Syntace has finally come out with a new Carbon bar but I have to say WTF? I am not sure about that middle section and their thinking.
Interesting. On first look I assumed it was an integrated bottle and/or computer mount (although with a complete lack of bosses, etc) . But BikeRadar suggest it’s aerodynamic in intent, to “divert incoming flow around the stem.” Divert around the stem so you have a nice laminar flow to hit you in the chest! Whatever it is, it’s fugly.
The shape of the extensions does look promising, but no visible adjustment in length. Width adjustment only at the pads?
The whole thing looks questionable.
The middle piece does have an optional bottle mount or computer setup. Expensive? Yes. Multi-adjustable? No. Medium size saves 28 grams over the current C3. http://www.bikeradar.com/...amp;SOURCE=BRMTBHOME
I talked to the guy manning the Syntace booth at the Challenge Roth expo—it might have been Jo Klieber himself—and he told me they will make a plate that can be inserted between the extensions with standard bottle cage holes, and possibly other acessories. He didn’t sound too keen on computer mounts, thinking they would have to go on top of the bottle cage.
The middle of the structure was used to hide a Di2 junction box on the demo bike at the booth.
The ergonomics of the C3 and C6 bars are outstanding, and I think I’ll upgrade. Who needs adjustability, when it’s perfect?
They had tested the BTA setup on a mountainbike going downhill with sand filled bottles. They managed to loose big bottles twice that way, but never with the smaller bottles (didn’t mention in how many tries). He also said that while the Torhans type bottles are nice and easy to use, the drag you incur when filling them doesn’t pay for the convenience, according to their wind tunnel testing. Practically and aerodynamically a standard bottle cage in a BTA setup is the way to go.
Oh, and Syntace is coming out with some nice looking aero carbon wheels, tubeless compatible, wide rim design, 85 mm and … 66 mm depth, I think. Rims made by Reynolds.
It was a very interesting conversation we had there. 
The areobar extensions are teardrop shaped for internal cable routing?
For me Syntace used to be the leader with their aerobars but have sadly fallen way off the status they used to have.
“He also said that while the Torhans type bottles are nice and easy to use, the drag you incur when filling them doesn’t pay for the convenience, according to their wind tunnel testing. Practically and aerodynamically a standard bottle cage in a BTA setup is the way to go.”
Ok I’ll interject on this one. Did he mention the difference in drag between pulling the bottle out and drinking as opposed to head down/sipping the TorHans or any front mounted bottle? Or…not being able to grab the bottle during high crosswinds? A blanket statement like above doesn’t fly with me. A BTA set up yes is practical and can be aero in a lot of set ups. But you have to take in consideration aero extension widths, hand position etc. Bottom line. A cylinder (bottle) does not have as low of CdA as an airfoil. But if you can hide the front of that bottle with your arms it will be fast, min to no drag.
Now yes of course I’m bias to our company TorHans. And we have a lot of aero data as well. However, recent independent testing on one of the top 2 fastest (maybe the best) Triathlete male cyclist and current female Ironman World Champion is has shown a very substantial aero benefit (over using no hydration at all) with using one of our products.
Again arm position, hand position, frame type, perceived convenience are all contributors.
Good times.
Hans
Ok I’ll interject on this one. Did he mention the difference in drag between pulling the bottle out and drinking as opposed to head down/sipping the TorHans or any front mounted bottle?
Yes. The argument was that while you incur a larger aero drag drinking from a BTA setup, it is not as much as the drag when you have to fill a Torhans, or similar, type bottle, which takes longer.
This, of course, depends on how often you drink. And if you’re doing a short triathlon where you don’t have to refill, a Torhans is naturally superior.
So, it depends…
i’ll stick with my C3 setup
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One year later and the C6 and not yet available for retail sale. However, it was used in 2013 by the RAAM winner Christoph Strasser. More modifications?
Interesting. On first look I assumed it was an integrated bottle and/or computer mount (although with a complete lack of bosses, etc) . But BikeRadar suggest it’s aerodynamic in intent, to “divert incoming flow around the stem.” Divert around the stem so you have a nice laminar flow to hit you in the chest! Whatever it is, it’s fugly.
The shape of the extensions does look promising, but no visible adjustment in length. Width adjustment only at the pads?
The whole thing looks questionable.
FWIM, air off the stem should hit the seatpost, so smoothing that airflow does matter somewhat, though air off the legs will likely disrupt it. But no reason to increase drag on the front end.
Seems like the ideal aftermarket front end would have an integrated torpedo bottle and computer mount.