hey roadies, am I being a weenie?
I am doing a double century in October. As such, I am going to be doing a lot of riding on my road bike. Captain Obvious (me) has just realized that my road bike does not have aero bars. Although not needed for a century, would anybody ever use them on a road bike in a double? I mean, I am going to be on the bike for a crazy stupid amount of time. Of course the positioning is going to be different and not really "aero" but I can totally see how it would be nice to rest a bit in them. (or is this, per the other thread... a form of "cheating" in a way? 
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I participate in lots of ultra-distance cycling event. I don't use aero bars, but I do ride with my forearms on the tops of the handlebars. I've trained 1000s of miles this way and I can produce plenty of power in this position. While in the front of a paceline, I have to really moderate the power output or I slip off the front, unintentionally dropping my riding companions.
Give it a try!
:-)
I'd leave the bars off, more likely to find a good group, which is worth a lot more time. Add in Bill's suggestion, and you get the best of both worlds.
Did you watch the Tour this year? Those guys ride crazy far over 20 days. TT bars are strictly for the TT stages. Also, the clip on aero bars will not feel like a TT bike. The seat angle is too slack and head tube is likely higher. This will conspire to close your hip angle and lift you up.
If you are going to do a roadie ride, ride like the roadies.... They know what they are doing.... As they say "when in Rome...."
See you at Orangeman!
ok thanks!! This is good info. I've never really *seen* anyone ride super long distances in one shot, except for the tour. But those guys are of a whole different caliber! Plus there is always a heck of a lot of riding in packs. I am not sure whether or not I can find a pack I can hang on to long enough since I have no idea who is going to show up to something like this. I do like the suggestion about riding with my forearms on the front. I've seen that done here and there. I'll give it a shot!
As far as packs to ride with, if it's a decent sized event you'll find somebody to ride with if you want to. I wanted to see what I could do, so I mostly pulled or rode solo. After the last long climb, three guys that I had seen throughout the day waited on me, and we all raced to the finish. It was so much fun!
Good luck!
Agreed, cerain rides expressly prohibit aerobars. They don't want a large group of riders with various levels of ability close to each other while they're in the bars with their hands far from the breaks.
oook. So ultimately I need to do a bit more homework about this ride to see what is even allowed. This is an important point!
CoachP - ya definitely have gloves already, not to absorb the road but to absorb the sweat! And, the saddle region is definitely something that has been concerning me recently. Getting my fit re-checked for both road and tri, since it's been about a year! I think that will help too.