Home› General Training Discussions

New cockpit/aerobars: need suggestions or comments

rwsmith96rwsmith96
in General Training Discussions

I've been riding the 3T Aura-Pro that came with my 2012 P2 for a couple of years, and I just had the right elbow rest break off.  The bolts holding the pad to the extension sheared cleanly.  This is the first time it's happened on the right, but it's happened twice on the left bar.  The second time, the LBS replaced with hardened bolts.  Now I need to get this repair done on the right elbow rest.  But still, there's clearly a design flaw or a big fella like me is out of spec for these bars.  The design requires the bolts to carry shear stress (they are off center and cantilevered out) which I learned is dumb back in my oil refining engineer days.

SO: Who's got bars they are in love with?  I am thinking about the pedestal style that are all the rage right now.  For one thing, axial loading of bolts >> shear stress as I have learned the hard way.  I'm also open to spending money on good gear (I'm not good at triathlon, I'm good at spending money on triathlon) but I'd like to get value for money.  I value aero and carbon as well since I already am there.  So if you are rocking a set of Vuka Stealths this is your chance to let everyone know why they are awesome.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • Gaudir8Gaudir8

    I got the Vuka Stealth's on a Graal and love them . They are one of the most adjustable on the market. I also have a brand new set I will give you an awesome deal on. I was going to put them on another GRaal  I have but changed my mind. The other one that is suppose to be very good are the

    Profile Design Aeria Wing TT Bar.

  • zwubazwuba
    I used to ride the Xentis Aerobase+Aeroaction last year because it's the lightest bar I know but it's not as flexible in terms of adjustments so I exchanged it to a Zipp Vuka this winter and I already love the Vuka too (can't tell much as I never rode outside with it till now).
    As Ray mentionend the Aeria would definetivly be on top of the pack but I'd also throw an eye onto the TriRig Alpha (http://www.tririg.com/store.php?c=alpha)
  • Mark RobertsMark Roberts
    I have a Hed Corsair. Really light, carbon, seems to dampen the road vibrations significantly. They are also very adjustable although they don't have the newer pedestal features. Its a fairly low pad height but great if it fits you.
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    I rock the Vukas all the time. Get them so I can say Vuk You Too.

    image

    Seriously though, they are comfy and very stable...and the adjustments are awesome. Have made the most of them as my shoulder has healed up... and FWIW I am NOT TINY these days.... image
  • Gaudir8Gaudir8

    RayBrownbuystoomuchbikestuff.com 

    Deal of the day Mr Smith!!!!!! email me if interested! $1069 list my discount to you is?????

    But Wait there's more!!!!!!!!!!! If you act now I will include free shipping AND  a personally signed copy of my exclusive NOS training Schedule including certificate of authenticity!

    This offer expires whenever.

  • rwsmith96rwsmith96
    All: Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. After I got back from my work trip to Philly yesterday, I finally made it to the LBS. They actually have a replacement bracket for the elbow rest that gets rid of the cantilever/shear stress on bolts design flaw. It has the added benefit of giving me some width adjustment for the elbow rests that I didn't have before.

    SO: I'm getting the new brackets installed and sticking with the Aura Pro for now.

    Ray: I do think that the upgrade to Vuka Stealth would be awesome. When I decide to pull the trigger I'll give you a ping but will probably be after Oceanside.

    Thanks all!
Sign In or Register to comment.