PRO Missile Alloy S-Bend Extensions Review: Are These £140 Aerobars Worth It for Triathletes?
In the world of triathlon, where every second counts, the choice between premium aerobars and more affordable options can significantly impact both your race performance and your budget. The PRO Missile Alloy S-Bend Extensions, priced at £140, promise aerodynamic advantages, but hidden costs and availability issues might make even seasoned triathletes question their investment.
As triathlon gear becomes more advanced, the pressure to upgrade is palpable. These high-end aluminum clip-on aerobars are designed for triathletes seeking aggressive aero positions without the hefty price tag of carbon fiber. But do they deliver enough to justify their cost, especially when essential accessories are hard to come by?
In this review, we'll explore whether the PRO Missile Extensions deserve a spot in your race setup, uncover the true cost of ownership, and help you decide if these aerobars align with your performance goals and budget.
Distinctive Features of PRO Missile Extensions
The PRO Missile Alloy S-Bend Extensions distinguish themselves in the crowded clip-on aerobar market with their sophisticated bend geometry and premium aluminum construction. The S-bend design, featuring a 30-degree upsweep, is engineered for flexible riders aiming for low, aggressive aerodynamic positions.
This design contrasts with PRO's other options: the ski-bend extensions with a 45-degree upsweep and the J-bend variant with a 65-degree angle. The S-bend is tailored for competitive triathletes comfortable with flatter hand positions, particularly those with good flexibility and core strength.
The timing of these extensions aligns with evolving bike fitting trends. Recent trends favor more elevated hand positions, making the S-bend somewhat niche. However, for athletes whose flexibility and aerodynamic testing favor lower positions, these extensions provide the precise geometry needed for optimal performance.
PRO targets these aerobars for riders transitioning from road bikes to more race-focused setups, where aggressive positioning can lead to measurable time savings across sprint to Ironman distances.
Technical Specifications and Build Quality
The engineering of the PRO Missile Extensions reflects their premium status in the aluminum aerobar market. Weighing 17oz / 484g including clamps and bolts, they are notably lighter than most clip-ons at this price point—a significant advantage for weight-conscious triathletes.
The extensions measure approximately 13.5 inches (344mm) in length with a standard 22.2mm diameter, ensuring compatibility with most grip tape and accessories. The aluminum construction balances durability and weight savings, positioning these bars at the higher end of non-carbon pricing.
Build quality is impressive. The clamps fit standard 31.8mm handlebars, and the engineering tolerances feel precise during installation and adjustment. Unlike some competitors that feel flexy under load, the Missile extensions maintain solid rigidity even during aggressive sprinting or climbing efforts.
The bracket system offers multiple adjustment points for fine-tuning position, while the extensions themselves telescope for length adjustment with clear markings to ensure consistent setup between bikes or after maintenance. For those looking to upgrade their entire setup, consider pairing these with professional triathlon suits for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Installation Process and Setup Challenges
Installing the PRO Missile Extensions is straightforward for most home mechanics, requiring only a 3mm Allen key for attachment to the base bar. The process involves securing the bracket clamps, adjusting extension length using the built-in scale, and positioning the arm pads for optimal comfort.
However, a significant limitation arises for riders needing stack adjustment. PRO offers a spacer kit to increase stack height, but it's available at only one online retailer for £89.99—nearly two-thirds the cost of the aerobars themselves.
This expensive spacer kit limitation means these bars work best with minimal rise on road bikes, as tested for this review. The lack of affordable stacking options reduces versatility, particularly for dedicated triathlon bike setups where precise position matching is crucial.
For triathlon bikes requiring internal cable routing, the removable bar ends accommodate gear cable threading. However, the scarcity of the spacer kit makes these extensions less suitable for dedicated tri bikes where elevated positions typically require additional stack height.
The installation process itself takes roughly 15-20 minutes, with clear adjustment ranges making setup repeatable across different bikes or position changes. For additional bike maintenance needs, check out magnesium supplements to help with muscle recovery after long training sessions.
Real-World Performance Testing
Extended testing revealed impressive comfort characteristics that set the Missile Extensions apart from budget alternatives. The pads feature slightly raised sides that cradled forearms nicely, providing secure positioning during long aerobic efforts typical of Olympic and Ironman-distance racing.
The pad design excels at vibration dampening, with wide, thick covers effectively reducing road buzz transmission. This comfort advantage is particularly valuable during longer events where fatigue can compromise aerodynamic positioning. The secure forearm cradle helps maintain consistent positioning even as core strength diminishes late in races.
Hand positioning on the S-bend extensions feels natural for riders comfortable with flatter grips. The raw aluminum provides adequate grip for sprint and Olympic distances, though bar tape is recommended for longer distances to prevent hand fatigue and improve comfort during extended aero efforts.
The extensions demonstrated excellent rigidity under varied conditions, maintaining precise positioning during sprinting, climbing, and high-speed descents. Unlike some aluminum alternatives that exhibit noticeable flex, the Missile Extensions feel confidence-inspiring even during aggressive riding.
Overall stability impressed during testing, with no creaking, slipping, or positional drift even after hundreds of training miles and several race efforts. For optimal performance during training, consider supplementing with magnesium complex supplements to support muscle function and recovery.
Value Analysis: Premium Price vs. Performance
At £140, the PRO Missile Extensions command premium pricing in the aluminum aerobar segment, raising important questions about value proposition relative to performance gains. The weight advantage over similarly-priced competitors provides tangible benefits, particularly for climbing-heavy courses where every gram matters.
However, the £89.99 spacer kit dramatically alters the value equation. Athletes requiring stack adjustment face a total investment approaching £230—territory where carbon fiber alternatives become competitive. This hidden cost significantly undermines the value proposition for many potential buyers.
The build quality and performance characteristics justify the base price for riders whose position requirements align with minimal stacking needs. Comfort advantages during long events, combined with the weight savings, create measurable performance benefits that serious competitors can appreciate.
For road bike conversions where stack requirements remain minimal, the Missile Extensions offer excellent value. The premium construction and reliable performance justify the investment for athletes prioritizing marginal gains and equipment longevity.
Budget-conscious triathletes might find better value in alternatives like the Van Rysel extensions at £44.99, though comfort and weight advantages favor the PRO option for serious competitors. For those investing in premium equipment, don't forget essential accessories like adjustable swimming goggles to complete your triathlon setup.
Conclusion
The PRO Missile Alloy S-Bend Extensions deliver impressive performance and comfort that justify their premium positioning—with important caveats. These aerobars excel for road bike conversions and riders comfortable with aggressive, low positions, offering excellent build quality, meaningful weight savings, and superior comfort during extended efforts.
The expensive and difficult-to-source spacer kit represents the primary limitation, restricting these extensions to specific use cases and potentially doubling the total investment cost. For dedicated triathlon bikes or riders requiring elevated positions, this accessibility issue significantly impacts the value proposition.
Key Takeaways:
- Excellent choice for road bike triathlon conversions with minimal stack requirements
- Superior comfort and vibration dampening justify premium pricing for serious competitors
- Weight advantage and build quality exceed most aluminum alternatives
- Limited suitability for dedicated tri bikes due to spacer kit constraints
Recommended Action Steps:
- Assess your current bike setup and stack requirements before purchasing
- Consider bend angle preferences based on your flexibility and fitting recommendations
- Factor total cost including potential spacer kit when comparing alternatives
- Test ride different bend angles if possible to confirm S-bend suitability
For competitive triathletes using road bikes who prioritize comfort and performance over budget constraints, the PRO Missile Extensions represent an excellent investment. However, those requiring significant position adjustments or working within tighter budgets should explore alternatives that offer better accessibility and total value.
