Operation Manual

46 47
PART II
AERODYNAMIC
HANDLEBARS
Aerodynamic or “Triathlon” handlebar extensions
are tted to some triathlon or racing bikes. They
are also added by customers. Understand that when
riding on these extensions your steering and braking
are adversely aected. When on the extensions,
most riders nd it hard to look back over their
shoulder without swerving, inadvertently steering.
Some riders nd it harder to move their head/neck
to see forward. Be sure to practice riding with aero
handlebar extensions on hazard and trac free roads.
Practice the transition from having your hands on
the extensions to having your hands on the regular
handlebars and brake levers.
Lower/ forward
on extensions
CONVENTIONAL ROAD
AERODYNAMIC
extensions
brake levers
WARNING
DO NOT RIDE ON THE AERO
HANDLEBAR EXTENSIONS IN TRAFFIC
OR ON DIFFICULT ROADS.
Ride on the aero handlebar extensions only when
the road is clear of trac and hazards and you
have a long line of sight.
When using the extensions understand that you
are compromising steering and braking in favor
of speed. If you need to take evasive steering
or braking action while on the extensions you
could have an accident, with risk of serious injury,
paralysis or death.
Aerodynamic handlebars and extensions
are a design trade-o which positions you
further forward than on a conventional
road bike, so:
■ Overly hard use of the front brakes will pitch
you forward, o the bike, more easily.
■ Rear braking performance will not equal that
of a conventional road bike.
When braking hard on any bike, including time
trial or triathalon, you must shift weight back to
allow front brake use without pitching yourself
forward, o the bike. Shifting weight back allows
more rear braking eect before the rear wheel
begins to skid when braking hard, or braking on
a steep downhill. See PART1 Section 4C. of this
manual.
Aerodynamic handlebars and extensions
are intended for racing and competition
in time trial and triathalon and are poorly
suited for riding in cities or congested
urban areas where conicts with cars will
frequently require panic braking.