I have been backpacking for a while and am on a Hudski Doggler with a flat bar. I've been wanting to tackle longer routes and longer days so I can complete long routes in shorter times.
I recently picked up a set of Pro Missile Aero Bars and have been playing around with them trying to get them appropriately setup.
I'm just wondering what tips and tricks people have found useful that help you make the most of an aerobar setup.
I've got the risers and have these setup pretty high and back so as to focus on comfort and not change my position on the bike too much.
The thing I'm struggling with the most is sorting out my cockpit. I typically use two stem bags for bottles, but even with the rise, the rearwards position interferes with access.
I have made most of my bags, so I'm happy to make some custom pieces. I just need a plan.
Anyway… Any and all advice is appreciated!
Thank you I'm advanced!
by igmaino
5 Comments
My question is, does having the aero bars offset the extra weight and drag they provide over X miles in a day? Is the comfort really worth it?
What you have set up there would interfere with a top-tube bag.
Get a larger 1L bottle like a Nalgene container, put it in a bottle cage like an Arundel Looney Bin with the ratchet, and then use zip ties or small voile straps to attach the cage so that the bottle is lying flat on top of the aero bars. I’ve done variations on this that have gotten me through thousands of kilometres with extensive use of the aero bars. (Actually, the exact same aero bars you’re using.) And the water is both very secure and still very accessible.
I also did have feed bags, and yes, the aero bars interfered a bit with them, but it wasn’t so terrible. But in my case, I use my feed bags for food, not water bottles, so I’m not trying to yank out a large item like a 700mL water bottle.
You could also look into storage options for beneath the aero bars in front of your handlebar. Cyclite makes a dedicated aero bar bag, as do Restrap and Apidura. Cheaper option is a compressible dry sack plus a Voile Strap.
https://preview.redd.it/zl2mrqwcimqe1.png?width=1440&format=png&auto=webp&s=0a70e192e00498fb7e9952ea7d3372efd3bdb85f
It worked well when I first started, slinging something underneath the front would be a no brainier. My heavier loaded bikepacking has all been with drop bars though
Could you tell me what aerobars you are using :@) thank you
I have my bottles on my forks. Easy access still for drinking on the go, and feed bags for snackage or my GoPro/camera.