Aero bars for touring

[brad]

How many folks here using aero-bars for touring? I took mine off my TT bike and rode to work with my usual 15 pound load of clothes and books and it was not too sketchy. I am thinking of adding a set of cinelli mini-bars permanently to my tourer. Anyone else outthere using aero-bars? What types? Any issues, particularly on fully loaded descents with a full load?

[rtwbikerider]

I put the Airstryke ZB aero bars from Profile Designs on my 1984 Specialized Expedition before my last big tour. They were a godsend. I had begun feeling numbness in the hands on prior tours, so I gave them a shot. The long wheelbase, fork rake, weight in the lowrider panniers, 32-35 mm tires all added stability. So, although the aero position was new to me, it was never TOO skittish. The spring loaded forearm rests never took away a hand position. In fact, it even gave me a new position. I used to rest my palms on the padded rests occasionally. I also attached my cyclometer, bell/compass, and headlight to the aero bar. I admit, I was very cautious on descents, especially when looking in my Third Eye mirror. The most difficult manouever was switching from the aero position to the drops while on a descent. Still, I highly recommend adding them to your touring bike.