Every triathlete aims for his optimal position on the bike. Being the longest part of a triathlon race, the bike leg is where the strong swimmers protect their lead and the slow swimmers try to catch up. If you’re doing long distance triathlons, you need to be as comfortable as you can be on the bike as the distance is not easy.
I have adjusted my bike position several times trying to find out what my optimal position was. After the bike leg of Camsur 70.3 this year, I felt some pains on my shoulders and triceps, and never had a doubt that my aero position was the culprit. But which part of my aero position was wrong, was my question.
3 weeks after Camsur, I tried to figure out what was wrong with my set-up. I was using a Vision Ski Bend aerobar and had my eyes fixated on that component as the reason for my upper body pain. I changed my stem from 90 to 110mm and felt some relief. I set my saddle back a bit and my position was better. I lowered my saddle height by 1cm and it was better. But one thing that never left me was my wrist pain and my poor elbow position.
Vision aerobars’ elbow pads were not adjustable. The length of the aerobar was just right, it was the pads that’s causing my problem. I wanted it to be more forward but couldn’t move it as it was not adjustable.
Then I remembered my old Profile Design T2+. I haven’t encountered any problems with it and wished I hadn’t sold it two years ago.
I bought one again and replaced my Vision.
The Profile Design T2+ is one of the best bang for the buck aerobars available in the market for the longest time. Tried and tested, more than half of the triathletes I know use this. According to Profile Design’s website, the following is the spec of this gem:
* Affordable, lightweight aluminum construction
* Aggressive position “S-Bend” extensions for time-trial or triathlon
* 6061-T6 aluminum extensions and forged brackets
* Injection molded F-19 length, width, and rotationally adjustable anatomic armrests
* Shot peened and anodized finish
* Dual cable routing hole
The S-Bend characteristic of the extension was great for my wrists. I normally relax my hands when on aero position and the ergonomics of the T2+ was perfect. No more wrist pains. One problem solved!
Next was the elbow pad adjustment. With my Vision aerobar, there was no way I could adjust the elbow pads. With the T2+, there are several:
- You can move it forward or backward
- You can tilt the elbow rest pads
- You can move the elbow pads closer together
My elbow pad problem was solved instantly, great!
Last adjustment made was with the length of the extensions. You can actually adjust the extension to your liking by loosening the screws that hold it with the clamp. After doing this, my aero position had never been better.
Took my bike out for a spin to test my new position and was able to stay on the aero position fro 90% of my 27K ride. No upper body pain, was faster and more comfortable.
Great product!
Conclusion:
There are tons of aerobars out there, but, while these aerobars have a lot more to offer, they cost a lot more as well. With the Profile Design T2+, the basic needs while in the aero position are addressed, plus a bit more. Adjustments for better aero position is easily done and the ergonomics of the extensions offer the triathlete comfort and speed during races and trainings. With a Php 4,000 tag price, one shouldn’t have any doubt as to which aerobar to clamp on his bike. Its a no brainer.
The Sweat Addict’s Rating ( Scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest )
Cost: 4
Weight: 3
Ergonomics: 5
“Tweak”-ability: 5
Durability: 4
Total score: 21 out of 25
Highly recommended!
Deo P.
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