Tri extensions... any thoughts?

in message <[email hidden]>, Mark

(') said:

Hi,

I have a very light fast road bike that I wish to add Tri clip-ons onto
for those long straights.

There are quite a bewildering array of clip-ons, but I think I need the
following:

1) Long (I have long arms)
2) Oversized - oversized bars
3) Light - top notch bike; would be a shame to put something heavy on!
Is carbon better than alu?
4) Removable... presumably they all come off pretty easily?
5) Low - i like the look of the straight clipons - can image a lower
position and possible better for long arms?

I am currently looking at:
Profile T2 Plus Cobra (520g)
ITM Ultra VIP Carbon (540g)
Deda fast black carbon 31 (379g)

It would appear that the deda are best (just for lightness), but I've
tried Deda Clip-one, and they seem a little short... so perhaps not
such a good idea?

FWIW I have Deda Clip Black - the all carbon single bar type - and I like
it hugely. It's the lightest tribar I could find, and looks very neat.
Recommended.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; IE 3 is dead, but Netscape 4 still shambles about the earth,
;; wreaking a horrific vengeance upon the living
;; anonymous

Mark said:

I have a very light fast road bike that I wish to add Tri clip-ons onto
for those long straights.

Why spoil a nice bike? 🙂

More seriously, do you have carbon bars? If so, you can't run clip on
tribars.

--
Arthur Clune

Arthur Clune said:

Mark said:

I have a very light fast road bike that I wish to add Tri clip-ons onto
for those long straights.

Why spoil a nice bike? 🙂

More seriously, do you have carbon bars? If so, you can't run clip on
tribars.

--
Arthur Clune

Well, that's a good question: I find myself going to the ends of the
drops on the long straights, and feel, perhaps a little cramped. It
really seems like the idea of being able to stretch out might be a
better solution.

No, I have alu bars.

Mark.

Mark said:

Well, that's a good question: I find myself going to the ends of the
drops on the long straights, and feel, perhaps a little cramped. It
really seems like the idea of being able to stretch out might be a
better solution.

The point of tri extensions is not primarily to stretch you out to
prevent you from feeling cramped (though that's not to say they
can't/shouldn't be used for that), it's to stretch you out into a more
aerodynamic tuck (at the expense of extra weight and less control).

If you're feeling cramped by the current bars then a longer stem to
mount them on might be a simpler and more elegant solution.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

If you're feeling cramped by the current bars then a longer stem to
mount them on might be a simpler and more elegant solution.

Wot he said. That's not to say don't fit the tribars, but you
need to sort out the position on your bike first

--
Arthur Clune

Mark said:

any thoughts would be massively appreciated 🙂

Might not be -immediately- helpful, but I've always thought there's a
market waiting to be tapped in tri-bar extensions for handlebar Klickfix
adaptors, target: the loaded touring demographic out on a Sunday run. I
think this is a Grate Idea; anyone want to help invest?

--
Andrew Chadwick

Andrew Chadwick said:

Mark said:

any thoughts would be massively appreciated 🙂

Might not be -immediately- helpful, but I've always thought there's a
market waiting to be tapped in tri-bar extensions for handlebar Klickfix
adaptors, target: the loaded touring demographic out on a Sunday run. I
think this is a Grate Idea; anyone want to help invest?

--
Andrew Chadwick

Might work, doubt it's solid enough. My tourer has Klickfix for its
bar-bag, and it rattles like a [censored]. Would be interested if you
could prototype one though.

Regards,
Mark.

Peter Clinch said:

Mark said:

Well, that's a good question: I find myself going to the ends of the
drops on the long straights, and feel, perhaps a little cramped. It
really seems like the idea of being able to stretch out might be a
better solution.

The point of tri extensions is not primarily to stretch you out to
prevent you from feeling cramped (though that's not to say they
can't/shouldn't be used for that), it's to stretch you out into a more
aerodynamic tuck (at the expense of extra weight and less control).

If you're feeling cramped by the current bars then a longer stem to
mount them on might be a simpler and more elegant solution.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Yes, the prospect of being able to go faster for longer is exactly what
appeals to me 🙂

Presumably the extra weight (even of clip-ons as opposed to complete
Tri-bars) is worth it?

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars... I would be interested to know if I can
realistically mount my Campag Ergos on them or will I need new brake
levers/shifters?

Thanks!
Mark.

Mark said:

Presumably the extra weight (even of clip-ons as opposed to complete
Tri-bars) is worth it?

On the flat yes. In the mountains no. In the in-between stuff, it's
in between 🙂

Quoted message said:

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars... I would be interested to know if I can
realistically mount my Campag Ergos on them or will I need new brake
levers/shifters?

I wouldn't do this on a general purpose bike myself. Tri/TT bikes are
good for going fast on, and useless at a whole bunch of other things
like going uphill, going downhill and going round corners.

--
Arthur Clune

"Arthur Clune" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars... I would be interested to know if I can
realistically mount my Campag Ergos on them or will I need new brake
levers/shifters?

I wouldn't do this on a general purpose bike myself. Tri/TT bikes are
good for going fast on, and useless at a whole bunch of other things
like going uphill, going downhill and going round corners.

Bars, not bike.

A mate uses profile air wings (which I believe are similar to full on tt
bars without the middle bit) on his commuter as he likes the position.

(to the OP, yes they will take ergos, and if you don't do anything with the
stem they'll be higher than drops which is probably one reason aforesaid
mate likes them. You can of course fit funny brake levers/shifters should
you so wish - tt bikes often have bar end levers in the ends of the middle
bars)

cheers,
clive

Mark said:

Hi,

I have a very light fast road bike that I wish to add Tri clip-ons onto
for those long straights.

There are quite a bewildering array of clip-ons, but I think I need the
following:

1) Long (I have long arms)
2) Oversized - oversized bars
3) Light - top notch bike; would be a shame to put something heavy on!
Is carbon better than alu?
4) Removable... presumably they all come off pretty easily?
5) Low - i like the look of the straight clipons - can image a lower
position and possible better for long arms?

I am currently looking at:
Profile T2 Plus Cobra (520g)

These are listed as 492g on the Profile website at
http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/aerobars/t2_plus.html

The bars are carbon fibre but other parts are aluminum. The all
aluminum T2 Plus at just over half the price are only 20g heavier. They
are about 35cm long. Both types can be fitted on 26mm and 31.6mm bars.

Quoted message said:

ITM Ultra VIP Carbon (540g)
Deda fast black carbon 31 (379g)

It would appear that the deda are best (just for lightness), but I've
tried Deda Clip-one, and they seem a little short... so perhaps not
such a good idea?

Well, any thoughts would be massively appreciated 🙂

Straight extensions are now being used on ITT's by virtually all pros
except Landis (well I guess that's all pros now). Make sure you check
for three dimensonal adjustability of arm rests. Profiles are two way
with height being taken care of by adjustment of stem on the steerer.
This could be a problem (but not necessarily) if another, say non-aero,
riding position is required.

Personally, I find removing aerobars a pain in the butt, although
fairly easy to do. There's always the risk of stripping the aluminum
threads when tightening the screws.

I ride TT's weekly, so have built a dedicated TT bike with the T2 Plus
and T2 wing bars. The frame geometry is different from my road bike and
I can't imagine doing a TT now on the latter. Still, for just getting
an aero position on long straight stretches any clip-on will work. Ease
of adjustability and price may be the key factors. One downside is that
you lose a comfortable hand rest position. That's not a trade-off a lot
of regular club cyclists are prepared to do.

JFJ

Quoted message said:

Regards,
Mark.

Mark said:

Yes, the prospect of being able to go faster for longer is exactly what
appeals to me 🙂

Presumably the extra weight (even of clip-ons as opposed to complete
Tri-bars) is worth it?

A big presumption: if the answer to that were clearly "yes" in all
cases, then everyone would have them everywhere they were legal.
Everyone doesn't...

Quoted message said:

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars...

No, that's a not even approaching a half-hog... If you want to go very
fast on the flats and downhills then you /really/ want a recumbent
lowracer, preferably with at least a tail fairing ;-)

As Arthur's suggested, step #1 is getting the bike as comfortable as
possible with the existing bars, because it will improve the bike as it
stands and cost very little. Once you've done that, /then/ start tweaking.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

Mark said:

Yes, the prospect of being able to go faster for longer is exactly what
appeals to me 🙂

Presumably the extra weight (even of clip-ons as opposed to complete
Tri-bars) is worth it?

A big presumption: if the answer to that were clearly "yes" in all
cases, then everyone would have them everywhere they were legal.
Everyone doesn't...

Quoted message said:

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars...

No, that's a not even approaching a half-hog... If you want to go very
fast on the flats and downhills then you /really/ want a recumbent
lowracer, preferably with at least a tail fairing ;-)

As Arthur's suggested, step #1 is getting the bike as comfortable as
possible with the existing bars, because it will improve the bike as it
stands and cost very little. Once you've done that, /then/ start tweaking.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Hmm, I'm starting to regret mentioning the "cramped" word 🙂

Well, it's ok to be honest (it is actually a custom frame/setup, so
should be pretty good, although I am well aware that's no guarantee of
anything).

It's just that with my torso down as low as it will go my hands seem to
trail off in a slightly awkward way... it just seems natural to me to
stretch out with my hands in front under those circumstances, and when
I occasionally see someone in that position (clip-ons or whatever), it
looks right to me.

Hmm, will have to borrow someone's and see.

Mark said:

Well, it's ok to be honest (it is actually a custom frame/setup, so
should be pretty good, although I am well aware that's no guarantee of
anything).

The frame should be just right... but that doesn't make the handlebar
stem the right length.

Quoted message said:

Hmm, will have to borrow someone's and see.

Always a good idea!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

in message <[email hidden]>, Mark

(') said:

Peter Clinch said:

Mark said:

Well, that's a good question: I find myself going to the ends of the
drops on the long straights, and feel, perhaps a little cramped. It
really seems like the idea of being able to stretch out might be a
better solution.

The point of tri extensions is not primarily to stretch you out to
prevent you from feeling cramped (though that's not to say they
can't/shouldn't be used for that), it's to stretch you out into a more
aerodynamic tuck (at the expense of extra weight and less control).

If you're feeling cramped by the current bars then a longer stem to
mount them on might be a simpler and more elegant solution.

Yes, the prospect of being able to go faster for longer is exactly what
appeals to me 🙂

Beware, though. My appalling crash last year was at least partly a
consequence of using tribars down a twisty hill I didn't know. When on
the tribars it takes significantly longer to get on the brakes, and this
may sometimes be a problem...

Quoted message said:

I am actually also thinking of going the whole hog and replacing my
bars with complete Tri bars... I would be interested to know if I can
realistically mount my Campag Ergos on them or will I need new brake
levers/shifters?

Really, you're going to need new brake levers and shifters. You could
probably bodge the ergo levers on but I don't think they'd be either
easy or convenient to use.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

'You cannot put "The Internet" into the Recycle Bin.'

Simon Brooke said:

Beware, though. My appalling crash last year was at least partly a
consequence of using tribars down a twisty hill I didn't know. When on
the tribars it takes significantly longer to get on the brakes, and this
may sometimes be a problem...

Though it is possible to put brakes on the tribars as well as in the
normal position: http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/8100.0.html
http://jtekengineering.com/AeroBrake.htm
(I have no experience of how well those methods work, and the first one
does say "It should also be understood that the riders really only use this
brake lever to make minor adjustments to their speed versus using the lever
for hard braking."😉

Simon Brooke said:

Agree with both these posts. A klickfix-like tribar system would be
great, but you'd need a much more robust and rigid mount.

I'm not sure that is true. You will need to have something that sits
snug and doesn't rattle when clipped in, but I'd imagine a Klickfix
mount should work quite well.

Now, what do I have in the bits box? I'm sure I have a pair of steel
bar ends somewhere..

...d