Road Bike TT Bar Installation, Adjustment, and Maintenance

Introduction: Want to Get Faster? Get Low First

Air resistance accounts for over 80% of riding resistance (at speeds above 30km/h), and the most effective way to reduce air resistance is—making your body lower and narrower. TT bars (Aero Bars) are equipment designed exactly for this purpose.

But before you rush to install TT bars, there are a few things you need to know: installation position, angle adjustment, usage limitations, and most importantly—when you should NOT use TT bars.

Types of TT Bars

Clip-on Aero Bars

Feature	Description
Installation	Clamps onto existing handlebars
Suitable for	Road bike retrofitting
Price	NT$1,000-8,000
Weight	300-600g
Adjustment flexibility	High

Common brands: Profile Design, 3T, Zipp, Redshift

Integrated TT Bars

Feature	Description
Installation	Integrated into frame/handlebars
Suitable for	Dedicated time trial bikes
Price	NT$5,000-30,000
Weight	Depends on model
Adjustment flexibility	Low

Installation Guide

Clip-on Aero Bar Installation

Tools required:

• 4mm/5mm hex wrenches
• Torque wrench (essential for carbon fiber handlebars)
• Spirit level (a phone app works too)

Installation steps:

1. Determine the position:

   • Clamp the base onto the flat section of the handlebar
   • Position approximately 5-8cm from the stem
   • Both sides must be symmetrical

2. Install the base:

   • Clamp the base onto the handlebar
   • Tighten lightly first; position still needs adjustment
   • Confirm the contact surface between base and handlebar has anti-slip pads

3. Install the extension bars:

   • Insert the extension bars into the base
   • Adjust length and angle
   • Both extension bars must be the same length

4. Install the armrests:

   • Adjust to a comfortable position
   • Elbows should rest naturally on the pads
   • Forearms should angle upward approximately 10-15 degrees from the ground

5. Fine-tune and tighten:

   • Confirm all angles and positions are satisfactory
   • Tighten with a torque wrench (carbon handlebars typically 5-6Nm)
   • Re-check symmetry on both sides

Position Adjustment Key Points

Adjustment Item	Recommendation	Impact
Extension bar width	Same width as shoulders or slightly narrower	Aerodynamic effect
Extension bar length	Hands can grip naturally when elbows are on pads	Comfort and handling
Extension bar angle	Slightly upward 5-15°	Comfort
Armrest position	Directly under the elbows	Stability
Armrest angle	Aligned with forearm angle	Pressure distribution

Torque Considerations

Handlebar Material	Recommended Torque	Notes
Aluminum	6-8 Nm	Do not over-tighten
Carbon fiber	4-6 Nm	Torque wrench is mandatory!
Carbon aero handlebars	Refer to manual	May not be suitable for installation

Serious Warning: Installing TT bars on carbon fiber handlebars—tightening too much can crush the handlebar. Tightening too little can cause the TT bars to rotate during high-speed descents—both situations are dangerous. Always use a torque wrench.

Proper Use of TT Bars

Suitable Situations

• Time trials (TT)
• Triathlon
• Solo long-distance flat riding
• Flat cruising in tailwinds
• Open roads without other vehicles and pedestrians

Situations Where You Should NOT Use Them

• Group training or group rides: Reaction time is too slow; braking is delayed
• Descents: Extremely poor handling
• Urban areas or roads with heavy traffic: Cannot brake quickly
• Corners: Steering is difficult
• Climbs: Posture is not suitable for power output
• Most roads in Taiwan: Heavy traffic and narrow roads; risk is too high

Safety Reminder: When using TT bars, your hands are far from the brake levers, and in emergency situations you need extra reaction time to brake. Using TT bars in unsafe environments is risking your life.

Taiwan Regulations on TT Bar Use

Taiwan’s traffic regulations do not explicitly prohibit TT bars, but:

• Some cycling races prohibit TT bars (criteriums/group races)
• Using TT bars in group training will get you scolded by teammates (rightfully so)
• If an accident occurs due to TT bar use, you may bear liability for negligence

Fitting Adjustments

Correct Riding Posture on TT Bars

1. Flat back: Keep your back as parallel to the ground as possible
2. Head naturally raised: Don’t keep it too low; you need to see ahead
3. Stable elbows: Rest them relaxed on the armrests
4. Pelvic rotation: Rotate your hips forward to maintain pedaling efficiency
5. Core engagement: Maintaining the posture requires core muscle support

Gradual Progression

Don’t ride 100 kilometers right after installation. The TT bar position places different demands on your body compared to a normal riding posture:

Adaptation Phase	Recommendation
Week 1	Use for only 10-15 minutes per session
Week 2	20-30 minutes per session
Week 3	Gradually increase usage time
After Week 4	Adjust according to comfort

TT Bar Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

1. Wipe down the armrests: Sweat will degrade the pads
2. Check the screws: Vibration can loosen them
3. Confirm base position: Check for any slipping
4. Clean the extension bars: Remove dust and sweat stains

Regular Maintenance (Monthly)

Item	Method
Torque on all screws	Verify with a torque wrench
Armrest condition	Check if replacement is needed
Base anti-slip pads	Check for aging
Extension bar fixation	Check for signs of slipping

Armrest Replacement

Armrests are consumable items:

• Typically need replacement every 1-2 years
• Sweat accelerates deterioration
• OEM replacement pads usually cost NT$200-500
• You can DIY with foam and tape

Storage When Not in Use

• You can remove the extension bars and keep only the base
• Or remove everything completely and store it away
• Clean and dry thoroughly before long-term storage
• Apply a thin layer of grease to screws to prevent rust

Buying Recommendations

Entry-Level Recommendations

Brand/Model	Price	Features
Profile Design T2+	NT$2,000	Aluminum, top entry-level choice
Redshift Quick Release	NT$3,500	Quick-release design, convenient
3T Clip-on Team	NT$2,500	Good quality

Advanced Recommendations

Brand/Model	Price	Features
Profile Design Sonic Ergo	NT$5,000	S-shaped extension bars
Zipp Vuka Clip	NT$6,000	Carbon fiber extension bars
3T Clip-on Pro	NT$4,500	Lightweight aluminum

Purchase Considerations

1. Handlebar Compatibility: Confirm that your handlebar diameter and shape are suitable for installation
2. Computer and Light Positioning: After installing aerobars, you may need to rearrange the position of your bike computer
3. Weight: If you care about weight, carbon fiber extensions are worth the investment
4. Adjustment Range: Choose a model with a wide adjustment range to facilitate fitting

Conclusion

Aerobars are equipment that can significantly increase your speed on flat roads, but they are also equipment that should only be used in the right situations. Enjoy the thrill of tucking into the aerobars and cutting through the wind in a safe environment, and keep your hands firmly on the brake-shift levers in dangerous environments.

After installation, take the time to make fitting adjustments so your body gradually adapts to the new riding position. Then, in your next time trial or triathlon, enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a few minutes faster thanks to the aerodynamic advantage.

Remember: going fast is exhilarating, but getting home safely matters more.

Related Reading

• Bike Fit Differences Between Time Trial Bikes and Road Bikes: The Trade-off Between Aerodynamics and Comfort
• Preparing for a Cycling Time Trial: TT Bike Setup, Aero Position, and Pre-Race Warm-Up
• 70.3 Cycling Gear: Should You Choose a TT Bike or a Road Bike
• Differences Between TT Bikes and Road Bikes: The Impact of Geometry, Weight, and Aerodynamics on TT Pacing