Do You Need Tri Bars? Aerobar Guide for Triathletes
Should you add aerobars to your road bike for triathlon? This guide covers benefits, risks, when to use them, and when to skip them — with clear advice for beginners and experienced athletes.
By Lotte
Clip-on aerobars (tri bars) can save 2–5 minutes over 40km by reducing aerodynamic drag. But they also change your bike handling, limit braking access, and are banned in draft-legal races. This guide helps you decide whether tri bars are right for your racing level and goals.
Key takeaways
- 1Tri bars reduce aerodynamic drag by 15–20%, saving 2–5 minutes over 40km.
- 2They are banned in most draft-legal and age-group Olympic-distance races.
- 3Beginners should be comfortable on their road bike for 3+ months before adding aerobars.
- 4Clip-on aerobars cost £40–£200 and fit most road bikes.
- 5Never use aerobars in a group ride, in traffic, or without practising emergency braking.
In this article
What are tri bars?
Tri bars (also called aerobars or clip-on bars) are extensions that bolt onto your road bike handlebars. They allow you to rest your forearms on padded armrests and grip narrow extensions in front of you.
This position — called the aero position — reduces your frontal area and cuts aerodynamic drag significantly. On a flat course at 30 km/h, the aero position saves roughly 15–20% of the energy you spend fighting air resistance.
Tri bars were originally developed for time trialling and have become standard equipment in non-drafting triathlon. They are the cheapest speed upgrade available to most cyclists.
How much time do tri bars save?
The time savings depend on your speed and the course profile.
At 25 km/h average (beginner): 1.5–3 minutes saved over 40km. At 30 km/h average (intermediate): 2–4 minutes saved over 40km. At 35 km/h average (advanced): 3–5 minutes saved over 40km.
Over a 70.3 bike leg (90km), the savings roughly double. Over a full Ironman (180km), you could save 8–15 minutes.
These numbers assume you can maintain the aero position comfortably. If you are constantly sitting up because your neck hurts or your hands go numb, the actual savings will be much less.
Important context: improving your cycling fitness by 10 watts through training would save a similar amount of time. Tri bars are a shortcut, not a substitute for training.
When tri bars make sense
Non-drafting triathlons. Most age-group triathlons (especially 70.3 and Ironman) are non-drafting. You ride alone, so aerodynamics matter. Tri bars are a clear advantage.
Time trials. If you do standalone cycling time trials, tri bars are essential.
You are comfortable on your bike. If you can ride for 60+ minutes without significant discomfort and can handle your bike confidently in wind and on descents, you are ready to add tri bars.
Flat to rolling courses. Tri bars provide the most benefit on flat courses where you maintain higher speeds. On hilly courses, you spend more time climbing (where aerodynamics matter less) and descending (where you should not be in the aero position).
Budget-conscious speed gains. At £40–£200 for clip-on bars, they offer far better value per second saved than almost any other equipment upgrade.
When to skip tri bars
Draft-legal races. Most ITU/World Triathlon and many age-group Olympic-distance races are draft-legal. Tri bars are banned in these events.
Your first triathlon. Focus on finishing comfortably. Adding unfamiliar equipment creates stress. Get one or two races under your belt first.
You are not confident on your bike. The aero position moves your centre of gravity forward and limits your access to brakes. If you wobble in a straight line or panic in crosswinds, do not add tri bars yet.
Technical or hilly courses. If the course has sharp turns, significant descents, or heavy traffic, you will spend very little time in the aero position. The benefit is minimal.
Group riding. Never use tri bars in a group ride or sportive. You cannot brake quickly from the aero position, and riders behind you are at risk.
How to set up and use tri bars safely
Choose the right bars. For most road bikes, clip-on aerobars with S-bend or straight extensions work well. Adjustable models (Profile Design T1+, Vision Clip-On) let you fine-tune the width and angle.
Set the pad width. Your elbows should sit directly below your shoulders. Too wide reduces the aero benefit. Too narrow causes shoulder strain.
Start with short sessions. Your neck, shoulders, and lower back will need time to adapt. Begin with 10-minute intervals in the aero position during training rides. Build up to 30+ minutes over several weeks.
Practise braking. You must be able to quickly move from the aero position to the brake hoods. Practise this transition until it is automatic.
Never use in traffic or technical sections. Come out of the aero position for turns, descents, junctions, and any situation where you might need to brake suddenly.
Consider a bike fit. Adding tri bars changes your position on the bike. A professional bike fit (£100–£200) ensures you are comfortable and efficient in both the aero and upright positions.
Tri bars vs a triathlon bike
A dedicated triathlon bike has the aero position integrated into the frame geometry. The seat tube angle is steeper (76–78° vs 72–74° on a road bike), which opens your hip angle and saves your running muscles.
Road bike + clip-on tri bars: £40 –£200 upgrade. Gets you 70–80% of the aero benefit. Bike is still versatile for group rides and sportives. Best for beginners and athletes who race occasionally.
Dedicated tri bike: £1,500–£10,000+. Full aero integration, optimal position, storage solutions. Best for athletes who race 70.3/Ironman regularly and can afford a second bike.
For most age-group triathletes, a road bike with clip-on tri bars is the smart choice. You get most of the speed benefit at a fraction of the cost, with a bike you can still use for everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Are tri bars legal in all triathlons?
No. Tri bars are banned in draft-legal races, which include most ITU/World Triathlon events and some age-group Olympic-distance races. Always check your race rules.
How much do clip-on aerobars cost?
Entry-level clip-on aerobars start at around £40–£60. Mid-range adjustable models cost £100–£200. Carbon options can exceed £300.
Can I fit tri bars to any road bike?
Most road bikes with standard round or oval handlebars can accept clip-on aerobars. Some modern aero road bikes with integrated bars may not be compatible. Check the clamp diameter before buying.
How long does it take to get comfortable in the aero position?
Most athletes need 3–6 weeks of regular practice to feel comfortable holding the aero position for 30+ minutes. Start with short intervals and build up gradually.
Do tri bars make a big difference in a sprint triathlon?
The benefit is smaller in sprints (1.5–3 minutes over 20km) compared to longer distances. For a first sprint, the added complexity may not be worth it.