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Are ski-bend bars really worth it?
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bradl016
Mar 16, 12 10:24
Post #1 of 35
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Are ski-bend bars really worth it?
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In this post, Cervelo reiterates that J-bars are usually faster than S-bend bars (or straight bars, I imagine).
Quote:
Damon Rinard, Cervelo Engineer
says:
December 22, 2011
Hi Johannes, We've tested a lot of different shapes for aero bar extensions, but never in a head-to-head comparison. In gerneral though, most riders have the lowest drag and most comfort when the forearm is level and the top of the thumb is also in line. Usually this means ski-tip or J-bend extensions. One tip we like is to place the shift lever in the hand, with the pivot axis aligned roughly with the second knuckle. This often means cutting the extension to bring the shifter into the hand. This takes the lever out of the wind and means you canshift without moving the arm. Cheers, -Damon Rinard, Cervelo Engineer.
But let's be honest... nothing looks as sexy as a straight/s-bend aero bar.
Before this gets weirdly phallic, tell me what you think - should I keep my sweet Zipp S-bends (on the Hed setup above) and count on n00bs seeing it in transition and being scared into submission? Or should I find a j-bar that may not look as sleek but could save me 4 seconds over a 20k (totally made up).
Whatcha think?
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
Tom A.
Mar 16, 12 10:26
Post #2 of 35
(3136 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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bradl016 wrote:
Whatcha think?
I think you have your mind made up already that aesthetics are more important than performance...so, do what you like :-)
http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
brider
Mar 16, 12 10:30
Post #3 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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It's personal preference.
Had a guy that came into the shop last weekend, looking at a couple used bikes (on trainers). His friend was telling him all kinds of things good about them... He said he felt tight and was having trouble looking "up the road". I said "Try this -- move your hands so that your thumbs are pointing up" (like they would be with ski-bend bars). He did, and immediately he could lift his head no problem. But his friend was trying to convince him that it wouldn't work for a litany of reasons.
I just shook my head and walked away.
It comes down to personal preference, and some people have a physical basis for that preference.
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bradl016
Mar 16, 12 10:33
Post #4 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [Tom A.]
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Damn straight :)
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
Tom A.
Mar 16, 12 10:41
Post #5 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [brider]
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brider wrote:
Had a guy that came into the shop last weekend, looking at a couple used bikes (on trainers). His friend was telling him all kinds of things good about them... He said he felt tight and was having trouble looking "up the road". I said "Try this -- move your hands so that your thumbs are pointing up" (like they would be with ski-bend bars). He did, and immediately he could lift his head no problem...
Very interesting...I have never thought there might be a relationship between hand position (and how you grip the extensions) and the ability to "see up the road". I'm going to have to play around with that...
http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
bradl016
Mar 16, 12 10:52
Post #6 of 35
(3058 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [Tom A.]
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I guess I was really looking for someone to say, "j bars aren't lame, pro triathlete So-and-So uses them"
Is it a consensus?
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
jackmott
Mar 16, 12 10:55
Post #7 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [Tom A.]
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i can believe it, I once sprained the crap out of my neck while pulling on a shifter with my hand.
somehow those muscles all link up together!
Memorial day sale at ATC and Meet Pro Triathlete Matty Reed - Sat May 25 - Captex!
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bobby11
Mar 16, 12 10:58
Post #8 of 35
(3035 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [Tom A.]
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And as always, the n=1 game is a funny game. Here's mine. I switched from j-bends on my Speed Concept to the Specialized extensions which are S-bends, but are very flattish in the grip area. I never thought I could handle it. I figured my wrists would too uncomfortable. Boy was I wrong. They're totally awesome for me and I find I can drop my chin right down on my between-the-bars bottle when I really get relaxed and in the groove on my trainer. I'm getting way lower head position with the new set-up.
So it sounds like it's probably a pretty individual thing.
paxfobiscum
Mar 16, 12 11:04
Post #9 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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Herein lies your folly: You care too much about what others will think about what your bars look like .
Try them both for prolonged periods, and let your hands, arms, and neck decide.
... in the meantime don't give a rat's ass what others will say about your bike in transition.
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dfru
Mar 16, 12 11:07
Post #10 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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[
But let's be honest... nothing looks as sexy as a straight/s-bend aero bar.
Before this gets weirdly phallic, tell me what you think -
should I keep my sweet Zipp S-bends (on the Hed setup above) and count on n00bs seeing it in transition and being scared into submission?
Or should I find a j-bar that may not look as sleek but could save me 4 seconds over a 20k (totally made up).
Whatcha think?[/quote]
Are you trying to beat noobs?
I think ski bends say...I like the research, and am not worried about noobs or people with s bends :)
DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!
Tom A.
Mar 16, 12 11:16
Post #11 of 35
(2967 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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bradl016 wrote:
I guess I was really looking for someone to say, "j bars aren't lame, pro triathlete So-and-So uses them"
Do you mean guys like someone who is a multiple IronMan winner and the reigning ITU Long Course World Champion? ;-)
http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
dfru
Mar 16, 12 12:38
Post #12 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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bradl016 wrote:
I guess I was really looking for someone to say, "j bars aren't lame, pro triathlete So-and-So uses them"
Is it a consensus?
That guy from Texas who was a bike racer likes them too...
Brent
DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!
waupaca11
Mar 16, 12 12:40
Post #13 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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Andy Potts for one.
I just swapped out the S Bend on my Easton Attack for a lazy Ski bend. MUCH more comfortable for me. YMMV
dfru
Mar 16, 12 12:43
Post #14 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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Julie Dibens if you like women who kick absolute ass on the bike...or Mirinda Carfrae if you like women who can outrun most men...
There are more and more out there...
Brent
DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!
bradl016
Mar 16, 12 12:46
Post #15 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [dfru]
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dfru wrote:
Are you trying to beat noobs?
That is almost entirely the reason I train - not to try to win but just to talk smack to the 40 year old women who entered the event because it looked fun.
I live to eat their souls.
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
vanskater
Mar 16, 12 13:01
Post #16 of 35
(2766 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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bradl016 wrote:
dfru wrote:
Are you trying to beat noobs?
That is almost entirely the reason I train - not to try to win but just to talk smack to the 40 year old women who entered the event because it looked fun.
I live to eat their souls.
if your not first, you're last!
ChrisM
Mar 16, 12 13:23
Post #17 of 35
(2729 views)
Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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I agree, so I got S bends on my new PX bike
About 200 miles later had the LBS put my old ski bends on. So much more comfortable for me
Power13
Mar 16, 12 13:30
Post #18 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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My new P2 came with Vision bars w/ ski bends. Prior to that, I had been on S-bends.
I honestly tried to like 'em....did my best, but just couldn't stand them. Put my S-bends on and I am much more comfortable.
__________________________________________________
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OneGoodLeg
Mar 16, 12 14:14
Post #19 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [bradl016]
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Here's my take... it depends on how much you might shift your position around slightly due to variations in terrain, wind, fatigue, etc vs being locked in to just one mode. The "money" position on a pair of ski/J bends is ideal, BUT whenever I wanted to "choke up" or stretch out they pretty much sucked.
Switched to S-bends (cheap Profile T2s) and I like 'em waaay better. I think if I were dialed in to one 'perfect' position and one position only for however long my events are, then the ski bends would be optimized, but I find myself varying the grip quite a bit when I shift my weight back a little on a gradual incline or scooch forward and extra-low when turning into the wind for a short stretch, and the S-bends offer a better range of alternatives. For me, the versatility advantage is no contest.
juha-pdx
Mar 16, 12 14:32
Post #20 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [Tom A.]
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If forearms are level on S-Bend and hands are essentially covering up the shifters and this is a comfortable position I'm not sure how S-Bends are a disadvantage.
Is there a reason why thumbs (orientated the way Damon explained) test faster?
endorphin
Mar 16, 12 14:58
Post #21 of 35
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [OneGoodLeg]
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OneGoodLeg wrote:
Here's my take... it depends on how much you might shift your position around slightly due to variations in terrain, wind, fatigue, etc vs being locked in to just one mode. The "money" position on a pair of ski/J bends is ideal, BUT whenever I wanted to "choke up" or stretch out they pretty much sucked.
Switched to S-bends (cheap Profile T2s) and I like 'em waaay better. I think if I were dialed in to one 'perfect' position and one position only for however long my events are, then the ski bends would be optimized, but I find myself varying the grip quite a bit when I shift my weight back a little on a gradual incline or scooch forward and extra-low when turning into the wind for a short stretch, and the
S-bends offer a better range of alternatives
. For me, the versatility advantage is no contest.
This is why I'm keeping my S bends. I'm constantly sliding back and forth, getting low and choking up. It seems that J-bends would lock you into one position. Maybe Hed Lazy-S or Felt F-bends are a happy medium.
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sesel
Mar 16, 12 16:32
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [endorphin]
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I'd say that ski bends put your hands in a natural position and, in general, s-bends require an adapation period. I switched to ski bends last season and was happy with that decision. For racing over shorter distances I'd probably stick with s-bends. As others have mentioned, they allow for a bit more leverage during harder efforts.
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endorphin
Mar 16, 12 16:43
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [dfru]
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dfru wrote:
But let's be honest... nothing looks as sexy as a straight/s-bend aero bar.
I agree.... but is that the sexiest example you could dig up? How about this:
Although I'm not sure how anyone could actually use this...
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ScottWassy
Mar 16, 12 17:52
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [endorphin]
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endorphin wrote:
dfru wrote:
But let's be honest... nothing looks as sexy as a straight/s-bend aero bar.
I agree.... but is that the sexiest example you could dig up? How about this:
Although I'm not sure how anyone could actually use this...
What! If your arms are made of spaghetti it might be possible. Or you are built like a T-Rex.
Tom A.
Mar 16, 12 19:54
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Re: Are ski-bend bars really worth it? [juha-pdx]
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juha-pdx wrote:
If forearms are level on S-Bend and hands are essentially covering up the shifters and this is a comfortable position I'm not sure how S-Bends are a disadvantage.
Is there a reason why thumbs (orientated the way Damon explained) test faster?
Smaller frontal area. Try it in front of a mirror and you'll see...
http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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