4
Aerodynamic Handlebars
Aerodynamic or “Triathlon” handlebar extensions are
fitted to some triathlon or racing bikes. They are also
added by customers. Understand that when riding
on these extensions your steering and braking are
adversely affected. When on the extensions, most riders
find it hard to look back over their shoulder without
swerving, inadvertently steering. Some riders find it
harder to move their head/neck to see forward. Be
sure to practice riding with aero handlebar extensions
on hazard and traffic free roads. Practice the transition
from having your hands on the extensions to having
your hands on the regular handlebars and brake levers.
Lower/ forward
on extensions
CONVENTIONAL ROAD
AERODYNAMIC
extensions
brake levers
WARNING
DO NOT RIDE ON THE AERO HANDLEBAR
EXTENSIONS IN TRAFFIC OR ON DIFFICULT ROADS.
Ride on the aero handlebar extensions only when
the road is clear of traffic and hazards and you have
a long line of sight.
When using the extensions understand that you
are compromising steering and braking in favor
of speed. If you need to take evasive steering or
braking action while on the extensions you could
have an accident, with risk of serious injury,
paralysis or death.
Aerodynamic handlebars and extensions are a
design trade-off which positions you further
forward than on a conventional road bike, so:
■
Overly hard use of the front brakes will pitch you
forward, off the bike, more easily.
■
Rear braking performance will not equal that of
a conventional road bike.
When braking hard on any bike, including time trial
or triathalon, you must shift weight back to allow
front brake use without pitching yourself forward,
off the bike. Shifting weight back allows more rear
braking effect before the rear wheel begins to skid
when braking hard, or braking on a steep downhill.
See Part 1, Section 4C. of your Cannondale Bicycle
Owner’s Manual.
Aerodynamic handlebars and extensions are
intended for racing and competition in time trial
and triathalon and are poorly suited for riding in
cities or congested urban areas where conflicts
with cars will frequently require panic braking.
