Why Aero Bar Selection Matters
Choosing the right carbon aero bars can make the difference between a personal best and a frustrating race day. Whether you're competing in a full Ironman, a 70.3, or a time trial, your aero position directly affects both speed and comfort over long distances. This guide walks you through the key factors to consider before buying.
Carbon vs Aluminium: Why Carbon Wins for Serious Athletes
Carbon fibre injected aero bars offer a superior stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to alternatives. For triathlon and time trial use, this translates to:
- Lower weight — every gram counts on long climbs and transitions
- Better vibration damping — reduces fatigue on rough road surfaces
- Aerodynamic profiling — carbon allows more complex cross-sections optimised for airflow
Our Custom Carbon Aero Bar Extension is engineered specifically for triathlon and TT geometry, offering a full range of adjustability without compromising stiffness.
Key Dimensions to Check Before You Buy
1. Stack and Reach
Stack (vertical height) and reach (horizontal distance) determine your aero position. A professional bike fit is the best starting point — your fitter will give you target numbers that your aero bar setup must match.
2. Pad Width and Armrest Adjustment
Shoulder width varies significantly between athletes. Look for bars with a wide pad-width adjustment range to accommodate your anatomy without forcing an unnatural position. Aero is a thing only when sustainable. The comfort of the sided support of delta speed aero bars help to keep the position during long rides
3. Extension Length and Rise
Extension length affects how far forward your hands sit. Longer extensions suit athletes with a more aggressive, flat position; shorter extensions work better for those who need more rise to protect the lower back.
4. Size
We have a standard and a small size, standard is usually for athletes over 170cm but check your distance from elbow to wrist line to make the correct choice.
Compatibility: Will These Bars Fit Your Bike?
Aero bars usually mount through a dual tower or mono tower system. For dual tower we have a universal adapter for all thos cockpit with a flat section (SPECIALIZED, PINARELLO, GIANT..)or an interface plate for some specific models like BMC, CUBE, CADEX and others. For single tower like Cervelo, Canyon, Scott, Orbea...we have a dedicated solution
For a complete overview of compatible parts, visit our Aero Bar Parts and Adapters collection.
Checklist: Before You Order
- ✅ Get a professional bike fit and note your target stack, reach, and pad width
- ✅ Measure your base bar diameter (22.2 mm or 31.8 mm)
- ✅ Decide on extension style based on your position and comfort needs
- ✅ Check event regulations for any length or position restrictions
- ✅ Confirm adapter requirements for your specific cockpit
Ready to Configure Your Setup?
Browse our Aero Bar Parts and Adapters collection or go straight to the Custom Carbon Aero Bar Extension to start building your ideal aero position.