I have a TT race coming up soon described as "1200 feet of climbing over 4 miles". Due to the climbing, I plan on using a road bike for this TT. There are two small flat sections on the course, but most of it climbs at around 5 to 6% grade. Also, based on the prevailing winds, I anticipate a small tailwind.

My question is, should I use Aerobars or not?

Your thoughts?.

The TT is 4 miles in total? If so, that's a bit of climbing. I would probably use regular bars. It really depends on the topography and length of the TT. I don't like using aero bars on climbs of %grade. Rolling hills are no biggie. Any aero advantage gained with bars would probably be negated on the climbing. What you are comfortable on is another issue. Best of luck.

There is no definite yes/no answer - it depends on a lot of factors. Is it a hillclimb that starts at the bottom and ends at the top or is there a turnaround where you need to descend the course as well. If you descend the course and it's not a technical downhill, aerobars will give you huge gains. Different people react differently to aerobars. In the bars, I personally lose power on a climb and slow if the grade is sustained at much more than 4%.

You say it climbs 1,200 feet in 4 miles. That is an average grade of 5.7% If there are any substantial flat or downhill sections the climbing may easilly average 6 or 7%.

I'll say this - a pro might average 20mph+ on a course like that and would see significant advantage in using aerobars. At the Alpe d'Huez TT in '04, more than a few pros used aerobars and the speeds were below 15mph on a grade over 8%

This is one of those situations where you should ride the climb beforehand with and without aerobars. Compare your times - that'll make the decision for you.

I'd say if you're really comfortable in the aerobars, do a lot of tri / tt riding with them, and know how to climb with them, then I'd say go for it. 5-6% are definitely grades you can do in the saddle.

I don't, so on the few hilly time trials I've done, where average speeds were 12-15mph, I, and most riders, opted not to. It was less for the weight, and more because I wanted to be able to climb smoothly and comfortably on the tops.