[TysonTy1]

I come from the MTB world. I bought my first used road bike. Seller threw in a set of Aero bars to the deal that were laying in the garage. He said they didn't really fit the Carbon bars (see picture below) on the bike but I could have them any way. This is where I should have listened.

Got home and made/manipulated the Aero bars to fit. I think the Aero bars look cool and they seemed to be nice option to adjust position. After my first ride I noticed the Aero bar mounts were digging into the carbon bars so I took them off (see picture). I was disappointed to need to remove them but needed to prevent any further damage.

Like I mentioned I am a rookie road biker.

So who rides with aero bars, why, should they be reserved for a specific type or riding? Are there any available for my style of handle bars (FSA Carbon with flat tops)?

View attachment 280379

 

[Elpimpo]

:mad2:

Dude.....

thats dangerous, there is (although slight) a possibility of the bars about to snap now....

 

[TysonTy1]

I inspected it pretty good. No real cracking or deep punctures seen. Pictures look worse then it really is. Mostly the top layer (clear coat maybe???) that it's rubbed into.

 

[looigi]

Bars need to be rated appropriately to accommodate clamp-on aerobars. Clamp-on aerobars puts different stresses and stress concentration on the bars which can lead to premature failure if not designed for the purpose. CF bars are good and nice but their structural integrity is easily comprised by dings, digs, scratches and crashes. There may be CF bars rated for clamp-ons but I don't know of any. I sometimes put clamp-on aerobars on my Deda Zero100 aluminum bars, which are specifically rated for it.

I'd be very concerned about the integrity of your bars after having put aerobars on them and seeing the damage.

 

[tlg]

I inspected it pretty good. No real cracking or deep punctures seen. Pictures look worse then it really is. Mostly the top layer (clear coat maybe???) that it's rubbed into.

It looks a lot worse than just clear coat. You can't inspect the underlying layers of CF for damage and the damage is at the highest stress point on the bar.

Keep riding those and not only will you be a rookie, I predict you'll be a quadriplegic.

 

[tihsepa]

Those bars are junk.

For the record clip on areo bars are junk too.

Its either. Tri bike or its not. With no access to the brakes while being "aero" somebody is going to get hurt.

 

[TysonTy1]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like this rookie should listen and get some new bars.

 

[Marc]

Those bars are junk.

For the record clip on areo bars are junk too.

Its either. Tri bike or its not. With no access to the brakes while being "aero" somebody is going to get hurt.

Only if somebody is fool enough to use the bars anywhere where frequent unpredictable breaking is needed...a la a paceline, city streets, bike paths...

 

[El Scorcho]

Got home and made/manipulated the Aero bars to fit. I think the Aero bars look cool and they seemed to be nice option to adjust position. After my first ride I noticed the Aero bar mounts were digging into the carbon bars so I took them off (see picture). I was disappointed to need to remove them but needed to prevent any further damage.

View attachment 280379

The quote in red is the most disturbing part of this thread.

 

[xjbaylor]

Those bars are junk.

For the record clip on areo bars are junk too.

Its either. Tri bike or its not. With no access to the brakes while being "aero" somebody is going to get hurt.

A tri-bike does not provide the ability to brake while using the aero extensions. While I seriously doubt that the OP is planning any ultra distance events, clip-ons have their place on the cycling landscape. The OP's poor logic and execution show they may not be right for him, but your statement is a little too broad.

 

[TysonTy1]

The quote in red is the most disturbing part of this thread.

Haha, I agree, thats why I am here. I am not igrorant of the fact I know little about road biking. This is good info.

 

[TysonTy1]

I'll be shopping for some new bars designed to option aero bars.

These carbon bars will be hung on the garage wall with my other broken memorabilia.

 

[mpre53]

Get rid of them before you have a cast to hang next to them. :wink:

 

[tlg]

These carbon bars will be hung on the garage wall with my other broken memorabilia.

They still have some usefulness to them...

 

[SkiNutIan]

Keep in mind that when you are shopping for new bars, they come in different width's and you should have the person at the bike shop measure you for the correct size. This will make riding a lot more comfortable...

 

[BostonG]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like this rookie should listen and get some new bars.

Just playing a Devils advocate - very little.

It's just a pic to everyone here and although it doesn't look good to me either, we can't really see it well or feel it. I would take it to a shop that you trust just to make sure they agree that it is best to replace them. It would be a shame to replace those bars if it isn't necessary. I wouldn't think they would charge for that, one look and they should be able to make an assessment.

 

[ph0enix]

1. It's time to replace the nice carbon bars you had before you get killed (aka ASAP).
2. Aero bars don't belong on a road bike. Rule #54: Velominati ? The Rules

 

[TysonTy1]

Ah, yes some rules, I'll need to to read these.

 

[looigi]

For the record clip on areo bars are junk too.

Its either. Tri bike or its not. With no access to the brakes while being "aero" somebody is going to get hurt.

You'd better explain this to Tejay and team BMC.

View attachment 280488

 

[ph0enix]

You'd better explain this to Tejay and team BMC.

View attachment 280488

Normally he would have been on a TT bike while riding a TT. He only chose to use a road bike that day because of the hilly course. I think he gets a pass.