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Clip-on aero bars are the most universal and accessible type, as they seamlessly attach to most drop bars on road bikes and gravel bikes.
While aero bar technology continues to evolve with more advanced technology every year, clip-on styles continue to be effective and affordable for most cyclists and triathletes.
Below we feature some of the best clip-on aero bars of 2023, including a few full aero cockpit options.
1. ENVE SES Aero Handlebar Clip-On Extensions
As some of the best clip-on aero bars to turn any road bike into a time trial bike, ENVE’s clip-on extensions are designed to be used with traditional drop bar road handlebars. They can be cut into three extension styles – J-bend, S-bend, and straight.
The ENVE SES Handlebar Clip-Ons’ full weight is 525g, and trimmed to the J-bend is 455g and S-bend 445g. Like Syntace, these ENVE aero bars do not have riser capabilities. In turn, they’re a practical choice for aero-adapted drop-bar riding, whether for paved or unpaved environments.
Designed with performance as the top priority, ENVE’s SES Aero Road Bar delivers a fast and efficient solution for athletes seeking improved aerodynamics for various distances. The carbon pad carriers dampen rough terrain and deliver a smoother ride, making them ideal for ultra-distance gravel and adventure bike racing.
For $360, you get the proper ENVE quality experience. You can buy them directly at ENVE.com
2. Profile Design Supersonic Ergo 4525c
One of our favorite choices for clip-on aero bars is the Supersonic Ergo 4525c. Drafting off the innovative T3+ technology from Profile Design, the Supersonic Ergo 4525c aero bars are highly adjustable and comfortably ergonomic for long hours on the bike.
We love the hand positioning design of the Ergo 4525 series from Profile Designs, as they encourage natural wrist positioning without any forward kinks like other straight bar options. They also provide ample range for shorter or more extended aero positioning.
The Supersonic Ergo 4525c is a carbon aero bar (thus the “c” in “4525c”) that weighs just 653 grams for the complete setup. Not only are they lightweight but they’re great for absorbing the vibrations from the road. For a more affordable, aluminum alternative with the same design, check out the Sonic Ergo 4525a Aero Bars.
Typically priced between $250 and $300, you can find these aero bars for sale on Amazon.
3. Redshift Quick-Release Aerobars
Redshift’s Quick-Release Aerobars are a carbon clip-on option that’s engineered for performance and ergonomics. They’re integrated with a patented quick-release mechanism, allowing athletes to install or remove the aero bars in a matter of seconds and without any tools.
Redshift is a reliable brand name across many genres of cycling, including gravel, mountain, road, and triathlon. A flagship product, the Quick-Release Aerobars come in aluminum and carbon options, as well as S-bend or L-bend ends. The lightest option is the carbon S-bend weighing 564 grams, while the aluminum L-bend weighs 640 grams.
Combined with Redshift’s Dual-Position Seatpost, this complete aerodynamic setup provides an accessible time trial position on just about any road bike. It’s a terrific option, not only for beginner triathletes but also for long-distance road, gravel, and even mountain bike riders who want to mix up their positioning.
The aluminum L- and S-bend aero bars start at $180, but the carbon extension upgrade comes in at $250.
You can buy these aero bars on Amazon.
4. Profile Design Supersonic Ergo 35c
As one of the newest products to arise from Profile Design’s exceptional engineering in clip-on aero bars, the Supersonic Ergo 35c provides a simple and adaptable system with a greater fit range than anything that came before it.
Recognized for its versatile fit options and comfort, the Supersonic bracket is the result of years of fine-tuning and product refining. Combined with the Ergo platform, athletes can leverage up to 80 different positions with this aero bar setup.
The 35-degree extension caters to an arrowhead hand position, providing an aero bar that’s well-suited to athletes who want something moderately aggressive and ideal for long hours in the saddle.
The Supersonic Ergo 35c aero bars are incredibly easy to install. These carbon clip-on aero bars deliver bang-for-the-buck returns with an attractive price tag of just below $250.
Take a closer look at Profile-Design.com or buy the Ergo 35c aero bars on Amazon.
5. Control Tech Sirocco Clip-On Aero Bars
The Sirocco clip-on aero bars from Control Tech are an unconventional yet trending choice for professionals in the ultra-distance gravel racing scene. The Sirocco’s are no exclusion for triathletes, either, who prefer a more minimalist (and lightweight) aero bar setup.
Shown here is the handlebar-mounted option (there’s also a Sirocco stem-mounted unit). This particular clip-on aero bar system is simple to install and even easier to dial into your unique aero position. Carbon-built, these Sirocco aero bars are very light weighing just 363g for the complete system.
With an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, the relatively new Sirocco’s are gaining traction and worth a look. Check them out on Amazon.
6. Zipp Vuka Clip with Alumina Race Extensions
The Zipp Vuka Clip’s are a fantastic clip-on aero bar for the price. In addition to being highly adaptable to nearly universal on almost any type of bike, the Vuka Clips with Alumina Race Extensions offer 52mm of rise (compared to the Vuka Alumina Evo, which come with a 70mm or 110mm rise.
As the name implies, the bend of the Alumina Race Extensions places the wrists at a more natural angle, enabling athletes to attain a highly tucked and race-optimized aero position.
Zipp’s Vuka Clip with Alumina Race Extensions comes at a combined weight of 780g for the entire unit (the above-bar system weighs 310g, the below-bar system 295g, and 175g for the Vuka Race extensions.)
So although it’s not among the lightest aero bars of the bunch, it delivers SRAM/Zipp-quality performance for $140.
Check out the Zipp Vuka Clip with Alumina Race Extensions at SRAM.com. Or buy them on CompetitiveCyclist.com.
7. Vision TriMax Carbon Clip-On Aero Bars
A standout among the all-start line-up of Vision aero bars, the TriMax Carbon Clip-on’s have a longstanding reputation for performance and adjustability in the world of clip-on aero bars.
Available in three styles – JS-bend, J-bend, and S-bend – Vision’s TriMax Carbon Clip-on aerobars deliver a diverse range of fit capabilities, including ample width and stack adjustment. All of the models weigh in at about 500g (+/-10 based on the bend style).
Great for beginners and elites alike, these carbon aero bars don’t compromise on performance for fit. In addition to being widely adjustable for various aero positions, TriMax Carbon Clip-on allows for internal cable routing and Di2 compatibility.
Vision’s TriMax Carbon Clip-On is modestly priced at $252. Take a closer look at VisionTechUSA.com. Or buy these aero bars on Amazon.
8. Syntace C3 Clip Aerobars
Syntace aero bars are some of the most high-performance, lightweight, and distinctly-designed products on the market. A fair warning to inexperienced cyclists, they’re an aggressive aero bar that does compromise on adjustability and risers.
Due to the limited adjustment capabilities, the Syntace C3 Clip’s come in several sizes – small, medium, and large (all at the same price), as well as two material options – aluminum and carbon (+$70 for the carbon).
Featured here are the aluminum C3 Clips, which have a unique-shaped design that caters well to an aero bar hydration setup. The aluminum C3 Clip (Large) is a lightweight option weighing in at 378g (366g for the Medium). You save a few grams with the carbon extensions, but not by much.
For aluminum aero bars, the Syntace Speedcutter tool allows athletes to adjust extension length. Still, actual fore/aft-like adjustment like other clip-on aero bars is not an option with Syntace products. However, this “compromise” saves significant weight, shedding ~300g compared to comparable alternatives.
Syntace offers several different aero bar products. The C3 Clip’s start at $250 and escalate to $675 for the carbon.
Scope these and other aero bars at Syntace.com
Full Aero Handlebars
Check out this lineup of full aero handlebar setups. Full aero handlebars include both forward-facing aerobars and side handlebars for climbing and out-of-saddle sprinting as a complete unit.
1. Vision Metron TFA
Unquestionably a top-of-the-line option, the Metron TFA by Vision is one of the stiffest and most aerodynamic handlebars and stem systems you can find. Used by record-breaking professional triathletes like Andrew Starykowicz, the Metron TFA has been tested and validated at the highest level.
The Metron TFA is available in various extension types, including the TFA JS-bend, TFE Pro, Speed S-bend, and Speed J-bend (with the latter two sold separately).
Also unique about this full aero handlebar setup is Vision’s Snakebite stem, which accommodates a flippable base bar and internal cable routing.
Despite being an all-out race-specific aero bar, the Metron TFA prides itself on offering vast spectrum positioning dimensions, all supported by a wide range of fit increments. And unlike some full aero bar systems, this unit comes equipped with a stem, packing a full weight of 1155g (comparable to systems above).
Cop the Vision Metron TFA for $900 and take a closer gander at VisionTechUSA.com. Buy these full aero handlebars on Amazon.
Vision TriMax Carbon SI 013
As an integrated full aero handlebar system with Vision’s flagship TriMax JS-bend extensions, the SI 013 is a super-lightweight option for competitive triathletes and time trialists alike.
Vision’s TriMax Carbon SI 013 is compatible with all frames with a standard 31.8mm diameter handlebar clamp area. With the ability to tilt the base bar, athletes can easily adjust the aero bars without the use of bolts.
Weighing 780g total, the SI 013 is a full carbon aero handlebar unit that delivers top-tier performance for an attractive price tag. And while it checks all of the boxes for high-end aero technology, it doesn’t compromise on ergonomics. The SI 013 offers extensive adjustability across all areas, including reach, stack, extension angle, and armrest positions.
The Vision TriMax Carbon SI 013 has a price tag of $629. You can get it at VisionTechUSA.com. Or buy them on Amazon.
Zipp’s Vuka Aero
Keeping pace with the top-end quality you can expect from Zipp, the Vuka Aero system delivers on all fronts. The first thing to notice with the Vuka Aero bar extensions is their tapered airfoil design. Aesthetically, they’re some of the most stunning and distinct compared to other full aero bars. But that’s just a byproduct of performance-first engineering.
The Vuka Aero is inspired by Zipp’s SL-70 Aero road bar. Compliant with UCI’s 3:1 aspect ratio requirement, the Vuka Aero is recognized for its stiff and streamlined design that combines optimal adjustability for athlete positioning.
Weighing in at 846g, the Zipp Vuka Aero handlebar system is a lightweight option that is ideal for running SRAM shifters. They’re tailored to fit the eTap AXS™ Blip Box within the center cap, streamlining both looks and aerodynamics.
Well priced at the $900 mark, the Zipp Vuka Aero is available at SRAM.com
Profile Design Aeria T2 Carbon
The Aeria T4 by Profile Design is a beautiful balance of elegance, versatility, and performance. Not only is the Aeria T4 a full carbon aero handlebar system that’s lightweight and simple to adjust, but the design is based on decades of research minimizing drag and aerodynamic wind resistance.
UCI Compliant 3:1, the Aeria T4 carbon handlebar wing is entirely zero drop from clamp to brake extensions and delivers optimal control with a shorter reach. The Profile Design Aeria T4 are some of the lightest aero bars weighing in at 663g stemless.
The shape and handling of the Profile Design’s T2 Carbon Extensions deliver on both feel and performance. Like the V2’s, which are popular in gravel and adventure bike racing, the Aeria T2’s have the same S-Bend extension and delightful handle design at the top.
The V2’s are indeed a fantastic entry-level option, especially for the quality that Profile Design aero bars deliver. But for serious athletes seeking a time trial specific upgrade, the Aeria T2 Carbon is a widely-configurable and elegant aero bar that delivers professional-grade performance.
Priced at $999, peer deeper into the Aeria T4’s at Profile-Design.com
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Endurance athlete, professional off-road cyclist, and avid blogger, Tyler Tafelsky participates in long-course multisport and cycling events. Today, Tyler competes in ultra-distance cycling races at the professional level. Since starting Better Triathlete in 2014, he has been the head of content for the site's editorial team. Learn more about Tyler