I just bought a new 08 P3. Should I replace the VisionTech bars, brake levers or keep them? Are there any other components to add?
Thanks for the input.
The bars are good enough for Fabian Cancellara to use.
Personally, I’m a fan of the cockpit on the P3 right out of the box. I do have a different cockpit on mine, but it wound being a rather protracted- and not entirely successful experiment.
While this always sparks debate (which is good) I am not see a lot of anatomical *or *performance benefit to flatter bend bars, so-called “S” bends. I know they do look nice, and for that reason I have tried a bunch of them. They look racy. They look cooler than ski bends like the stock Visiontechs, but I think the Visiontech ski bend is more comfortable and, thusly, perhaps even faster- although I wouldn know how to *prove *that. I’d also suggest that windtunnel testing of “S” bends may reveal some aero advantage- in some cases- but I would suggest this outcome may not be entirely representative of their potential time savings/loss in a real world environment.
Tough to say.
It isn;t tough to say that, **for me, **“S” bends are much less comfrotable than ski bends. Now, normally this declaration on this forum produces an angry culture of people who will not give up their “S” bends until you pry them from their cold, dead hands. So be it. I simply have tried several different versions from a number of manufacturers because I liked the way they looked, found they were not comfortable, and ultimately went on to something else.
The cockpit on the P3 right out of the box is nice enough that there are top pros using it, right now, in the Tour of California. Someone on this forum posted a fine photo the other day of the Specialized TT bikes with Visiontech alloy cockpits, some ski bends, some “S” bends.
I always pull this out of my pocket for a rollicking “S” bend/ski bend dust-up:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/sbend.shtml
the vision basebar is among the most aero on the market, as are their brake levers.
to change them would be madness.
the extensions you may want to change as comfort dictates.
The only thing I didn’t like about the Vision base bar was the way the brake pods angled upward. It’s a personal issue for me and my wrist, but I preferred a flat brake pod as found on the Zipp Vuka base and Vuka Aero.
Bob
Going to have to agree with everyone else. I ride the stock cockpit (alloy Vision base with carbon skis), and it’s awesome. No complaints at all. Super-comfortable, high performance. If you want to make your bike lighter, I’m sure that carbon can do that. I’m sticking with alloy, though.
Agreed. As much as I love my vision bars, I would personally prefer them without the upward angle of the brake bars.
if you have the aluminum vision tech base bar
its real easy to convert it to flat brake bars.
just cut off the upturn.
Tom,
Have you had a chance to try out the new “Lazy S” bars from HED? They have a little more wrist relief than other S bends I looked at.
I’ve actually considered that, but decided against it because it would take off so much of the bar. Almost half the length of the bar seems to be upturned, and I wouldn’t want to remove all of that.
I don’t know why more companies don’t make truly flat base bars. Maybe it’s an ergonomics issue, but I’ve broken both wrists and need flat.
Oh well, love my Zipps.
Bob
I ride the same setup, I put the smaller micro arm rests on the carbon skis with the alloy base bar. I’m partial to the alloy, I guess I’m a little reluctant to go with a carbon base bar, alloy just feels more solid. It is interesting Cancellara still rides the alloy visions… IMO Visions offer the ultimate in adjustability, aero and value.
I have been tempted to try the 3T bars…
I love the VT cockpit on my P3.
The only thing I have changed out is to get cabon extensions as the original alloy one were too short for me…and the only reason I got carbon was I got a smokin’ deal on them (unclaimed order)
Any thoughts on the HED range - Vantage 8, Black Dog, etc? They come with ski bends as an option.
Yes. The HED bars are excellent and simply keep getting better. There is a lot to like about them.
i raced with std bars last year but over the winter have upgraded for 3t ventus that i got at apx 1/2 price i have to say i am glad with my change and if they fit i would highly reccomend not long back in from a ride and could not believe how much faster new bars “felt”
.
I have them. I like them much better than the more traditional S bends I have used in the past (T2+, etc.) I find that they are more comfortable - for me - especially on longer rides.
you changed from vision to ventus and it felt faster?
or just felt more comfy?
felt faster definately as regards comfort i have been doing a lot of turbo seis with new set up so it felt fine incl the straight extensions.
eyeballing the ventus definatly looks more aero i cant beleive anybody would think std visions could be quicker or would choose if given choice however
what i dont know is weither it is worth the money on upgrade. i do not have powermeter so cant back up with figures
would be intersting to see if anybody has wind tunnel test bars maybe sergio??
im sure the ventus is a wee bit faster if only because of the lack of upturn on the brake levers =)
im just not sure i would feel it! haha
felt faster definately as regards comfort i have been doing a lot of turbo seis with new set up so it felt fine incl the straight extensions.
eyeballing the ventus definatly looks more aero i cant beleive anybody would think std visions could be quicker or would choose if given choice however
what i dont know is weither it is worth the money on upgrade. i do not have powermeter so cant back up with figures
would be intersting to see if anybody has wind tunnel test bars maybe sergio??