I know, I know, life must be pretty sweet if my only dilemma is should I go with Hed Aerobars now, or wait for the FSA/Vision flat basebars to arrive on the scene (LBS quoted end of April), but what do you think? Has anyone experienced problems with slipping on the ends of the Heds as detailed in Slowman’s original review of them? They’ll be going on a P3 by the way.
OK hit me with it!
Atomic,
I built my my new P3 with the new HED bars. They are seriously sweet! I taped the “brake hoods” from the front towards the delta wing (only takes a small amount of tape). This solved the grip problem for me. The other thing worth mentioning is that when you do install them yourself, the brake cable housing does need to go in a bit more than you initially think. So make sure you guide the housing in sufficiently before cutting to length. The other thing is that the bar extensions that you need to cut to size are on the long side. Well in my case anyway. I was determined not to cut off to much as you cannot “put it back” again. So I ended up cutting them 4 times before I was happy. I suggest you get the fit right before you tape. Also not on the leaflet but a good tip, there are “eyes” under the “wing” which you can use to feed through the brake cable housing, I’m not talking about the gear cable ones which are at the bottom of the bar extensions, this will prevent movement at the opening.
My only negative on these bars are when you get to a really steep out of the saddle hill. This is the only time I miss my good old STI’s and brake hoods.
These bars are well worth it!
Hope that helps you.
I’ve only been able to put some ‘miles’ on my new HEDs on the trainer and rollers (still winter for 2-3 more months)… so my experience is fairly limited. However, what I have experienced so far are nothing but positive!! They are very adjustable… able to meet just about any individuals needs/wants… but not SOOOO adjustable that you’ll spend months dialing them in. After a couple cuts to the extensions, they seem to fit pretty well… will hold off cutting any more until I can get outside and put some ‘real’ miles on. A buddy of mine who also got a set of HEDs had his armrests set-up flush against the flat bar section (no raisers). He’s commented that the extensions feel like they curve up a little too high with this set-up. No wanting to cut the alum. reinforced ends of the extensions, he’s going to wait and see what it feels like after a couple thousand miles. Overall, these bars have not disappointed me in any way… well worth the money!!!
JB
I’ve only been able to put some miles on my new HEDs on the trainer and rollers (still winter for 2-3 more months)… so my experience is fairly limited. However, what I have experienced so far are nothing but positive!! They are very adjustable… able to meet just about any individuals needs/wants… but not SOOOO adjustable that you’ll spend months dialing them in. After a couple cuts to the extensions, they seem to fit pretty well… will hold off cutting any more until I can get outside and put some ‘real’ miles on. A buddy of mine who also got a set of HEDs had his armrests set-up flush against the flat bar section (no raisers). He’s commented that the extensions feel like they curve up a little too high with this set-up. No wanting to cut the alum. reinforced ends of the extensions, he’s going to wait and see what it feels like after a couple thousand miles. Overall, these bars have not disappointed me in any way… well worth the money!!!
JB
I think the HED bars are excellent. No problems.
There are a lot of new aerobars coming out now, including a new, secret pair from an unnamed manufacturer ("Im sworn to semi-secrecy). If you don;t “need” to make the purchase now you might do well to wait a few weeks and see what shakes loose. You may still wind up with the HEDs, but it will avoid any possible “buyer’s remorse”, real or imagined.
Thank you one and all for the advice, as it is still below zero and icier than an icy thing here in central NY I can afford the wait and avoid what Tom accurately described as “imagined” buyers remorse. Intrigued by the “secret pair” though.