aerobar problem
 

I'm on my second set of Profile Airstryke bars (the model with the flip-down arm rests). Both have had the same minor yet annoying problem.

The small pins that holds the arm rests on at the pivot point seem to work themselves out as a result of vibration. I always manage to see it before it comes completely out (which would be quite a hazard).

I'm curious as to whether anyone else has noticed this problem on these bars, and whether there is a fix.

The LBS replaced the first set when I mentioned the problem, but it's also happening with the replacement set.

I knew in advance that these things rattle quite a bit, but I was unprepared for the potentially dangerous problem of the shifting pin.

I've had this problem as well and I haven't found a fix other than to take 'em off my bike and do without 'em. IMO, the hinge design is sucky and replacement might not fix it. I had the pin on the left armrest work its way out on a ride on a really rough chip & seal road, and after the LBS replaced the hinge assembly it worked okay -- for a while. Later that year I found myself on that same stretch of road (the shoulder of TX-36 north of Sealy) and danged if the left armrest didn't start rattling itself apart again! It really ruins the ride when you're having to worry about part of your bike falling off, especially when you're tucked down on an aerobar you can no longer trust. My theory is that certain road surfaces, thus certain frequencies of 'rattle', will cause these things to self-destruct.

I haven't bothered to put them back on my bike, and if I ever do I'll experiment with JB Weld or something similar to keep that farking pin in place... :fight:

I've had the same problem and I think the only answer is to put something like a small nail in that the head won't slip through, and then burr the other end so it won't go through either. It is annoying, the company should be able to provide a better fix.

I thought about the nail fix, but I'm worried that the relatively soft metal most nails are made from would fail over time if used as a hinge pin. It might work okay, depending on how much weight you put on the armrests and consequently how much stress you put on the hinges, but as you said they should do better than this. Surely they know by now there's a problem (enough warranty returns and you oughta get the message) and it's disappointing to say the least that so far they don't appear to have done j.s. about it.

Would a cotter pin be a suitable resolution to the problem?

I would try putting a dab of JB Weld on each end of the pin to keep it from rattling loose. Or you could solder the ends of the pin to the metal block that they attach to.

Replies
 

Thanks for all the input. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has experienced this problem. I'm not glad to see that the manufacturer seems willing to ignore a potentially hazardous situation.

I guess that's why God gave us lawyers...

profile responds
 

In a commendable piece of customer service, a nice lady from Profile called me within 10 minutes of when I submitted a question through the company website.

Profile is aware of the problem and will ship redesigned armrests, with a different kind of pin, to Airstryke owners.

Assuming the arm rests show up in the mail. Profile is to be commended for its handling of this.

I'd encourage others who have experienced this problem to contact Profile.

Austin --

That's great news! Do you have a link or name/number that we can contact?

Thanks for the info! :beer:

Go to the 'contact us' link on the profile website (www.profile-design.com)

new pins
 

Just want to wrap this up by saying I received the replacement arms from Profile and have installed them. Seems like the proper fix.

Most commendable customer service. I'd encourage anyone having this problem to contact Profile. The folks there seem to understand the problem and are eager to fix it.