Aero Bars and Group Riding

The following is a post written by Mike Monk, also known as the Bama Cyclist, back in 2011. Mike was our tour leader for my 2013 cross-country tour. He has lead many tours for America By Bicycle all over the country and has crossed the country on bike, many, many, many times. I learned a lot from him and really respect his views on cycling safety. I asked his permission to post some of his advice regarding safe cycling.

Mike Monk on Aero Bars in Groups

Aerobars give us the ability to go at least 2 mph faster when we are riding alone. There's no doubt that aero bars have their place in cycling.  But there are times when they need to be avoided like the plague.

I'm sure that if you have been to any group rides you have witnessed people in the group riding on their aero bars.  Now it's not against the "cycling law" to show up with aero bars on a group ride. But it is against all good common sense and safety standards to "use" them around other riders.

Many people ride so much on aero bars that they do it without even thinking and feel that it's the most comfortable way for them to ride. That maybe so, but it's also the most unstable position in which to ride a bike.  Some also say that they always leave plenty of room when they are on the bars.  They may. But it takes only a second for all that room to disappear in an emergency and you can't get from your elbows to a position of greater control in time to save yourself and everyone else around you.

The main purpose for aero bars is aerodynamics.  This being the case, you don't even need them in a group because you get more aerodynamic effect from the other riders than you do from aero bars.  Besides, there are lots of problems you can run into by using them in a group ride.  One main problem is that a rider on aero bars is not as stable as one on regular bars.  Of course some are more stable than others. There are indeed some people who are very steady on aero equipment. But no one can argue that a rider can assert greater control authority over her bike with her elbows than she can with her hands.

Another problem with the aero position is that your hands are far away from the brakes.  Now you may say that's an advantage since you shouldn't brake in a group anyway.  While this is basically true, there are times when slight speed adjustments are necessary.  When the group comes to a stop or approaches a turn there will be a time when the aero bar rider has to transition to the handle bars to brake and/or turn.  There's really no good time to do that in close proximity to other riders let alone when the group is changing speeds and/or direction. Worse, in emergency situations, the time to come off the bars to reach the brakes is way too long.

The last point I'll make is that IF one uses aero equipment in a group, it should only be used if that person is pulling at the front (I'm not really convinced that's even a good idea, but at the front you are less likely to hit someone's rear wheel and cause an accident).  Resist the urge to stay on them after you break off the front and start riding adjacent to or behind anyone.  Believe me, it won't take long for everyone in the pack to forget how they were impressed when you pulled strong and only remember you as someone they don't want to ever ride with again if you disregard their safety when you are not at the front.

When you are riding in a group, you should have confidence that everyone is riding for the good of the group and that no one will behave in such a manner as to put the group in danger.  Aero bars are good things...but they have their place.  Use them as designed...as an aid to going fast when you are alone or doing a time trial event.  They really have no place when riding with a group.