specifically, the syntace c2’s and bullhorn base bars. i’ve seen it done many times, but is this safe? aside of obviously voiding any warranties, does it weaken the bars where the brakes/ shifters plug in (i.e. is the aluminum thinner there than at the ends made by the factory)?
anyone know?
Don’t know all the techy stuff, but my bike coach/fitter didn’t hesitate a minute before taking a hacksaw to my CarbonStrykes and lopping off a good few inches.
FWIW, that’s when I discovered they weren’t carbon anyways ;-). Duh.
I can’t imagine there is a difference in thickness or strength at various points on the bars. Go for it!
G
sydnrusty,
This will not weaken your bars unless you do an awful job of cutting, or in the case of composites, crack the bar. In fact, by shortening the lever, a physics term, one is enabling more force to be applied before failure.
gleveq is correct, go for it.
Here’s Slowman’s take on this
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/makeover.html
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Unless you have a really nice hacksaw and mitre block, get a tubing cutter from the hardware store and use that to cut the tubes. They work pretty well and cost anywhere from $20-$75 depending on quality. It’s in Dan’s article. My C2’s are hacked off and it works great. Do it.
I had no problem shortening the ends of my Syntace SLs. It did not interfere with the structural integrity of the bars nor with being able to plug in the bar end shifters.
Hey guys. I am also in the process of cutting down the ends of my C2’s. I will get the guys in the machine shop to cut them down so they are done right. My question to you is what about adding in some slots for running my cables internally. My C2’s are older and do not have slots for running the cables internally. I can get it done correctly and with the right machines but do you think that will decrease the strength of the bars.
I have three bikes with an assortment of Syntace and Profile aero and bull horn bars (aluminum now). I took a tuibng cutter to every one of them when I installed them. So far no problems. My bullhorns are straight (no upturn) and the aero bars only long enough for a hand hold.
Aloha,
Larry