A dedicated tri bike is not for everyone. We meet great athletes every day who do just fine racing triathlons on road bikes with clip-on aero bars. But what about bike fit? Can you simply bolt on a set of clip-on bars and call it a day? The short answer is NO.

Most clip-on aero bars orient the pad directly over the handlebar. Placing your elbows over the bars on a well fit road bike results in an extremely stretched out position. Being stretched out (see Chris Boardman’s superman position) is certainly aero, but it does not address comfort, riding economy, or control.

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The X2 is still my favorite pedal. Here’s why:

1. Ease of entry: Whether you’re hustling out of T1, the gun just fired in a crit, or you have a stop-and go commute, getting clipped into your pedal quickly is paramount. Instinctual entry is also a safer because your focus can stay on the road.

The X2 is far-and-away the easiest pedal on the market to get into (Speedplay Light Action included). Dual sided entry means you don’t have to be concerned with pedal orientation. The cleat’s spring design doesn’t require you to “brush” your foot forward catch the toe—You just step down and your own body will snap you in.

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