I was wondering how these affected your cockpit length as compared to Syntace C2s. My Syntace clip-ons sit back about 5cm or so from my base bar. It looks like the HED pads sit a bit further forward but can’t tell how much. Did some of you need to change stem lenghts to get the pads in the right spot? Thanks
I have the ovals and spent the money on a custom frame. I really freaked out for 30 min the first time I rode it. It was way to long. Yep, the elbow pads were forward from where I needed them. I ordering a shorter stem with some extra drop b/c the ovals seem higher than the previous setup.
If the C2 pads were behind the base bar then you will most likely need a new stem to move them back a bit.
keep your stem length, your elbow cups will likely be more forward, you will get used to it, shortening your stem affects handling
.
Thanks, thats what I was looking for. How much shorter stem did you go with and what was your previous set-up? Also, how well do you like the ovals?
had the same problem with mine so i attached the cups the other way around. it might look dangerous to you (since half of the cup will be hanging without a bolt under it) but profile pads will look the same way if you attach them closer to you also. and i figured there wasn’t going to be sooo much weight put on the carbon fiber anyway. got them exactly where my C2 pads were.
Kim
TimeTrial, I’m with you. I have the Oval Concepts and the arm rests are foward (about an 1 1/2 forward of the elbow) and you do get used to them. If you start changing stem lengths you not only change handling but you change the “hoods” position. I do love these bars.
“get used to it…”
Why couldn’t he replicate the fit and “get used” to the handling? Why would you ever sacrafice comfort for an apparent difference in handing? Seems bass ackwards.
SuperDave, I really don’t feel as if I sacrificed comfort at all with the pad where they are now. I had to get used to the change but it isn’t less comfortable. I still feel as if my weight is being supported by my skeleton and not with muscle effort. When I was looking for a new bar set-up it was explained to me that the HED and Oval bars are designed (because the arm rest is right on top of the bar) to have the arm rest be further forward than a traditional aero bar. LBS told me if this wasn’t comfortable, then I should consider a different option. I tried them out before buying and felt very comfortable on them and I liked the stiffness of the bars so I went with that option. Another thing that should be considered is not only will handling be affected, but with a shorter stem you could run into a knee clearance issue when climbing out of the saddle.