I wanted some ultra-lightweight aero bars for my road bike. The idea was to use for just two or three hill climbs which have a low average gradient.
The Profile Sonic CSX aero bars are one of the lightest I could find. The small version weigh only 286g (very rare that equipment actually weighs less than advertised weight of medium version).
The profile is also very low, the armrests are not stuck above the handlebar like on some models. They are also very adjustable, you can put them anywhere on handlebars. This enables me to have them quite close together. Bringing the arms close together is one of the main aerodynamic advantages of aerobars.
Although they were intended just for one or two races, I haven’t got round to taking them off. When I am on a ride, I often like to use this position, especially when you are fighting a tough headwind.
If I went on a chain-gang or ride with others, I would take them off. But, on your own they are really quite useful to have. If nothing else it gives your hands a rest as you can put the weight on your forearms. I know its not fashionable to have aerobars on a road bike, and I’m sure UCI commissioners in Zurich and shaking their head in dismay, but I happen to like using them. Probably the cheapest way to make your bike 10% faster.
The Profile Sonic look sleek and are easy to fit. They also have the ability to have internal cabling. I won’t do this and because of the holes, they tend to whistle in the wind. I’ve used some Sellotape to tape up the hole for cable and make them more aerodynamic.
Overall, I’m very pleased with these aerobars. At £228, they are not cheap. But, for what you get, they are also good value.
Used these bars myself comfortable and highly recommended.
“light, cheap, strong”… pick 2
Yes, getting some equipment can be an expensive business
i was just thinking i might get some of those, right up until the penultimate sentence, where it says “£228″.