By Nicole Oh, Physiotherapist at The Body Mechanic
One of the most common questions we see from cyclists and triathletes is: “Are TT (aero) bars worth adding to my road bike?”
This came up again after racing in the UCI Gran Fondo World Champs Time Trial on a road bike with clip-on aero bars — and finishing on the podium despite riders on full dedicated TT bikes. This highlighted a key point: you can make meaningful gains from bike position and aerodynamics without owning a second bike.
What Are TT/Aero Bars?
TT (time trial) or aero bars are extensions that let you ride in a more aerodynamic position by lowering your torso and bringing your arms in line. While they’re standard on dedicated TT/triathlon bikes, you can also fit clip-on aero bars to most road bikes as a budget-friendly alternative.
The idea is simple: the rider creates less wind resistance by reducing frontal area, which can increase speed or reduce energy expenditure at the same power output.
Key Considerations Before Fitting TT Bars
1. Know What You Want to Prioritise
Before adding aero bars, think about how you use your bike:
- Do you mostly train and ride in a traditional road position?
- Do you plan to spend significant time in the aero position?
The two positions are inherently different — you’ll sacrifice comfort in one position to make gains in the other. You can’t have an optimal road position and optimal aero position at the same time without compromising aspects of the fit.
2. Bike Fit Matters
To get the most from aero bars, it’s not just about clipping them on:
- Saddle position: A TT position generally shifts your saddle forward and slightly higher to open the hip angle and allow effective power delivery.
- Contact point changes: Aero bars can change how your weight is distributed through your arms, shoulders and hands. Without a proper fit, this might lead to discomfort or handling challenges.
If your current bike setup already allows you to hold an aero position comfortably on the hoods, you’re more likely to adapt well to riding in aero bars.
3. Handling and Comfort Changes
When you adopt an aero position:
- Your centre of gravity shifts forward, which can make steering feel more “twitchy” and more difficult to control.
- Many road saddles aren’t designed for riding extended periods in an aero posture, which may require swapping to a tri-specific saddle for comfort.
- Yo
uneed to practice holding the position — spending time on the aero bars improves muscle adaptation and enables a stable, low position for longer rides or races.
So, Is It Worth It?
It depends on you.
Here’s how to think about it:
Good Reasons to Fit TT Bars
- You want more speed or efficiency without buying a second bike.
- You’re preparing for a time trial or triathlon bike leg and want a cost-effective performance boost.
- You’re prepared to adjust your bike fit and practice riding in the aero position.
Reasons It Might Not Be Worth It
- You mostly ride recreationally, in groups or on technical routes where handling and frequent position changes are more important than aero gains.
- You’d need extensive changes to your bike (eg. saddle, seat post, stem) to achieve a decent aero fit which are not worth the cost or effort.
- You have restrictions to your body that make getting into an aero position difficult or uncomfortable.
Final Takeaway
Fitting TT bars to your road bike can be a valuable performance gain — but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your goals align with time trial or triathlon performance and you’re willing to invest in bike fit and practice, aero bars can help you go faster and more efficiently.
However, if you prioritise comfort, versatile riding, or group/social cycling, sticking with your current setup (or using aero bars only for specific races) may be the better choice.