I’m looking for recommendations in choosing between the Hed integrated aerobar setup and the Oval A900s. Are there any compelling reasons to go one way vs. the other? I’d eventually like to try and run an S-bend setup for the bar extensions, as I do find the flatter hand position more powerful for me. Not sure if this is a factor in choice other than I understand that Hed may be offering this in the near future.
Your input would be greatly appreciated.
the two bars started out as being essentially the same bar but have since split ways. The HED bar hasn’t been updated much yet (not particularly a bad thing) while the Oval bar keeps getting tweaked. I have a HED bar and still like it better than the Oval. The differences I’ve seen between the current HED and Oval bars are:
Oval Bars have larger pursuit grips, makes transition easier from regular bullhorns and if you were racing on a twisty course maybe you’ll appreciate the grip. HED bars have stayed true with a minimal pursuit grip area. I could of sworn the whole idea with these two bars was be “race only” bars and for this reason the HED seems better two me. Minimalist but all you really need.
The HED bars clamp the inline with the aerobar base. The new Oval bars clamp under the base. The benefits with the under mounting (in my opinion) is that you can adjust the extension length without trimming as much where the HED bars are tricky as you need to trim just right or you’ll be buying new extensions. I’m guessing the Oval system adds extra weight but they’ve machined the hell out of the clamps so maybe that makes up for the extra under clamp weight.
I love my HEDs but the Ovals do look pretty nice. I’m working now on lightening up my HEDs. Carbon levers, machined out clamps to loose a little weight.
did you make the carbon levers yourself? post a picture of the machined out clamps when you’re done.
it’ll be a couple of weeks but I’m hoping to post pictures and before and after weights. I’m a grad student working in a lab specializing in composite technologies so I’m just taking some leftover carbon plate and machining the levers out of that. I should have the plate next week.
I have the HED’s and I think they are good. A couple of observations:
I set the extensions very far apart, which is really comfy. But they are too far apart to accept the Profile aero drink bottle bracket. Not a big deal, I just strap the bracket tight and it bridges fine.
The extensions seem to be tricky to cut, or are not quite symetrical…mine are off a bit and can’t quite figure out why…if you get one, try and buy it from someone who will guarantee that they will be symmetrical…if you can. It is just a bit annoying to have one extension a little different than the other.
Apparently there is a computer mount for the bar that comes with it. I didn’t get one, so ask if you do.
The horns are definitely a little tricky since they are short. I hook one of my fingers onder them, behind the break lever, on decents so my hand doesn’t slide off the front. I also wrap some standard joch tape around the horn end to improve (give some) grip.