathlon clip-on aerobar? Then you should take a look at the clip-on aerobar accessories section. Depending on the manufacturer and model, you can tune your attachment with gadgets. For example, some riders are interested in different or new triathlon handlebar armrests that better suit their anatomy. In the same breath, many riders also try differently shaped arm extensions for even more streamlining and comfort. Computer holders are also popular. They allow you to mount the bike computer directly onto the clip-on aerobar, so you don't have to change your position to read your riding data.
Another accessory that is in high demand are so-called riser kits. These are spacers that make it possible to adjust the height of the attachment. This allows you to fine-tune your riding position to get the most out of the balancing act between aerodynamics and power transmission.
Triathlon Clip-on Aero Bars – Summary
A triathlon clip-on aerobar, also known as a time trial clip-on aerobar, is an aerodynamic extension for your road bike handlebars. The attachment is fitted with a clamping device. It also consists of two holding tubes for gripping and two arm shells to support the forearms. You can use a triathlon attachment in a wide variety of situations – from classic triathlons to time trials and long-distance gravel races. Do you now want to try out a clip-on aerobar yourself? Take a look at our website!
And don't forget: In every race against the clock, seconds count. A triathlon attachment can help you win them.