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PART II
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 PART1 Section
4C. of this 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.
