I’m deep in that classic Slowtwitch phase where I’m almost convinced a cockpit upgrade is a great idea… and trying to gather evidence before my credit card gets involved
I’m looking for real-world feedback (and pics!) from anyone running AeroCoach Ascalon extensions on a Cervélo P5 Disc.
I’m on SRAM, considering the inward grip, and the Ascalons are currently my top option — mainly because they’re on the lower end of the price spectrum for upgraded bars and I’m hoping the inward grip helps lower and relax the traps / shoulders a bit in aero.
A few things I’ve seen mentioned in other threads and would love to sanity-check with actual users:
Extension length: I’ve read the Ascalons can feel a bit short, with some recommending the long / extended version. True? Overblown? Regret-prevention advice?
Ergonomics & comfort: some folks say the shape isn’t super natural and that the stock padding is… let’s call it “minimalist.” Did you keep it stock, upgrade padding, swap cups, or just embrace the suffering?
BTA hydration: how clean is it once everything is installed? Still slick and integrated?
I ran this setup on my P-Series for a season and a half, including two Ironman’s. Long story short, I ditched it, which I’ll get into.
Extension length: The stock length was too short for me. I ended up inquiring about this and AeroCoach was able to custom make 30mm longer grippers, which are visible in the pictures. This ended up being a non-issue, the length was never a problem for me.
Ergonomics & Comfort: This is where I give the Ascalons a thumbs down. In short I feel like these are designed for TT, and not triathlon. The angle of the grippers I had was AWFUL and very uncomfortable for my wrists. The inwards grips would be an improvement I think, but I still had comfort issues with the elbow pads and their transition to the actual extensions. The concave nature of the extensions created some hot spots against my forearms. CeeGee’s helped a bit.
BTA Hydration: I wish it was angled to match the extensions, but I was able to mount a spacer underneath my bottle cage to help a bit. The BTA hydration mount was just fine, but I did not like their computer mount. It was very delicate and broke twice on me, so I fashioned my own from a K-Edge mount.
The installation is quite clean, but the hardware that came included was not the best. I had to be very careful when adjusting the front end or disassembling/assembling from travel as to not strip anything.
In the end I moved to the Sync AB02, and then the AB03 aero bars. They basically solved every issue I had with AeroCoach, and the hardware is MUCH nicer. Well worth the price in my opinion.
I know it’s not the P Series but I ran the AC inward grippers on an old speedmax and brought them over to my new Ventum. I really like them and find them to be quite comfortable and supportive. The sram blips fit perfect (I am using high strength double sided sticky tape and haven’t lost one yet.) I will say the AC bta adapter is not the best. I had to use a number of aftermarket angled risers to try to get the bottle to sit horizontal to the ground but I guess that depends how it’s mounted. Let me know what specific questions you have, I am happy to help!
It is fixed-width but they actually sent two, one being a bit more narrow. I’m using the wider of the two. It’s custom designed to fit exactly between the arms pads though, so you can really only choose between two widths if you want to run a bottle BTA. Fortunately the wider width is perfect for my fit.
I too am running AeroCoach bars.
Ran them on my BMC Time Machine and carrying them over to my P-Series that’s still in pieces.
It’ll take a few but there is tons of adjustability and parts you can buy to aid in tuning in the fit. I use the long reach bracket from AC and use some TriRig Wingspan Extender XL for the cup area. The grippers don’t bother me, I puppy dog mine so not really a grabber/holder of them. If they had the inward ones like above when I bought mine would have more then likely gotten them. I do wish Aerocoach made replacement grips for the consumer to replace or mordernize.
All in all I am more than pleased with the extensions.
In 2 weeks I will be test riding my new design and can post about it then. Size large mold opened. Hoping in April to ship to beta testers, May/June large size production. Will open 4 lengths in total by fall. Adjustable hand grip. Lots of length and width adjustment.
There is nothing like it on the market
Target retail 699 usd shipped for aero bars. Hardware from 125-350 depending on adapters
I just saw your aero bars for the first time through this post. I really like the concept of the Culprit CSR+ from a UCI TT perspective. I am interested in seeing what the next version of these looks like!
Just got them, will install this weekend and ride.first out of molds, no time for clear coat so raw finish before my supplier closed for CNY holiday fyi foam molds not opened yet. So using some hand cut back and Eva cut front for testing. Sneak peek
