Plainsman

Does anyone know where one could purchase aerobar extensions only? I currently have a Profile Jammer GT setup, which came with the f-19 armrests and the new J-brackets. I had a tri bike fitting tonight (for my road bike) which radically changes my position on the bike (for the better I am sure).

I could now use a full length aerobar. I have found T2+ Cobra bars for sale, but think I would prefer something more like what I have (upturned at the ends). Anyone have any ideas? I would rather not buy a new set of aerobars (like the Carbon Stryke or Split Second) and then only use half of them (they both come with the F-19 armrest system). Any thoughts?

thehammerdog

go on line many deals you can get a set of bars for close to zippo.

cslone

Find out what the diameter of the bar is. Oval and Hed sell extensions only.

Plainsman

Thanks for the lead. Turns out that all of Oval Concepts extensions are compatible with Profile Design, and can be had for < $40 in alum alloy.

bvfrompc

Could you point me in the right direction for these deals. I have seen a couple of ebay auctions go for 80-90% of MSRP for bars lately.

Rahzel

Just as a heads-up, I bought some Oval extensions to fit into my Profile brackets, and when I received the extensions I was surprised at how short the extensions were. I actually had to lengthen the aerobars with some ghetto copper tubing at the tip where the bar-end shifters go.

So, my advice is that if you can get a chance to actually touch the bars you're going to buy, that would be ideal. But if you buy Oval extensions (I bought the single bend version) you may want to double check with the place from which you're buying as to the overall length of the extensions.

Plainsman

Wow, thanks. Can you tell me how long the single bend extensions are? I checked the website and I thought I recalled something in the neighborhood of 270mm and 295mm for the double.

Plainsman

Yikes! Just measured the Jammer GTs at 260mm! Is an extra 3.5mm worth $40? Now I've got to figure out if that 3.5mm will do the trick, and if I can find any OC extensions around here to check out (sadly, I don't think any of the local shops carry them). Not quite sure how the double bend setup works. Does that just put your hands in a higher position on the bar?

Rahzel

I think that the double bends do put your hands higher on the bar, plus you can use the lower bend for a second hand position (if you ever "choke up" on the bars).

I just measured my single bend extensions, and I can confirm 270mm length, which was too short for me. I had to mount the bars to my base bar well beyond the recommended minimum insertion length. Additionally, I installed a 4cm piece of copper tubing on the end of my extensions, which, when I attached the shifters, gave my hands a good position on the bars:



However, I do like the Oval bars because of the shape (I'm a huge fan of the amount of bend in the single bend), the price (bought used for like $20) and the compatibility with my Profile T2+ brackets. So I would say that it's worth it to get the Oval extensions, though be prepared to maybe make some funky modifications to get it to fit you (especially if you have longer forearms, I got lucky with my 5'7" stature).

Plainsman

Thanks for the confirmation, and the pick. Hmmmm. Well, I think my only option would be the 'ole "try before you buy." I'm 6'1", and my arms are on the longish side, so I need the length not for more extension, but so I can rest on the area right in front of my elbows instead of the middle of my forearms. Maybe I should check around the local metal fab shops for something custom..

Plainsman

BTW, what model Trek are you riding?

Rahzel

Going custom isn't a bad idea, if you've got metal-bending experience. I know there's an informative thread over on Slowtwitch about what metal to buy and what tools you'll need. It will definitely be cheaper than buying pre-made extensions, plus you can get any shape and angle you want!

Good luck

PS- My Trek, or what's left of it, is a 1500 (2007 model). I bought it for both road riding and tris, but since then I've decided to go strictly triathlons with it, so I've ditched almost all of the stock parts except for the frame and some of the drivetrain. I probably would have been better off just buying a P2K from the get go! (Oops, live and learn )

Plainsman

You don't happen to have a link to that thread on Slowtwitch do you? I just did a search for it, but was not able to turn it up.

Thanks!

The_Mickstar

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.c...engine#1624990

Plainsman

Thanks Mickstar.

Now, does anyone know the diameter of Easton's aluminum extensions? Their website doesn't seem to list it, and I have not yet heard a response to my email inquiry to them. They have 55 degree ski bends that can be had for $30 or less.

Otherwise, all set to go custom. Found the stock 6061-T6 al, <$10. Found a fab shop (stair fabricators) that will bend them for free (not sure how precise they can be though). Found a powdercoater who will do both in black for $10.