Any feed back on the S BEND bars???
I gave the “S” bend trend an honest try and went back to the non-“S” bend configuration of Visiontech aerobars cut to length for me.
“S” bends are a good fit tool, but may not be the last word in aerobar design.
“S” bends need to be carefully and optimally fitted. For most cyclists, you need to cut the extension from both ends to get the “S” bend portion in the right place. Few shops are going to take the time to do a nice job of this even if they knew how.
I think more than anything, “S” bends are a fashion trend. The appearance of them is cool, current and trendy. The majority I see on people’s bikes are not configured optimally. The ergonomics of the shift levers is sometimes poor requiring a lot of hand movement to shift gears. That is not optimal.
Ultimately, when the smoke settles, “S” bends will be what they are: Another good option for precise fit. However, the notion that they are the last word in aerobar design is probably not accurate and I think there is still a place for conventional bends.
I tried a pair of S-Bends and would never go back. I found that on dog legs I was pulling back, which hurt my shoulders over long distance. The S-bends force me to pull up, which is harder on my arms but never to the point of being sore. I climb better in them, I get lower and get more power.
I havent tried shifting with them (mine are clip-on to a road bike), but my fingers rest right at the end of the bars, so I imagine it wouldnt be a problem.
I also thought about the s-bends, but I finally took the vision clip on bars and cutted them for my size. It works perfect on my p3c and also looks great.
While I can see Tom’s point I whole-heartedly disagree. I love my s-bends and am much more comfortable than on traditional turned up extensions. I actually feel like there are more positions that I can put my hands in and this causes less fatigue in my hands, wrists, and shoulders.