Fitting clip-on aerobars onto bars with cables inside handlebarwrap

[TDB]

Recently acquired a pair of profile design carbon stryke aerobars, before realizing that on my 2002 Cannondale r700 si, the brake cables hug the bars underneath the wrap, making it fairly impossible to fit the bars to clean handlebar. My initial reaction was great, not I have to partially unwrap the tape and have the cables come away from the handlebar to create an area the aerobars can grab onto. After doing some reading about ways you can screw up the routing of your cables, I am concerned this would potentially cause unwanted friction in the cables. Has anyone been in the same situation and acquired some helpful knowledge?

Greatly appreciated,
TDB

Topic

[TDB]

Right on right on. I wont be making any purchases in the near future, I’m just obsessed with thoroughly researching all the options well in advance before relinquishing my grip on precious dollar bills.
While swimming is my weak point so far, I’d much rather spend hours in the water getting up to a level on par with my biking and running, than write the pool off and stick to the duathlons. Though they are good practice to compete in a few while working on swimmin.

TDB

[CCrew]

@TDB 6737 wrote:

Right on right on. I wont be making any purchases in the near future, I’m just obsessed with thoroughly researching all the options well in advance before relinquishing my grip on precious dollar bills.
While swimming is my weak point so far, I’d much rather spend hours in the water getting up to a level on par with my biking and running, than write the pool off and stick to the duathlons. Though they are good practice to compete in a few while working on swimmin.

TDB

Du’s are great in the colder weather to keep in tune when the swim is pure polar bear material.

When you’re ready to upgrade bikes look in the used market first. There are a lot of folks that go out and buy an expensive tri bike because they think they need it, and ride two races and they sit. Don’t be stuck on brand. Seriously. Research fit and get a solid idea of what fits you before looking.

Don’t underestimate the need to practice transitions either.. I’ve seen national level races lost there.

-R

[TDB]

I’m actually an avid cold weather fan, and am now contemplating a polar bear plunge / triathlon collaboration. Sounds dangerous.

[CCrew]

@TDB 6739 wrote:

I’m actually an avid cold weather fan, and am now contemplating a polar bear plunge / triathlon collaboration. Sounds dangerous.

Yeah it does. You’re a better man than I am! I’ll ride year round, but you can keep the water away from me thanks much!

[Tim Kelley]

@CCrew 6738 wrote:

Don’t be stuck on brand. Seriously. Research fit and get a solid idea of what fits you before looking.

Excellent advice as well. I’d love to ride a Cervelo or a Trek Speed Concept, but even the sizing on an extra larger version of those is too small for me.

Go to multiple shops to try multiple brands. Between Contes, Revolution Cycles and Bonzai you have about 5 or 6 different brand choices.

[americancyclo]

CycleLife also runs swim classes, and the first one is free. They’ve also got a fair amount of Tri stuff available. I think they even ‘rent’ wetsuits (maybe?)

http://cyclelifeusa.com/AthleteServices/Classes.aspx

[Tim Kelley]

@americancyclo 6742 wrote:

I think they even ‘rent’ wetsuits (maybe?)

Both Conte’s and Bonzai rent wetsuits last time I checked.

[PotomacCyclist]

@TDB 6739 wrote:

I’m actually an avid cold weather fan, and am now contemplating a polar bear plunge / triathlon collaboration. Sounds dangerous.

A cyclocross race would be a better idea. At least for me. I hate swimming in cold water.

[PotomacCyclist]

@Tim Kelley 6677 wrote:

I wouldn’t worry about getting a special seat post if you are just getting into triathlon. I’ve done many 100+ mile rides on a stock road bike with clip-on aerobars. And in races, I’ve passed plenty of people with time trial bikes, fancy wheels and helmets.

The most important thing is having a comfortable setup on which you can do plenty of training, because if you can’t be comfortable in aero, then you won’t develop your legs and cardio engine.

And practice your swimming and running.

The need for a forward-facing seat post will vary from person to person. For some people, it’s a necessity. Without that post, they will strain just to reach the aerobars. For other people, they can get by without the special seat post.

[TDB]

Yeah I’m learning just how subjective biking really is nowadays. I found a good deal on a profile design fastforward seatpost of correct diameter, and plan on buying and testing out the feel. I expect to feel unnaturally far forward at first, will need to go for a long ride to compare feel against stock seatpost.

TDB

[CCrew]

@TDB 6801 wrote:

Yeah I’m learning just how subjective biking really is nowadays.

It’s an addiction. I can stop any time. Really I can….

[Author]

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