A Dropbar Time Trial Bike

Time Trial bikes (including Triathlon bikes) are characterized not only by their aerodynamic shapes and usually large gears, but also the uniquely-shaped handlebars. These are basebars with the brake levers and the aerobars bar-end shifters. The separate brake levers and shifters bucks the trend of most other bikes where they are integrated together (Shimano STI, Campagnolo Ergopower, etc.) or at least close together (mountain bikes). For Time Trials and Triathlons, aerodynamics is the king. That's what aero-bars are for. The aerobars allow riders to ride in an aerodynamic position. Since these riders don't ride technical trails nor in a group (or peloton), they don't need their brakes nearby. What they do need is to shift gears to  adapt to the terrain and still remain in the aerodynamic position - hence, bar-end shifters.

Time Trial bike with a Dropbar and Clip-on Aerobars.

Why use dropbars on a time trial bike? My answer is "a bike that works for me is a good bike". So far, I have only raced one duathlon (run-bike-run) that I think a bar-end shifter set up would be alright. Most times, duathlon races here involve some degree of climbing and of course, descending. For the climbing part, you can ride out of the saddle and still shift depending on the steepness of the climb. For the descending part, I find it more confidence-inspiring to use the drops - lowering your center of gravity and adding stability when descending. Also, there are races where there are U-turns - having brakes and shifters close together would be useful. Decelerate - shift to an easier gear - make the U-turn - accelerate - when you gain momentum, shift to a harder gear. Thirdly, group rides feel much safer because the brakes are within reach.

The shifters on a dropbar are integrated with the brake.

Another benefit of dropbars is the multiple positions available. You can choose to ride the hoods and the drops. If the pads of the aerobars do not stick close to the dropbar, you can use the tops too. By puting clip-on aerobars, a new position is added.

Available Positions of a Dropbar with Clip-on Aerobars.

Those descriptions are typical for road bike set ups. In time trials and triathlons, aerodynamics is king. Yes, that's why I spec mine with clip-on aerobars and thus, I can be in an aerodynamic position.  I know I said earlier that shifting is still important in the aerodynamic position. It can still be done using the right hand (keeping the left arm firmly on the aerobar). After shifting to the appropriate gear, return to the aerodynamic position. For the most part, the aerodynamic position is maintained.

Front view of the cockpit.

Conclusion. A Time Trial or Triathlon bike might look unorthodox or maybe, even unusual. But, it works. There are multiple hand positions available - allowing for confident climbing, descending and group riding. Second,  the aerodynamic benefit of aerobars is maintained. I think the bottomline is "to go with what you would find useful." Dropbar mountain bike, flatbar road bike, bullhorn road bike.

Function over Form.

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