Aero bar newbie needs help

Hi,

I am trying to install TT bars. I want to install the bars right where my handlebars get thin (see pic). But my aero bar clamp is a little too big. Any thoughts on what I can do? Thanks

 

What make/model of handlebar do have (both the standard bar and the aero bar)

 

Thanks. I honestly don't know what kind of handlebars I have. They are Specialized bars I've had for a few seasons. I took a pic.




The aero bars are Deda Parabolica Due
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-parabolica-alloy-clip-on-aerobars/

 

The clamps you have are designed for an oversised section of the base bar. Unless Deda also make a clamp to suit the narrower section (unlikely) or spacers to suit (also unlikely), you MUST mount the clamps at the place they are designed for. Custom designing a shim usually requires skill and engineering tolerances beyond most home or shop mechanics and could lead to damage of the handlebar at the very point on the bar where stresses are highest.

If you're stuck with this type of clip-on the best thing to do is to mount the clamps where they are designed to go and then modify the position of the elbow-pads and the extensions to provide the width you need. Brackets to widen the pads are much easier to make (using steel plate or something like it), and most clip on bars are simply 1" OD tubes (it pays to check though), allowing you to mix and match extensions from different brands to get the required hand position.

Alternatively you could hunt for a new type of clip-on.

Most aero bars are not particularly flexible for getting the position you want. Even pro teams need to make modifications (sometimes big ones) to get into the right position. I prefer my hands to be lower than my elbows, but found that my bars (Profile T2+) had elbow pads too low compared to the extension height to be comfortable, so I made some chocks with longer screws to raise them. They're now close to perfect.

 

Thanks, tafi

This helped me out big time. I installed the bars on the center piece next to the stem, and just widened the arm rests. Didn't know that could be done originally.
My arms and upper half of my body feel really good now.

The rest of my position is a different story. I'm still experimenting. I see some pros moved so far forward that their nose is over their front wheel hub. This causes massive soft tissue discomfort for me. I sit back a little more into my saddle cut out, and raise my seat sligthly to give my knees a little more room.

 

No problems.

One thing I would never do is try too take fitting tips from pros. In fact no-one elses position has any relevance to yours. Everyone is different.