If one were buying a new Tri bike, and it came w/ a Profile front end (say Alumin-X or CBX, and already swapping out for S-bend extensions), what would be a worthwhile upgrade from that? And why?
I’m considering upgrading to a HED base bar. And would consider other options**.
(** must be a non-integrated bar, since I want to have flexibility of changing stem angle and extension.)
Would this be a true upgrade, meaning, is there a worthwhile gain from doing so?
Or, would it be just spending extra $ to have pretty bike jewelry, and the only actual gain coming from reduced weight? (in my wallet
I’m sure this has been discussed before, but doing a search brought up way too many irrelevant threads, so please give me yer input, or point me towards a prior discussion. THX!!!
IMHO- it ain’t worth it bro!
The HED base is nice and all,BUT- since this is your first Tri-specific bike, put some miles on the stock cockpit first,then make a move.
I originally had a Syntace C2 set up,changed to Vision Carbon for bling,found out I couldn’t get comfortable with it,ended up back to the C2’s.
By the way, are you going to sign up for Zofingen/New Paltz?
Thats a crazy tough course.
I might come down to check out the " Suffer-fest" though.
That’s what I was thinking. My only other thinking was that it was “cheaper” to spend the $150-200 or whatever for the difference, than having to pop for a whole new bar at some future point. But I’ll probably be fine and dandy on the stock stuff.
I waffle back and forth about the Am Zof race. Mostly I realize I have nowhere near the base for that, but then I tell myself that if I just treat it like a loooong training day, that it will be ok, and I should go for it. So for now, I’m still not signed up.
<< Thats a crazy tough course. >>
Yer damn skippy! I think it makes Harriman’s bike and run look like Eagleman
I’m bumping myself (in public, no less), cuz I thought that once somebody posted a link to a site that had done aero wind-tunnel testing reviews on various aero bars, and now I can’t remember where that was - anybody? Bueller? Bueller?
I thought it was analytic cycling, but didn’t find it there.
I haven’t read all the responses, but I think it would not be worth the money. If you’ve got the cash, fine, but you need to look at it from an objective standpoint as well. Not just the weight and aerodynamics, but ergonimics and fit. I had a “wing style” base bar, but ditched it in favor of an ol’ round cowhorn- there just wasn’t much to hang onto on the “wing” (but it did look pretty).
Not just the weight and aerodynamics, but ergonimics and fit. I had a “wing style” base bar, but ditched it in favor of an ol’ round cowhorn- there just wasn’t much to hang onto on the “wing” (but it did look pretty).
This is my current concern on changing, but I have a reason why I might want to. My bullhorn combo bar is the ancient Profile 1 piece wonder aerobar plus bullhorns bent out of 1 large tube. It’s not that adjustable, but I like the 25 degree drop on the arms (it keeps me lower in the “non-aero” position and it’s way easier to climb with a low wide grip). The fit is great but they are kinda springy climbing, which is a bit unnerving and unstable.
All the bars these days seem to be flat, which makes zero sense to me. I want to set up my bike to have the right aero bar height for my back angle, etc. and have the bullhorn grips low enough to recruit my upper body into the action standing up on big climbs. I find it very awkward to do this with a flat bar, but the only angled ones I find are Deda and Visiontech…both with moronic integrated stems. Deda’s is at least reach adjustable for stem length, but their aero extensions delete my favorite water bottle.
Soooo…does anyone know of a base bar or combo that takes a normal stem but has a big drop on the arms? I’d buy a Visontech Carbon Pro in a heartbeat if I could adjust the stem length.
I’m bumping myself (in public, no less), cuz I thought that once somebody posted a link to a site that had done aero wind-tunnel testing reviews on various aero bars, and now I can’t remember where that was - anybody?
www.biketechreview.com front page on the right column. $20 for the data…I haven’t read it but found his wheel data to be very useful.
I love my HED bars but I doubt they are significantly better operationally, comfort wise, or aero wise compared to either the Alumin-X or CBX. If you can trade up to the HEDs than maybe but you might just want to stick with the Profile and see if you like it. I actually think the HEDs are a little trickier to set up and get used to, but once you do, if you do, they are awesome:)
Important questions to answer first:
What kind of bike is it?
What color?
What kind of wheels will you be using?
Answer these, and I will make your answer obvious
Allrighty then, I’ll play along:
Felt B2 (hence black, not like I had a choice)
Zipp 404’s
I already know you are going to put the kaibosh on HED bars then, being that you have this whole “ya can’t run HED bars & Zipp wheels” thing happening. But hit me with yer input, O’ ST guru of all things fashionable.
PS - My Sidi T1’s are a fashion nightmare w/ pretty much any bike
The profile CBX would look okay. Or you could try Visions, they wouldn’t be too shaby.
Blackbirds or Oval would probably be as close to perfect as you’ll get.
