I’m riding a Cervelo Soloist, and am debating between the Syntace XXS, or a C2 size small - to use in the occasional multisport event, but mainly to have another hand position for those long Sunday rides.
I had a set of Oval slam bars which I found to be too uncomfortable to use, so I’m not going to consider the vision minis since the pads look similar.
I’d prefer the XXS, as they appear to be less clutter on the drops… but I have yet to hear from anyone using them. Anyone care to give me a review?
Yeah, the visions look really nice, but I need something that could be comfortable for 20 minute stretches, rather than 5 mins at a go.
I’ve always loved the comfort of the Syntace pads… but I’m not sure if the XXS extension would allow for enough bone structure support. That’s why I’m hoping to hear from someone that has them.
I did a ride the other day using my Vision minis and had no comfort issues whatsoever, my workout consisted of 3 x 45 minutes in the aero position. I did upgrade the pads to a thicker ‘deluxe’ FSA pad though and it makes a huge difference. I also put in spacers under the arm pads to elevate them from the top of my drop bars so I have access to the bar top when climbing, they are pretty dialed in now and are one of the most comfortable bars I’ve ever ridden.
Well I actually had the deluxe pads and risers already so it didn’t cost me anything, but yes, I probably did do just what you said. Aren’t the minis half the price of the Syntace though? I also prefer the striaght extnesions on the minis as opposed to the turned up extensions on the Syntace.
Well I actually had the deluxe pads and risers already so it didn’t cost me anything, but yes, I probably did do just what you said. Aren’t the minis half the price of the Syntace though? I also prefer the striaght extnesions on the minis as opposed to the turned up extensions on the Syntace.
Didn’t mean it as a criticsm - you’ve simply made something work for you, and that’s good customization. Unfortunately I don’t have a good shop anywhere near me to get small parts, and since I live in Canada, mail ordering small items from the U.S. is expensive, so I’m hoping to get the near-ideal bar in one shot.
It looks like the extensions on the XXS have a much shallower sweep upwards compared to the other Syntace bars, which should work for me. I’m just concerned with the extension length.
My girlfriend has great success with Syntace XXS bars. We put a set on her training bike road bike - Specialized Allez Comp - as she awaits her delivery of her triathlon race bike from Specialized. She’s sponsored by Specialized. Anyway, she loves the shorty bars on the road bike, and it does not seem to be slowing her down at all as she finished second at the recent season opening multi-sport race.
My girlfriend has great success with Syntace XXS bars. Fleck
Thanks Steve - Unless I’m mistaken, aren’t you the fellow who did some television work with the old Trisport series in Ontario? Hopefully I’m wrong, or else I’ve dated myself pretty badly.
Glad to hear that she likes them - however I’m still a bit concerned because at 6"1, I’m probably bigger than your GF, and I may need more extension. Maybe I’ll just order both, and return one.
Instead of using Visiontech Shorties have you thought of trying Visiontech 230 mm standard aerobars cut down a little to about 210mm? That way you have the full size pad. Also, you can get creative and mount the full size aerobar pad on the shorties.
I’ve installed the Syntace XXS and it is pretty nice. They are hard to find though.
Yes, I believe that’s me. I was hired by the CBC back in the early 90’s when they first started to cover triathlons, part-time to contribute to the broadcasts. My role was to give some colour and information about the sport as, at the time it was new to the CBC and many viewers. Steve Armitage and Steve King did the race calls. It was a great deal of fun and I leaned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes with sort of sports TV production.
As for the bars, I am 6’2" and those shorty Syntace bars would work for me in a road-bike set up. This really depends on where you like or are comfortable with the arm pad contacting your fore-arm.