I got the new bars today and I am packing the bike tonight to go to lake placid tomorrow. In an attempt to improve my bike position (if you remember my thread) i got the profile carbon stryke bars. The goal is to get adjustable bars so I can compensate for the shorter top tube.
Well it looks like the bars are adjustable, but the arm pads can’t really move forward or backwards, I guess you can screw them in differents postions… Is that going to work??? also, those bars attach UNDERNEATH my bike vs on top with the syntace. I guess that’s going to drop me a ton. Is that too much of a drop? i guess I am an idiot for making those changes a day before going to camp… I am going to get help at camp but I would like to get heads up before I get there.
The stack height on these bars is lower than the Syntace. No question. If you are looking to keep the front end at the same height that it was with the Syntace bars, you will have to raise the front end by either moving some spacers, flipping the stem or getting a new stem.
If I were going to do adjustables that replaced Syntace bars, I would go for the Profile Jammers, then install some Hed S-Bend extensions - you get the right stack and the adjustability without the bulk of the Aerolite’s.
First of all yes you can move the armrests front and back no problem by screwing them in the hole that you need. Second, yes there is some drop compared to the Syntace but it is not a ton and there should be no need to replace the stem. Your bar should have come with some little black cylindrical spacers that are meant to be placed under the armpads in case you need to raise them. In case you don’t have them you should easily get them from your shop or directly from Profile. You should be able to raise the pads by almost 2cm I believe and that should be more than enough to compensate for the difference from the Syntace.
And third, yes you are a quasi-idiot for making those changes a day before camp
Take measurements from the tops of the bar ends (or wherever you hold on) to the ground before you remove the old bars. Then put the part of the bars that you hold on to back at that same location. I am missing why it would matter where the shaft is–they are not S-bends.
The bars that came on my P2K were not adjustable, and were about a half an inch too short. What agony I endured over this last year, until I replaced them with adjustable bars. P.S. They replacements are Carbon Stryke, which have been sitting in my “bike stuff box” all this time. Take the pads off and look at them, if you haven’t yet–I know there is some swing and some other adjustability to the pads–is there some combination of the two that will give you some fore and aft movement?
Take the measurements from your old set up as a reference. Remember that you are trying to improve your position so there will be some changes and related adaptations. Toss the old bars in your box just in case you can’t make it work and need to switch back. The upside of doing this before/during camp, is you’ll know the new position works for sure by the time you come home. Have fun!
Is it too late to use the syntace for the camp and then tranistion to the profile next week? Or would that be too big of a hassle with the barend shifters etc?
The adjustable extensions will help you bring your elbows further back so they support your body better. The F-19 pads are adjustable to a degree but probably will not be able to adjust the amount that you adjust the extensions. This will place the pads at a different point on the forearms which potentially could tire your upper body particularly the triceps.
I remember that a few years ago Dan Empfield modfied a pair of syntace bars to have larger surface area to be more comfortable. Maybe something similar could be modified for you. there is a lot of room between your knee and elbow so a modified pad which extends further back would give you some good upper body support. Maybe slowman or Tom Demerly might have some ideas.
Just in case, maybe you should pack your old Syntace setup as well .
That way you can put them back on if you decide the you need more time to get used to the carbon strykes.
So you’re doing 3 IM’s this season?( IMAZ,LP and Kona).
No no no:-) i am NOT doing LP, just doing LP camp with my coach this week-end. i took you guys advice and packed the old bars in the bike box. The problem is all the wiring with the bars I guess. i don’t think I can switch that myself. i am so nervous about trying something new when my old set up felt really good. i guess I am willing to try to improve my position. I will post pics next week when i get back! Are you in LP for camp this week-end too?
Is it too late to trade in the Carbon strykes for a set of the Profile T2 plus? They mount Over the base bar instead of underneath like the Carbon Strykes. They are the profile version of the “S bend”. icoul not find a picture on the profile webpage even because they are so new. I saw thme in the Summer 2005 Performance catalog on p. 60. Interestingly enough they are only $79.99 which is $50-60 cheaper than the carbon strykes. Depending on whether you are willing to try the “s bend” concept these might work for you.
modfied a pair of syntace bars to have larger surface area to be more comfortable. Maybe something similar could be modified for you. there is a lot of room between your knee and elbow so a modified pad which extends further back would give you some good upper body support. Maybe slowman or Tom Demerly might have some ideas.