The Triathlete Blueprint Newsletter #106-Tribars: Origins, Evolution, and How to Make the Right Choice

Yan Busset
May 10
7 min read

Read time: 5min.

By Coach Yan Busset

Understanding Aerobars: What They Are, Where They Come From, and Why They Matter

If there’s one accessory that really says “triathlon,” it’s the aerobars. They’re not just iconic, they’re one of the few upgrades you can make on your bike that directly translates into free speed. Whether you’re racing sprint or Ironman distance, being more aerodynamic while staying comfortable is a massive advantage.

The history of aerobars is a bit messy. Some credit Boone Lennon, a ski coach working with Scott USA, who patented the now-famous Scott bar in the mid-1980s. These were the bars Greg LeMond used during his legendary 1989 Tour de France win, beating Laurent Fignon by 8 seconds in the final time trial, an image that cemented aerobars into cycling history. (Some will argue Fignon didn’t lose because of the aerobars, but because of the drag from his ponytail…)

But others were there before. In the 1984 Race Across America, cyclist Jim Elliott rode with a homemade setup built by his coach Richard Bryne, a fold-out armrest system bolted to the handlebar. Then in 1986, Pete Penseyres used his own version with molded armrests and a front brake lever, and won the race. Some consider those the true origins of the aerobar.

The triathlon world didn’t take long to jump on board. In 1987, Brad Kearns became one of the first triathletes to race with aerobars after a chance meeting with Johnny G. And when the wins started piling up, everyone wanted a set.

So who really invented aerobars? Depends who you ask. But it’s clear the idea didn’t come from a single source. What’s certain is that triathletes were the first to embrace them fully, and the rest is history.

I still remember when I got into triathlon. What fascinated me wasn’t just the racing, it was the tech. All the gear, the setups, the creativity with positioning. In the 90s, the sport was like a wild lab with almost no limits. For a young athlete who loved tweaking equipment, it was a dream.

Why Aerobars Are Worth It

If you’re looking for the one upgrade on your bike that gives the most bang for your buck, it’s definitely aerobars. Even on a standard road bike or a gravel bike, adding a set of clip-on aerobars can save you serious time in any non-drafting race. You’re more aerodynamic, but also more relaxed, thanks to being supported on your forearms.

You can buy minutes on flat courses, and it’s an efficient way to gain speed without extra effort. Let’s take a look at your options.

Three Main Types of Aerobars

Clip-On Aerobars

These are the simplest and most affordable option. They attach to a standard round handlebar, common on most road bikes, and instantly give you a triathlon-ready position. Great for beginners or for those doing occasional tri races.
Base Bar with Extensions

This setup is often found on entry to mid-level triathlon bikes. The base bar looks like bullhorns, with separate aero extensions mounted on top. It offers more specific positioning and is a step up in stability and comfort.
Integrated Aerobar Systems

The high-end solution. This is a full cockpit where stem, base bar, extensions, and even cable routing are all part of one aerodynamic unit. They look clean, fast, and are often featured on top-tier TT or tri bikes.

What Really Matters in Your Aerobar Setup

There are three key things to pay attention to: the pads, the extensions, and how adjustable the whole setup is.

Let’s start with the pads. For years, the trend was minimal — small, round, thin pads. Some early setups didn’t even have pads at all. I remember racing with the Cinelli Corna clip-ons, where your forearms were just resting directly on the bar tape. That was fine for draft-legal races, but not ideal for comfort. Lately, the trend has come full circle. Modern pads are longer, wider, and offer more support. It makes sense. More surface contact spreads pressure better, which means more comfort and more time spent in the aero position. Ironically, Boone Lennon’s first prototype looked a bit like a plaster cast. We’ve come back to that style, for good reason.

Then you have the shape of the extensions. Flat, ski-bend, S-bend, J-bend, G-bend. They all exist. The right one is simply the one that lets your hands sit naturally in the aero position you want to achieve. Try a few if you can.

But none of this matters without adjustability. This is the real key to getting a good fit. You need to be able to adjust the tilt angle of the extensions, the reach and length of the bars, the width and height of the arm pads, and the overall stack of the system. Some premium setups look great but are actually very limited in terms of fit. That’s a problem. If you can’t adapt the bars to your body, you won’t be comfortable, and you won’t stay aero.

Thankfully, bike brands have understood this, and more and more offer stock adjustable options. And if not, third-party companies have stepped in with a range of solutions. They offer tilt kits, spacers, and adapters, but also replacement bars that can be retrofitted on your current bike with better ergonomics and comfort. Some even go further, offering 3D-printed custom-made aerobars, shaped to fit your exact arm position, for those who want the very best and don’t mind the cost. Yes, some of them look extreme, but at the top end, they offer comfort, aero efficiency, and no compromise.

The Evolution of Positioning: From Egg to Egg?

Aerobar positioning has evolved hand in hand with bike fitting for aerodynamic performance. It’s not just the bars that changed, but how riders are fitted to their bikes. And like many trends in cycling, things sometimes go full circle.

The earliest aero positions were inspired by downhill skiers. The goal was to replicate the tight, tucked egg position to reduce drag as much as possible. This was the foundation of the first triathlon and time trial setups, and it’s no surprise that Scott, originally a ski pole company, was behind those early bars.

From there, the trend shifted. In the late 90s and early 2000s, riders like Fabian Cancellara and Chris Boardman brought in a new style: elongated, low, and narrow. Hands were close together out front, the back was flat, the body stretched out. It looked aggressive and was all about slicing through the wind with minimal frontal exposure.

Then came Floyd Landis and the introduction of the praying mantis style. This position featured a distinct upward tilt of the forearms. The idea was to close the gap between the hands and the head, creating a smoother entry point for airflow. It was a breakthrough in reducing turbulence and improving aerodynamics.

Interestingly, while these aero innovations were happening, other riders, often more endurance-focused, were taking a different approach. They rode with a much higher front end, prioritizing power output and long-distance comfort over aggressive aero. Their positions weren’t as sleek, but the open hip angle allowed for better watt production and longer time in position without pain.

The latest trend merges both worlds. Today’s top time trial and triathlon setups often combine a tilted mantis-style extension with a high stack height. It’s a smart compromise. You get the aerodynamic benefit of closing the frontal gap, but you also enjoy a more open and comfortable hip angle. That means more mobility, more consistent power, and better long-distance efficiency.

So yes, we’ve kind of come full circle. From egg to flat, to mantis, and now back to something that looks a bit like the egg again, but smarter. And like every trend in cycling, we’re probably not done evolving yet. Especially with all the new real-time aero sensors coming to the market, offering a way to customize your position on the go according to your mobility and setup.

Real Fit Is a Whole-Bike Question

It’s important to remember that aerobars are just one part of your bike fit. Your saddle height and setback, crank length, frame geometry, and flexibility all influence what kind of position you can realistically hold.

The best aero position isn’t the most extreme. It’s the one you can stay in comfortably for your entire race. If you look fast in photos but have to sit up after twenty minutes, you’re losing more than you gain.

The winter season is a great time to test and adjust. Long sessions on the trainer let you ease into a new position, but make sure to validate it outdoors. Riding in traffic, cornering, and switching between your aerobars and your brakes takes practice. For safety and control, make sure you’re confident moving in and out of the position quickly, especially if your brake levers are only accessible from the base bar.

A Few Practical Details to Think About

Compatibility. Most clip-on aerobars fit standard 31.8 mm round bars, but aero-shaped road bars can be trickier. Some models come with shims to fit various sizes, but always check before buying.
Weight. On flat races, extra grams don’t matter much. But if your course has climbs, a lighter setup might make sense.
Race distance. Comfort becomes more important as distance increases. For longer races like 70.3 or full Ironman, prioritize support and pressure relief. For shorter races, a more minimal setup may be fine.
Hydration and computer mounts. One of the practical benefits of aerobars is that you can add a bottle cage or a bike computer mount between the extensions. It’s convenient, aero, and keeps everything in sight and within reach.

If you’re taking triathlon seriously, aerobars are probably the best upgrade you can make. They’re not just about going faster. They let you ride smarter, with less energy wasted and more comfort over time.

If you found this helpful or have questions, feel free to share it or leave a comment. And whether you’re just starting out or deep into aero testing, enjoy the ride. See you in the aero position.

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