So, I’ve been reading the posts about not having the basebar, or a retractable one. Basically it comes down to having less material hitting the wind than another setup.
So my question appears, which would be faster: a Zipp Vuka with S bends OR a vision base bar(cut off the ‘horns’) with vision breaks and a vuka clip on with S bends? The vuka seems to have more bulk on the place where your hand would rest on the breaks.
Could you take a mountian bike bar, saw off the majority of it to make it as wide as you want, to make the base bar, then clip on whatever to make it more aero? Then create some ‘fairing’ to make it the wing shape? all the while having the breaks coming out inverted like a mountain bike?
“Then create some ‘fairing’ to make it the wing shape?”
That’s a big “NO”. Anything added to the bike that isn’t structural for the purposes of reducing drag is deemed illegal.
But Obree’s latest rigs use a short straight bar with MTB brake (and it’s “brake”, not “break”) levers mounted level (there’s some pics somewhere around here on ST).
"But Obree’s latest rigs use a short straight bar with MTB brake (and it’s “brake”, not “break”) levers mounted level "
Most of Obree’s bikes haven’t been particularly aerodynamic. Obree likes his bikes to be very simple mechanically. And, he has always understood that the rider is the major aerodynamic obsticle, not the bike.
IMHO cutting off bars would certainly be more aero and some ride like that for TT but you better be a great bike handler or you will be on you ass faster than you have ever gone before.
I am using VT bars and I cut off the brake hoods about 1 inch to make them shorter and more aero. They still grip nicely and VT brakes fit over the outside so brake fit is not a problem.
While getting the bike more aero helps for ‘free’ speed remember that body position is far more important so do not compromise your bike fit. The front end bars are there to get your body in the best position compromise for stability, power, and aero.