Mountain Bike Aero Bar

While out on my Ladron Peak ride, I started thinking seriously about adding an aero bar to my mountain bike.

I first saw aero bars on an MTB while looking at pictures of the Tour Divide. My initial reaction was probably similar to many riders. That is, it looked kind of silly. After all, an MTB is a far cry from a time trial bike where aerodynamics is important to achieve outride speed.  However; the more I ride, the more I see the value in a variety of hand positions.  I ride a mountain bike for rather long rides (I’m shooting for a century this summer) on paved roads, dirt roads, double track, and single track. In my opinion; it is less about aerodynamics and more about comfort and variety.

Let me get it out of the way – I am in terrible shape and overweight. Thus; no matter what fit adjustments I try, I place a lot of weight on my wrists and shoulders.  They don’t seem to care too much on twenty mile rides.  However; once I get up near thirty miles, they are really unhappy.  These problem areas (hands and wrists, mostly) are becoming the limiting factor for me.  I feel like I need to address that area to take my riding to the next level or at least the next distance.  I would like to think that after I achieve a super lean and mean weight, this will no longer be an issue.

My theory: On longer rides, change hand positions often and choose positions that take stress off the wrists.

Seems logical. My goal is to be able to ride longer before hands and wrists have reached their limit.

I’m looking very seriously at the Profile Design T1+ aero bar.  Will I pull the trigger and buy a set?!?  Ahh, the anticipation builds….