I tried all the TT gimicks like aero tubing, drilled components, rear disc wheel, concealed cables, hidden brakes but IMHO, it's the tri-bars that are worth all of these put together.
However, some of the old skool time trial greats like Adkins, Engers, Cottington, Pyne, Queen, Ballard etc. etc. just didn't get on with them, as it was their style and concentration on position that set them apart from other riders.
Nowadays, the use of tri-bars is the 'great leveller' that allows anyone to have a decent position.