Tri
Bars
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Tri Bars are an essential component for triathletes as they allow the rider to get into an aerodynamic position that makes a big difference over the course of the bike portion of the race. Triathlon handlebars are designed to help you reduce wind resistance and allow you to ride faster and more efficiently.
Tri Bars for a Road Bike?
Adding Tri Bars to your road bike can also significantly enhance your performance. Clip on Tri bars can be the best option here, as they allow you to keep your standard drop handlebars, but still gain the aerodynamic benefits of the riding position the tri bars facilitate. It is worth noting, however, that clip on tri bars are not legal for all events, so check before enetring an event that doesn't allow their use.
Tri Bars for Aero Handlebars
These are very similar to the clip on tri bars mentioned above, but are designed for use with aero handlebars, which often have a flat top section to them rather than the traditional round tubing of standard road bars.
Top Pick for Clip on Tri Bars
Redshift Quick-Release Aerobars: These bars stand out for their ease of use. The quick-release feature allows you to switch between an aero and a regular handlebar setup in seconds, making them ideal for versatile cyclists.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing Tri Bars on a standard road bike is straightforward, with most Tri Bars being designed to fit standard handlebar diameters. It’s important to make sure that your handlebars are compatible and properly installed to maintain safety and performance. It is worth checking the manufacturer's website to ensure there are no safety risks or no danger of voiding your warranty.
For bikes intended to have tri bars fitted to them, such as a dedicated triathlon bike, the handelbars are often specific to each model of bike, so you will need to buy the correct parts as not all will fit. If you are unsure which parts are compatible with your Tri bike, get in touch with us, your local bike shop or the manufacturer to confirm.
Considerations of Using Tri Bars
While Tri Bars can significantly improve your cycling performance, they also may reduce control and stability, especially on rough or winding roads, or in the event of a strong cross-wind. Make sure you practice riding with them before entering any events to get accustomed to the new position and handling characteristics.