I have a 2009 Transition Comp with vision Tech aluminum Transition aero bar. I have spent some time dialing the fit in, and I am feeling pretty good. I have concluded that I need to tweak the aero bar length or stem as I am not able to reach to shift if my elbows are positioned in a good reach position (about 2.5 cm of elbow hanging off the back of the pad) . If place my elbows a bit farther forward on the pad (1cm of elbow behind pad) I can shift without moving but feel a bit stretched out. These pads and aero bars not adjustable, so I have to either cut my aero bar extension by about 1.5 cm, or go from a 90 to 75 mm stem. Any thoughts? The key factor to me seems to be the optimum pad position for elbows. Thanks in advance.
if your elbows are where you want them, and your hands are not, then you need shorter extensions. keep the stem the same.
if your elbows are where you want them, and your hands are not, then you need shorter extensions. keep the stem the same.
To be honest, either position feels good for the elbow. Is there an optimum placement for the elbow on the pad? I don’t see a standard when I observe other triathletes.
If I recall correctly, the pads on the Visiontechs can be flipped forward and backward with a difference of about 2cm. It may work to flip the pads forward rather than cutting the extensions.
Essentially, I’m thinking that I’d rather get a new stem than new extensions/cut the extensions. The reasons being:
- Cutting the vision extensions, if they are the ski bend, also has an effect on the rise of the bend. Also, don’t cut too low, as you won’t be able to get the shifters in.
- Once they are cut, thats it, there is no going back to the old length.
- Stem is cheaper than aerobars.
I would try what Runless said first. See if you can turn your pads around. Where your elbows go in relation to the pads is completely personal preference in my opinion. Cutting down ski tip bars can be trickier than s bends. Stems are easy to change, but I don’t like having shorter than a 90mm stem, but that is just my preference.
I ended up doing both, a shorter stem and I also cut the extensions. I ride with my hands “on” the shifters so I never need to move/reach for them.
I was using the Vision base bar and Vision clip-ons until I decided to do this. I switched the Vision clip-ons to a set of Profile “whatever they are” clip-ons. I can’t remember the model. It allows you to slide the extensions forward and backwards in the clips. This way you can try different extension lengths before cutting the extensions from the rear, not the shifter end. It also allows you to move the arm plates forward and backward on the extensions, too. Super adjustable and worked out really well for me.
well it depends. usually a 90 degree bend at the elbow, or slightly more open than that, is preferred for comfort reasons.
if your elbows are where you want them, and your hands are not, then you need shorter extensions. keep the stem the same.
To be honest, either position feels good for the elbow. Is there an optimum placement for the elbow on the pad? I don’t see a standard when I observe other triathletes.