Anatomy of an Aerobar

Why it’s more complex than it looks

At first glance, aerobars seem simple: extensions you rest your forearms on to get more aerodynamic. But the reality is more nuanced — and the details matter.

There are two primary aerobar installations:

1️⃣ Clip-On Aerobars (Added to a Road Bike)

• Mounted to standard road drop handlebars
• Popular for entry-level triathletes or multi-use bikes
• More limited in adjustability depending on handlebar shape

2️⃣ Integrated Triathlon Cockpit (Bullhorn Basebar)

• Built around a bullhorn-style basebar
• Designed specifically for triathlon/TT position
• Often highly adjustable — but sometimes proprietary

The Key Components of Clip-On Aerobars

Here’s what you might not realize you hav to consider:

1️⃣ Extension Shape

• Straight
• Ski bend
• S-bend
• Ergonomic or custom profiles

Shape affects wrist angle, shoulder comfort, and long-term sustainability.

2️⃣ Mounting Position

• On top of the basebar
• Below the basebar
• Stacked with spacers

This dramatically changes stack height and weight distribution.  The last point here — stack height adjustments with spacer — is often the biggest challenge in aerobar fitting and set up.

3️⃣ Length

Often adjustable — but not infinitely.
Too short compromises support.
Too long alters shoulder stability and steering.

This isn't often an issue for people of average height but people on the shorter or taller side can find it more challenging.  It can be easier to cut an aerobar extension to adapt to a shorter fit but there can be limits on how much can be trimmed with some bar shapes. Athletes on the taller end of the spectrum can find that thay have fewer options available to them.

4️⃣ Arm Pad Mounting Options

• Side-to-side width
• Fore-aft adjustment
• Rotational angle

Pad position influences comfort, breathing, stability, and power output.

5️⃣ Material

• Aluminum: durable, cost-effective
• Carbon fibre: lighter, vibration-dampening, often more aerodynamic

Material can affect ride feel but not as much as it will affect the price.  Performance differences, if any, are not likely be to material to most riders.

6️⃣ Adjustability (The Biggest Fit Variable)

• Pad width range
• Pad stack (rise)
• Extension tilt
• Overall system compatibility

Not all aerobars are built for all applications.

And here’s the most important part:

Adding aerobars is one thing.
Positioning them correctly — to balance aerodynamics, power, comfort, and control — is something else entirely.

A fast position you can’t hold isn’t fast.

Find your fit → find your fast.