aerobars

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Ditto on trebor’s and wookieone’s coments.

I used a set up like wookienone describes—worked well for me—but the main thing is experiment till it works for-you

I spent massive amounts of time on them—I question if I would have been able to ride as strong over the last 5 or so days without them

Get’em on NOW and get them dialed in—this is a big issue as if you do not work out the fit issues they can cause a TDR ending stress injury

"Get’em on NOW and get them dialed in"
Fit is as important as fitness. I am riding my fully loaded TD bike almost everyday now, even for short rides. I am paying close attention to how it all feels and making small adjustments.

[tlideen]

do you think aero bars are a most for the race? you guys know anyone who has done it without them? if so what do they say about it? thanks for all the help everyone!

[Marshal]

do you think aero bars are a most for the race? you guys know anyone who has done it without them? if so what do they say about it? thanks for all the help everyone!

Historically I think most have Not used aerobars—mtn bike and all that stuff.

I know of one racer who had them and said she did not need/use them.  I know of one racer who did not have them and was longing for some by the last week--mostly to get some weight shifted off the ol saddle area

Personally I used them for hours each day-not for hours at a time but I was always dropping onto and back off them, both for a position change and for the aero effect. 

As time went on I think I was spending 50% or more of my ride time on them—if the terrain allowed (and many times when it really didn’t) I was on them

If you leaning against using some that’s fine, but I would advise everyone to at least test ride some for 2 weeks or so before making a final call

[fully loaded]

FWIW, I rode without my first year and with my 2nd. I would not go without. I spent many hours on end drilling into a headwind last year and was glad I had an opportunity to reduce my profile somewhat(Although a loaded TD bike is about as aerodynamic as a broken brick:),and the alternate position was nice as well.