Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: Cutting Hed S Bends

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Cutting Hed S Bends

Fast&Crooked

Oct 3, 08 17:17

Post #1 of 12 (212 views)

Cutting Hed S Bends	Can't Post

I just got a pair of Hed S Bends that are a bit too long at both ends. I guess I have a short forearm.

Can I cut them?
How do I cut them? Hack Saw?

Thanks...

cslone

Oct 3, 08 17:23

Post #2 of 12 (204 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

A fine tooth hacksaw would work. I used a Dremel that worked great too.
______________
HEDmafia.com

Rokko

Oct 3, 08 17:25

Post #3 of 12 (200 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you can only cut the end that goes into the clamps. The other end is reinforced for the bar end shifters, and you don't want to cut that off. That said, here's how to do it:

1) Measure carefully

2) Wrap the area of the cut in tape -- this helps keep splitting and dust down, and prevents scratches.

3) Use a guide.... I got a 10 cent pipe clamp and put it around the bar (over the tape), and used it for my guide

4) Measure again

5) Use a 32 tooth hacksaw

6) Probably should measure once more

7) Using the clamp as a guide, slowly saw about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through (use minimal pressure on the saw)

8) Turn the bars, and cut from the other side to meet the first cut (this will also help prevent splitting)

9) The end can be filed smooth.

It's a pretty easy job... just nerve wracking the first time I cut into an $80 carbon bar
-----

Blazeman Warrior
Wildflower Long, Big Kahuna, maybe Vineman, hopefully Alcatraz

James

Oct 3, 08 17:54

Post #4 of 12 (185 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You can also cut the end where the shifters are. Jagwire makes a mount for shimano and sram shifters that are clamp style instead of plug. I had cut off mine at both ends also. I didn't know about the Jagwire mounts, so I just took the end of the compression plugs to the grinder until they fit. They've work like a charm for 4 years and counting.

Fast&Crooked

Oct 3, 08 17:58

Post #5 of 12 (181 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [James] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Why the heck did they make it so long after the S bend! What a pain :(

Diesel

Oct 3, 08 18:08

Post #6 of 12 (172 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

WEAR A MASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you don't you'll surely be responding to my post afterwards.

1406racer

Oct 3, 08 18:12

Post #7 of 12 (169 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have at it and cut off as much as you need from either end. Hed has assured me that it is not a problem. In fact the s bends that I have from them have no reinforcement at either end. Just do not tighten the shifter mounts too tight and split the tube. I ran mine for several years without any issues.

Fast&Crooked

Oct 7, 08 9:39

Post #8 of 12 (124 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [1406racer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well mine had reinforcements... As in past tense because I can not slide the bar end shifter back in because it hits the reinforcement... I guess I am stuck with the jagwire thingy or this was an expensive lesson!

(This post was edited by Fast&Crooked on Oct 7, 08 9:40)

MOP_Mike

Oct 7, 08 9:44

Post #9 of 12 (119 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Fine-tooth hacksaw, miter box, and a couple of clamps work fine.

Like others said, beware of cutting the shifter end.

On HED's aluminum standard 'S' bend, I cut the shifter end and there was not enough straight tubing left for the shifter to fit inside. (Yep, ruined!)

I replaced my ruined bars with a set of carbon "lazy S" bars. These have a longer straight section at the shifter end and can be cut back an inch or so at that end and as much as you want at the basebar end.

"...if you are pedaling correctly, it doesn't matter what cranks are on your bike." -- Frank Day

Rokko

Oct 7, 08 10:21

Post #10 of 12 (100 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a set of carbon Hed S-Bends that I have cut, but don't use. I found the angle of the S-Bend too dramatic for my wrists. They are about 7 5/8" horizontal (roughly 192mm +-). Perfect condition other than one scratch on each from where the clamp held them. Only cut the clamp end, not the shifter end. I have a camera somewhere, but I can't find it right now. PM me if you have any interest.
-----

Blazeman Warrior
Wildflower Long, Big Kahuna, maybe Vineman, hopefully Alcatraz

Fast&Crooked

Oct 7, 08 10:33

Post #11 of 12 (92 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Rokko] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Problem is I need them cut from bot ends or I hit the S bend in the wrong place... I can't reach the shifters.

Thanks for the offer. Do the other brand S bends fit the Hed base bar?

Rokko

Oct 7, 08 13:19

Post #12 of 12 (63 views)

Re: Cutting Hed S Bends [Fast&Crooked] [In reply to]	Can't Post

They should. Most extensions are a fairly stanard size.... I think 21.8mm or something like that. So Hed, Profile Design, I think Oval should all work. I fit Blackwell Research Wrist Relief's into my Hed base bar. The BR's are slightly bigger (22.1mm?), but they still fit. It's just a snug fit.