Aer handlebar

Our design started with a full assessment of existing aerodynamically designed handlebars on the market over the last decade, studying ergonomics, structural, aesthetic, compatibility and installation strengths and weaknesses, as well as compiling feedback from real-world riders in bike fitting. 

We further researched the impact of handling characteristics of bike control with narrow handlebars, learning the effect on steering control and how transitioning handlebar widths and drop depth through varying hand positions throughout a handlebar affects the feel of stability and control of the bike, learning that just a 2cm increase in handlebar width between the contact with the hoods and the drops has a significant increase in the sense of control at speeds maintained on the road, and too great of an increase will result in an understeering effect at higher speeds maintained on the road. This helped us to start forming the foundations of a handlebar geometry appropriate for the majority of riders, regardless of size. 

In parallel, we started to experiment with increased support on the tops of the handlebars, prototyping various shapes with plasticine and thermoplastics to create the optimal shape for the back of the hooks. This not only helps to help guide a rider into an optimal “aero-hoods” position, but also to reduce muscle tension; reducing fatigue, increasing comfort and improving rider safety while riding in an aero-hoods position thanks to a secure grip on the handlebars. We’ve aptly named these the AerLocks. 

The AerLocks have also been shaped to function as climbing holds, enabling a full ergonomic grip, increasing the width here slightly in a relaxed, sat-back position, keeping the elbows and shoulders in an ergonomic position compared to riding on the tops and keeping you in a position that will allow you to respond to attacks without hesitation. 

A deep, 60mm aero-profile top section sweeps backwards from the stem clamp and is angled to optimise support when in the aero-hoods position by distributing load, increasing comfort and control. This deep section also optimises the aerodynamic flow of air over the handlebar when riding neutrally on the hoods, in the drops and on the AerLocks. 

The AerGrips were first conceived two years ago as a way to improve the aerodynamics of a handlebar’s drop profile, at the same time realising that the nominal round tube shape of a handlebar is not ergonomic. We refined the shape to better match the hand, reducing acute pressure and preventing the wrists falling inwards, thus reducing strain and locking the hands in place during a sprint. The AerGrip component is also recommended for the Aer handlebar to increase wrist clearance and prevent strike while riding and sprinting in the drops. 

The AerGrips also have 12mm-travel cushioning built in, improving comfort over rough roads and offering security against backwards hand slip with the purlicue of the hand fitting over the top of the grip, reducing hand grip strength required to hold the drops. AerGrips have no negative impact on brake reach on the Aer bars, however we always recommend reducing the brake lever reach to improve comfort and safety in controlling your bike. 

Hood width - 320mm
Drop width - 360mm
Reach - 75mm
Drop - 115mm
Stem clamp diameter - 31.8mm
Stem clamp length - 50mm
Material - Toray T800 carbon fibre composite
Weight - 240g approximate
Tri-bar compatible - no

External cable routing with two-bolt cable clamping plate. Full internal routing cable port through to the back of the stem clamping area.

The Aer handlebar includes:
3D printed TPU AerGrips
3D printed bio-material cable clamps and fixing bolts
3D printed bio-material aero bar ends
Adhesive EVA foam pads (1mm thickness)