Actually, it is “aluminum or plastic”, but that didn’t sound as cool.
Here’s the deal: My new T2+ clip-on bars came w/ the hard plastic molded armrest cups. Apparently these were changed from the previous aluminum cups based on Pro athlete feedback…lighter, more comfortable, etc. I have only ridden them once so far, but wonder if the aluminum armrest cups offer any advantages(less flex, etc) over the former. Thoughts?
HC
Vision changed their cups to a composite from aluminum. The aluminum stresses and breaks. I’ve even found that the composite will break eventually, too. I ride WAY FORWARD and apparently put lots of weight on the elbows. I broke the aluminum ones pretty darn quickly. The composite ones are holding up longer, although I think one has started to show stress lines in the paint.
BTW - I ride with the elbow rests all the way out in the end holes, this may also contribute to failures. The bars are mounted close and I move the pads out.
My composite pads began breaking the first time that I rode them. Unfortunately, I see no way that they could support me. So, why bother replacing?
My question is, why do bar makers insist on a cantilever design? Why not build something that’s actually supported by the bar? It’s not about comfort. It’s about the perception of comfort. But, I’d rather buy something that’s engineered to handle the stresses of lots of riding in an aggressive position.
Is there any reason why I couldn’t drill a hold through my VT bars and bolt the pads on (maybe insert a rubber bushing) directly?
-jeff
My thoughts are that the new plastic ones are generally a good bit better. They are softer and flexier and I think that makes them absorb road shock better. Also, I would be interested to weigh them. I imagine the plastic ones are lighter possibly.
I like the plastic ones more than the aluminum versions. They are also easier to use Dremel tool on to modify the places where the pad can be mounted.
Overall, I think the T2+ is a very fine aerobar, currently my favorite.
Thanks, Tom. Always a pleasure to receive your sage advice.
HC