Thats a no from me, but there are lots of options in the market now and FastTT really have made a niche for themselves. Plus they are a kiwi company (NZ). Probably will be my choice when I am next in the market.
I was also intrested in these. I previously used the TFE Pro extensions in a size L. They also seemed a bit short. When I use the size fitment guide from TFE EVO Extensions it recommends a size S. Just wondering if its because the contact area of the forearm is meant to be larger ?
I’ve used the TFE Pro (L) for 3 yrs. I enjoyed them but the sizing was rather odd with the elbow off the back. I did try the TFE Team version and although I liked them better than the Pro (better fitment to the forearm), I eventually opted for the FastTT extensions.
The FastTTs just fit. No elbow off the back, total arm contact, easy to set up, great adjustability and BTA options. Yes they are expensive (~$1400) but I feel so comfortable and in control due to excellent fit, I’m glad I spent the money.
Also, FastTT customer service is great and shipping is with DHL and only took 4 days from New Zealand.
Vision TFE sounds so good on paper: well crafted, great brand, very reasonably priced.
But, the product is a total design mess.
Version 1 had the aerobars coming from the side of the pads, rather than center, so no support for the forearm. Also, the pads sloped down at the bottom, so you got no support for the elbow (this could be fixed by stuffing it with more padding, but WTF).
Team version, seem to have fixed these issues, but the front of the aerobar is bent down so aggressively, there’s no way to hold it without putting a lot of pressure on the forearm, and your arm constantly slips backwards.
I don’t know what kind of forearm they designed it for, not human for sure. They are $400 and change, which is awesome, but very expensive for a carbon paperweight.
You can see the gap to the forearm here:
This is exactly the reason why I sold my original TFE’s. It’s like they designed them for some tiny flexible UCI TT rider. Looks like the new ones still don’t hit the mark. I’ve moved on to Sync Aerobar Three with the SRAM grip and I’m extremely happy.
That style of extension generally isn’t meant to be held that way. It’s more of a UCI style extension where the arm pad sits higher on the forearm, rather than further down at the elbow, in order to explore the extension to armpad height differential rules to its fullest. So hands further down on the extension grips and elbows further back(I think part of the issue is that they made the grip area too long for that style of extension). The problem with this, if you have a longer more forward triathlon position, is that the extensions are short so the clamp area/elbow pads needs to be quite far forward to compensate. Otherwise the position will feel too cramped probably.
exactly. I would need a small (or XS if that existed) and my elbow would be in the air. extremely uncomfortable position with very little support, and reach is way too short.
Its so stupid, if they had a design similar to other brands they could have dominated the market with their pricing. instead, its totally useless.
Whatever…
I did end up getting the EVOs prior to La Quinta. After some of the thoughts above, I was concerned, but they worked out well.
With only a couple of test rides, I ended up with 7.5 deg tilt in addition to the 15deg of the EVOs
I did like the 20deg inward tilt of the grips on the EVO - it was a natural position for my hands.
They are still a touch short (on the size L) in that my elbows are off the end if I hold the bottom of the grips. But if I scoot up just a bit not an issue.
The cups are narrow-ish - I’m 6’1”/6’2” 180/185lbs and no Popeye forearms, and if I tense while gripping the grips it can get uncomfortable. Assuming the pads will compress just a bit with use, it should get better.
Fortunately, with the high sides, it’s easy to relax the grip and still feel in control.
The high sides also meant that, unlike the Scoops Ultimate SL, my arms weren’t going to bounce out on rough roads. The new Ultimates should be better for that.
I know I had my Scoops SLs mounted with less support, but the EVOs are super solid with little flex in comparison.
Are they perfect, no, I’d occasionally find myself moving more forward to clear the sides a bit. But they were good.
Hey there - how well does your arm/wrist actually fit into the extension? That’s probably the biggest thing I’m trading off - is there a massive gap between the extension and your wrist or does it form up nicely into a single body that the air would “see”, the same way it does on DoronG a few posts up?
I’ve put my arms on these at a demo booth in Kona this year. Really wanted to like them because the price is right, but they just felt wrong. Completely agree with your assessment. Also tried the similar PD bars and they felt 100xbetter, buuut the price is much higher. Sticking with my old school aerobars with scoops for now.
I kept meaning to respond here, but haven’t found any bike pictures from La Quinta (nice run shots, but no matching bike pics for my #. (wading thought 1500 bike pics is tough)
So, I took a few pics stationary, showing the lower grip and reaching a bit (moved around a bit at La Quinta, and I need more time in them).
