Triathlon - clip-on aerobars for wing-type handlebars

Any ideas? I've got concerns regarding compatibility

I've currently got the ITM K-wing carbon installed.

Any ideas? I've got concerns regarding compatibility

I've currently got the ITM K-wing carbon installed.

That question has been asked regularly for several years. The answer is nada. There's no market for clipons that are tailored to wing style bars, which are unique to each manufacturer. The manufacturers obviously felt the compromise in the wing to accomodate clip-ons was not important.

Bob

Clip ons have grown a lot. Manufacturers are realizing that people want options, and I'd say you have two options, unfortunately they both probably require a change in stem.

First, is the Oval concepts face plate system. This would require an Oval concepts stem and one of these systems... http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=30094

Second, is the Profile design Lightning Strykes(theres 3 types) and the accompanying Profile Design stem - http://www.profile-design.com/products/aerobars/lightning-stryke-race/

Tough call though, each has their merits and downfalls.

Clip ons have grown a lot. Manufacturers are realizing that people want options, and I'd say you have two options, unfortunately they both probably require a change in stem.

First, is the Oval concepts face plate system. This would require an Oval concepts stem and one of these systems... http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=30094

Second, is the Profile design Lightning Strykes(theres 3 types) and the accompanying Profile Design stem - http://www.profile-design.com/products/aerobars/lightning-stryke-race/

Tough call though, each has their merits and downfalls.

Looks like my grim reply was out of date. I learned something new. Thanks. All the new Cervelos come with flat top bars. Maybe that's part of the market for the bars you pointed out.

Bob

I don't blame you for your response as neither of these bars have hit the market with a whole lot of strength. Roadies usually don't want to muck up their bikes with clip-ons, and tri geeks would rather get some race gear than a blinged out flat top handlebar for their road bike.

But if Cervelo is speccing flat top bars, I suspect we'll see growth in this market, you know how tri geeks love Cervelo. I kid, I kid.

Triguy,
I've been thinking about trying these this summer. You mention pluses and minuses—what are the advantages and disadvantages of each in your opinion?

I've used a version of the Oval Concept.

Plusses in my mind include:
- Oval makes nice stems to begin with in many lengths/angles/weights
- Versatility, Oval allows you to setup in whatever way you want, above, below, pads above, extensions below, s-bends, straight extensions, etc...
Minuses:
- setup is a little finnicky, it's not something I would want to take off/put on regularly
- You need to use a fairly horizontal stem because your stem angle governs your aerobar angle
- Costly, I had an old set of extensions and pads but damn it seems like a lot to me

Profile, I haven't used but here are some thoughts from seeing it in the store -
The Profile looks easier to put on/take off
The Profile stems are more limited and not as nice IMO
It's even costlier from what I can tell
Not as adjustable/customizable
Looks nice though

Minuses:
- You need to use a fairly horizontal stem because your stem angle governs your aerobar angle



Wow, as finicky and important fit adjustments are, I'm surprised they cut corners that way, especially on something that is pricey.

Bob

Thanks for your reply guys.
It appears that Profile Design have made another move to simpify this dilemma.
They seem to advocate the Dromo/Dromo Pro handlebars (http://www.profile-design.com/products/road-bars/dromo-pro/) the Aero Wing kit (http://www.profile-design.com/products/accessories/wing-clip-kit/).

It seems to solve the issue of having to purchase a whole new stem, instead, mounting the Wing Kit directly onto the flat drop bars. Although I haven't seen this product in person, I would question the compatibility of the Wing Kit with other flat road bars of different widths seeing as though the clamp is fixed to one size only.

Thanks for your reply guys.
It appears that Profile Design have made another move to simpify this dilemma.
They seem to advocate the Dromo/Dromo Pro handlebars (http://www.profile-design.com/products/road-bars/dromo-pro/) the Aero Wing kit (http://www.profile-design.com/products/accessories/wing-clip-kit/).

It seems to solve the issue of having to purchase a whole new stem, instead, mounting the Wing Kit directly onto the flat drop bars. Although I haven't seen this product in person, I would question the compatibility of the Wing Kit with other flat road bars of different widths seeing as though the clamp is fixed to one size only.

I read their description to say these aerobars are for their flat top handlebars only.

Bob

Triguy, thanks for your thoughts. I'm still thinking about trying one of these set-ups. Or I'll just continue to ride without aerobars. Regardless, I'm not giving up my K-wing. They'll take away my K-wing when they pry it from my cold dead hands.

Any reason why you need a specific stem to mount the stem mounted clip-ons?