Ok, so I just got new Hed S-Bend carbon aero bars, and they’re like freakishly long. Can they be trimmed easily at home? Is this a job for my LBS? Or can they be not cut at all and I learn how to ride in a SuperMan position?
Thanks!
I know when you cut VisionTech R-Bends they actually change in radius for the hole to put the shifters into, requiring further trimming along the insides of the aerobar.
Because of that I took mine to the bike store, but it could be different for Hed.
I have HED bars on my new Guru and it took me several cuts to get them where they were most comfortable. It was pretty easy for me, but I have cut several carbon steer tubes and seat posts before.
I used a hacksaw with a 32tooth blade. I marked the extension with tape and used a round metal clamp (tube clamp from a auto parts store or walmart) to guide the saw and ensure a straight cut. I used a water spray bottle to kept the carbon out of the air by spraying the cut while sawing and I used a file to smooth the edges.
I cut the back end instead of the front. Cutting the front may change the diameter of the tube and hinder installation of the shift levers.
If you are uncomfortable cutting carbon, bring them to your LBS. The only down side is if after one cut, you want some more cut - it’s a bit of a hassle bringing them in and waiting to get them back - not to mention some bike shops charge quite a bit for cutting carbon.
This is a pretty good article on cutting extensions: http://www.profile-design.com/road_test_press/trimag_022206.html
Good luck
I have two pairs of HEDs- the clip ons and the Full/integrated aero bars- both with S bend carbon. I have cut them both. If you plan to use bar end shifters or would ever sell them- only cut the part of the bar that goes into the clamp. DO not cut the end of the bar that the shifters would go into- b/c you might make them unusable for the shifters.
If you are slightly mechanical minded… the cutting is easy- it cuts in seconds- easier than wood… cuts like wood
1- Use a hacksaw with 32 tpi… i think that’s 32 teeth per inch- finer is better for a smother cut
check out this page: http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/maintenance/steerer.html
2- use a miter vice block- this tool: http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/maintenance/mitre1.html
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=49&item=SG-6
3- measure 2x or maybe 3x cut 1x…
4- I marked the exact spot I wanted to cut on both bars with white masking tape and a pencil mark- and then put the bar in the miter block and you can see where the blade hits the tape/pencil mark… very easy to do a perpendicular nice cut. Wrap the masking tape all the way around the bar- it keeps the cut cleaner.
5- specific items to HED… again- cut carbon the part that goes into the clamp by the arm pads.
Make sure that you like the length and can easily use your shifters/reach your shifters if you are using bar end.
Consider cutting each bar 2x… cut a bit off- and test for length… also- MAKE sure you don’t cut the bars TOO short- the bar starts to curve into the “S”- and the clamp needs to hold carbon in it’s entire aluminum sleeve. If you cut TOO SHORT- you might render the clamp / bars useless- b/c not enough tube goes into the clamp.
Happy Cutting-
I measured 10 times( almost literally) and then used my Dremel to make some quick cuts. Took all of 10 seconds and it worked fine.
Thank you all for the great advice! I will read up on the articles, buy the appropriate tools, and make progressive cuts at the armrest end until they are perfect. Thanks again!