Stock RT520 Handlebars
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Stock HandlebarsDecathlon’s stock handlebars vary in width based on frame size. The S and M sizes have 620mm wide bars, while the L and XL carry 660mm wide bars. Stem sizes are Size S: 60 mm / Size M: 80 mm / Size L: 100 mm / Size XL: 110 mm and fit a 31.8mm handlebar.
The ergonomic grips with integrated bar ends are quite comfortable but fall more into the dense and firm category rather than a soft plush silicone sponge feel. So far I have not noticed this to be a problem and have kept them on as they are comfortable. Longer, rougher rides may prove the need for a softer touch point. Keeping the bar ends on the handlebar reduces the effective usable width from 620mm on our small frame, to roughly a 580mm width. This greatly reduced the planted feel of a wider bar and increased the twitch level. Riders coming from drop bars or the road scene may not see this as much of an issue, but for a mountain bike geo rider coming from 740mm widths, this will make a noticeable difference to handling and your riding style when carrying a live passenger! The stock bars do not have enough flat area on each side of the stem required to mount aero bars. I swapped out the handlebar from another bike, a BBB Ascension cut down to 740mm. With the bar ends on, I now have a 700mm width for a standard flat bar hand position. |
No space for aero bars attachments next to the stem on the stock handlebars.
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Installed a wider handlebar with room to mount the aero bar brackets.
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The Aero Bar Dilemma
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I have received puzzled comments and questions from other cyclists. "Why put aero bars on a mountain bike?" or "Aero bars with a big milk crate and a dog at the back defeats the whole purpose." I usually nod and smirk it off. For those who actually want to know the reason, I am happy to share my thoughts and experiences.
Prior to having aero bars and still carrying Chino on the back, I noticed my lower back would get over worked and stress out on long rides with a single static position. I found I would naturally start to hang my right forearm over the handlebar to get more extension in my torso. Doing this I noticed would achieve two major changes.
My hand position most of the time is left hand on the left handlebar grip covering the rear brake (Aus placement), and my right hand and arm in the aero bar placing weight on my right shoulder. I can climb, turn, and sprint in this position. |
Gear mounting options on the aero bars. (Out of focus!)
In addition to a more efficient body position, aero bars can help provide more mounting options for gear depending on your requirements. On a previous bike, I would tend to carry a tent length-ways with the handlebar, a dry bag between the aero bars fixed with a Grunt strap and my phone attached to the Grunt strap via an Otterbox Defender case.
This setup still allows the comfortable use of both sides of the aero bars. More bags could be added under the bars alongside the tent if required. |
Rear profile of the Moose setup.
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Front profile of the Moose setup.
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Decathlon's Aero Bars (Long Distance Triathlon Handlebar Extensions)
Andrea and I have both used Decathlon's aero bars since August 2022. For long distances, gravel or road cycling, we would find it hard to ride without them. Noted all out bikes have flat handlebars within a 680 - 740mm range. The Decathlon aero bars provide alternate hand placements that provide more comfort and efficiency when riding at a very competitive price. The resting pads provide a good amount of fine tuning options that will allow most people to hone in on their ideal angle and placement for the forearm/elbow. We tend to position ours on the wider side to allow us to use our elbows for stability and counter-balancing. A more aggressive aerodynamic position would be to place the pads inline with your wrists if you're looking to explore your maximum capabilities.
I considered placing a grip on the extended ends but decided to leave it to minimise any friction when transitioning to the handlebar. I had thoughts of a grippy surface slightly dragging my thumb during a transition and causing slight movement in the fork and wheel. (Must sound like O.C.D.) To be honest, if you're not used to using aero bars, it feels like a 'dead man/woman's' grip holding on without covering the brakes.
I considered placing a grip on the extended ends but decided to leave it to minimise any friction when transitioning to the handlebar. I had thoughts of a grippy surface slightly dragging my thumb during a transition and causing slight movement in the fork and wheel. (Must sound like O.C.D.) To be honest, if you're not used to using aero bars, it feels like a 'dead man/woman's' grip holding on without covering the brakes.
PRODUCTS
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1. Stock Decathlon Ergonomic Integrated Bar Ends.
Alternate options: 2. Decathlon Van Rysel Alternate options:
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