TimothyH

For those who own an ENVE SES Aero road handlebar...

My concern is how they pull the arms closer together at the hoods vs a wider stance for better breathing.

A 42 cm bar is about right for me and I don't mind flared drops but the model with 44 cm drops are only 39 cm at the hoods. It seems like this would be a bit cramped. I'd have to get 46 cm drops to get 41 cm at the hoods and the drops seem awfully wide.

I often ride on the tops and guess these would be no different but when going hard I am more likely to be on the hoods. The reach, drop and shape are almost perfect for me but narrow spacing at the hoods gives me reason to pause.

So do you feel cramped at all when on the hoods? How do you like the tapered form factor, how it gets narrower at the hoods? Or did you buy them sized for the hoods with wider than normal drops?


-Tim-

kromozome

I have both a set of 42cm and a set of 44cm SES aero bars. I definitely feel a little cramped on the 42cm even though that was theoretically the correct measurement. I'd go up a size from what you would normally buy in a regular set of bars. They are very nice; light, super stiff, and they look great.

Seattle Forrest

I was shocked when I opened the box. I ordered 44 cm, and it looked like they'd sent me the child's version.

It took a little getting used to but now they don't feel any different than any other bars. They put me in a more aerodynamic position when I'm on the hoods, I don't feel like it affects my breathing at all. This is mostly psychological but I feel a little more nimble on them - what I mean by that is when I ride in city traffic I'm slightly narrower and better able to navigate through the gridlock, and it feels like that carries over to riding in general even though I'm sure it doesn't. I don't think the flare improves (or hinders) control on gravel.

They route internally so if you use hydraulic brakes you'll need to bleed the lines to install them.

Doge

Junior's fav race bars, and the Ritchey solo Stream.
They are about 38 at hoods, 44 at ends. Good rear cable exit.
He is broad shouldered - NP.
Capture.JPG

Bike is cleaner now and Di2 cable routed in stem (yes I drilled) and J box behind seat. But this was before, and about the bars so the pictures may help.
VengeFront.jpg
AERO VengeSM.jpg
SeaOtter2015 17-18 Daniel RR Pulling Bars.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/valromeytour/

TimothyH

Is there room for an out front mount next to the stem?

Looks like it might be a tight fit between the stem and top. I would use an ENVE stem as well, if it matters.

I need an out front mount for both GPS on top and light underneath. I don't care for an out front mount which attaches to the stem bolts as my stem will not be level on this build.

I really appreciate the photos and feedback. They bars are sooooooooo sexy. I think I must have these.

Seattle Forrest

No room for that, I think. Enve says they're not compatible with any clip on anything. That's why they make their own (snazzy) computer holder. But you're out of luck WRT a light with it. Or, if you figure out how to do that, I'm all ears.

TimothyH

I'm seeing lots of stem bolt mounts for garmin on top and gopro underneath.

https://www.fouriers-bike.com/en/pro....299&cid=28&f=5

https://www.f3cycling.com/

Sadly, no Polar. I've emailed Barfly. Their tag line is "Any computer. Any bike." Lets find out if that is true.

WhyFi

If you really want to, you could swap to a Bontrager (yeah, I know) Blendr-compatible stem. They have single- and dual-mount thingies that clip between the faceplate clamps so that you don't need any space to the sides. I plan on a dual-mount for a Garmin/Wahoo on top with a light or camera on the bottom.

Apologies for the obnoxiousness of the video -

TimothyH

Thanks @WhyFi.

I was hoping to keep bar/stem/post in the same family for the sake of pride.

A Fizik or 3T ARX II with center slot would work with a Barfly mount as shown below. Those stems are not the same caliber as the ENVE or 3T ARX LTD.



I really do appreciate you guys helping me to think through the options. It means a lot to me.


-Tim-

Seattle Forrest

Enve makes something like that for their stem, too.

https://enve.com/products/computer-mount/

Doge

Sorry so late to reply. As others have shown - the stem.

You want sexy? Look at Extralite. Coming from a dad that gets 50% to free - I buy Extralite retail.

TimothyH

Garmin only AFAIK. No support for Polar. I'd have to switch.

There is a guy who modifies them with GoPro mounts underneath.


No, your posts are very helpful and I am grateful. The frame is at least eight weeks away anyway.

The Extralite is nice. The stealth model is perfect for what I want. Where do you source them?


-Tim-

WhyFi

If it's a question of the type of computer mount, check shapeways.com - if you're not familiar, shapeways is a 3D printing outfit that allows individuals to upload and sell their own renders directly to buyers, so there are way, way more combinations available than officially supported.

Seattle Forrest

I don't have much else to add, but ... here are some pics of the bars. I know you love gravel, Tim. Not sure if that's what you have in mind for them.

TimothyH

Nope. I'm good with an Easton EC70 AX on gravel.

This will be for a light and fast fixed gear bike for road riding - custom frame from Rodriguez in Seattle, True Temper S3 tubeset, Enve 2.0 fork, 1450 gram wheels, Corsa G+ w/ latex, SRAM carbon levers, Fabric ALM and so forth... It will be different, that's for sure, and the Enve bars will make me good looking like @Doge Jr.

Really liking the idea of the Extralite stem and trying to work through how to use a Polar GPS with those bars. I'm not adverse to using a Garmin if I have to but lack of lights will be a deal breaker.

I still think you put your bike in front of a fake, painted backdrop for those photos. My Niner can beat up your Cervelo by the way.

Seattle Forrest

For what it's worth, Enve also make a more "regular" shaped road bar, with compact drops. It weighs less than their SES bar, and I think it's more comfortable. (I've owned both, but on different frames.)

Doge

This one top right https://www.rec-mounts.com/products/double-mount/ is what is being used below. A bit heavy, very sturdy clamps on both sides and is thin.

WinningBoulder.jpg

NAtsRRLeadingBrandon.jpg

TimothyH

This thread has been great - one of those threads which make up for all the arguments, insults and contention. I really appreciate you guys.


But the ENVE aero bar is so sexy.


Doge my friend, you are the man. They make one for Polar GPS with a GoPro style mount underneath, and it can be angled so that it is level even if the stem is not. Thanks!



-Tim-

Seattle Forrest

Two things to consider,

(1) A wrist-watch can be an excellent bike computer, except when you're doing power-based intervals. Otherwise you can still have TBT and the thing will vibrate on your wrist when a turn is coming up. Nobody has ever said anything negative about Polar's V800. It's getting long in the tooth, which means you should be able to find a deal.

(2) The stem itself isn't a bad place to put a bike computer.

These are Enve bars too:

TimothyH

I've ordered the REC-MOUNT. It will do exactly what I want.

Doge

I really don't like their bolts (and yes, I have one). I was going to go alloy. Kid temporarily went Rocky 4 (was that the Siberia one) / Luddite, but is back again so going to go trick. I mean, I'll just have to increase the BB lead which you can see bottom picture of post #17.