What To Expect When You Use Aero Bars For The First Time

I slapped them on. The aero bars. My buddy told me to. Said they’d make me faster, sleeker, more aerodynamic. He’s been racing for years, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.

I took the bike out. The bars looked innocent enough—two little extensions pointing forward, like the handlebars were making a peace offering to the wind. I grabbed hold, lowered myself down, and—

Oh boy.

I felt like a drunk toddler riding a unicycle. Wobbly. Exposed. Like my face was leading a cavalry charge into oncoming traffic.

Nobody tells you how unnatural it feels at first. How narrow the bars are. How your arms feel trapped, like a bad dream where you can’t move. But then, something weird happens.

You start to like it.

And if you survive the first few rides, you might even get addicted.

Here’s what you need to know before you slap on some aero bars and risk your dignity—and possibly your collarbone.

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1. Flats are Your Best Friend

The first time I settled into the bars on a flat stretch, it was like discovering a cheat code. The wind resistance dropped, my speed picked up, and suddenly, I wasn’t fighting the bike—I was slicing through the air like a knife through warm butter.

If it’s straight and flat, live in those aero bars. Love them. Become one with them.

2. Climbing? Not So Fast, Lance.

Your instinct will tell you to stay in aero position when the road starts angling up. Your instinct is wrong.

For slight climbs, maybe. But anything beyond a gentle incline? Get back on the hoods or the drops. You need control. You need leverage. You need oxygen.

Otherwise, you’ll find yourself grinding away at an embarrassing pace, legs screaming, wondering why you suddenly feel like you’re pedaling a cargo ship uphill.

3. Downhills Are a Gamble

So you’re bombing down a hill. Wind in your face. Gravity working its magic. Should you be on the aero bars?

Depends.

If it’s a straight shot with no surprises, sure. You’ll go even faster. But if there’s a turn, a bump, or even a slight whisper of uncertainty—get back in the drops. Your brakes are on the hoods. Your handling is better with wider arms. Do you want to be fast, or do you want to be alive?

4. Corners? Absolutely Not.

Turning while in aero is like trying to steer a shopping cart with one finger. It works in theory, but the second something unexpected happens, you’re going to regret it.

Always get out of aero for turns. You’ll thank me later.

5. Riding in a Group? Forget It.

You know what’s worse than crashing? Causing a crash.

Aero bars don’t belong in group rides. No exceptions. When you’re in aero, your hands are nowhere near the brakes. If the guy in front of you slams his brakes, you have exactly 0.3 seconds to decide whether you want to crash into him or swerve into a ditch.

Neither option is great.

6. Adjustments Are Everything

The first time I used aero bars, I felt like a contorted circus act. Something was always uncomfortable. My wrists, my shoulders, my neck.

Turns out, that’s because the setup was all wrong.

Aero bars need fine-tuning. Move them forward. Angle them up. Adjust the pads. Keep tweaking until it feels natural—because the difference between a perfect setup and a bad one is the difference between speed and suffering.

7. You Will Look Stupid (At First)

There’s no way around it. Your first few rides will be a mess. You’ll wobble. You’ll panic. You’ll feel like a kid learning to ride a bike all over again.

But then, one day, something will click. You’ll tuck in. You’ll hold steady. You’ll feel fast, smooth, efficient. And when that day comes, you’ll understand why aero bars exist.

But until then, you’ll look ridiculous. Own it.

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Quick Summary Table

Situation	Aero Bars?
Flat, straight road	Yes!
Slight uphill	Maybe
Steep climb	No
Downhill	Only if straight & safe
Corners	Absolutely not
Group ride	Never
If you feel wobbly	Get used to them first

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Conclusion: The Art of Not Dying

So, what have we learned? Aero bars are incredible—when used correctly. They make you faster. More efficient. Like a missile on two wheels.

But misuse them, and you’ll either crash, get dropped, or get yelled at by an old guy in a cycling club jersey.

There’s an art to it. Knowing when to use them. When to ditch them. When to respect them.

And once you master that art, you’ll never want to go back.

Until then? Buckle up. It’s gonna be a wild ride.