aero bars in traffic

[BigonaBianchi]

Riding on busy A roads with fast passing traffic on aero bars is something I find unnerving. The wind draft from lorries in particular makes it unstable ..so I spend more time on the drops in such traffic.
Am I alone in this?

 

[fossyant]

Wouldn't use them in traffic. They are mainly for TTs which I used them for.

 

[Hacienda71]

Yep I only use them in TT's. It is too easy to wander into the middle of the road if you don't concentrate.

 

[screenman]

I have used them often whilst racing on busy DC courses, getting the right position counts for a lot and then of course the longer you spend on them the more confident you get.

 

[goody]

I find they melt a bit too easily in this weather, probably because of all the bubbles, which gets a bit messy. I think you're better off with something like a Yorkie, put it in the fridge the night before you ride and it should stay solid for a lot longer than an Aero.

 

[HLaB]

Only used them a couple of time and after he initial ride they felt quite comfortable but I don't think I'd use them in traffic.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I find they melt a bit too easily in this weather, probably because of all the bubbles, which gets a bit messy. I think you're better off with something like a Yorkie, put it in the fridge the night before you ride and it should stay solid for a lot longer than an Aero.

Minstrels are better, as they melt in your mouth, not in your hand.

I'll fetch me coat.

 

[goody]

Difficult to open when riding along, they normally fly out everywhere leaving you holding an empty packet.

 

[stephec]

Bournville's better, it doesn't melt so easy and it's a lot tastier when you've finished your ride.

 

[sidevalve]

What's all this chocolate nonsense ? Bah ! In my day it were jam and bread and we was greatfull for it, that's if we had any jam. Dry bread we had and we were greatfull - that's if we had any bread ......

 

[BigonaBianchi]

...did thy lick road clean wit tongue?

 

[Rob3rt]

I am guessing you have them just for a change of position on long rides rather than speed? The reason they are unstable is because of the bike geometry and your current bike fit.

It is always going to be less stable than a wide hand position, but it is not particularly unstable if the bike is designed to be used with them or the appropriate modifications made to an existing bike to accommodate them.

Like screenman, I ride on aero bars regularly including the odd jaunt on a dual carriageway with fast passing traffic and do not find them to be a concern.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I am guessing you have them just for a change of position on long rides rather than speed? The reason they are unstable is because of the bike geometry and your current bike fit.

yep...on long rides I like to move around, and also because Im big I have a big wind resistance so the aero bars help me here where smaller riders wouldn't have so much resistance to fight against I guess.

 

[Rob3rt]

Then you will have to live with it, if you had them for speed and it was going to be a primary riding position then I would have suggested altering the bike fit.