Originally posted by lescor
I'm thinking of getting the integrated Cinelli Ram stem/bar combo for my new bike. The only thing holding me back is that I can't see any way to attach an aero bar to them for the occasional time trial. Is there anything that attaches to the stem instead of the bar that might work? Any other ideas?
I'm sure you are aware of the Deda Synapsi carbon integrated bar/stem. This combo has an extra area at the front of the stem for extra hand positions, a pseudo-aero postion - but not quite.
For full aero extensions you will need a specific aero bar. But I know of none that can attach to the Synapsi or the Ram.
Virtually all aero add-on bars attach to standard handle bars - most carbon fiber handle bars cannot accept the clamping forces that the aero bars need to secure properly. It's not that CF is weak, but the manufacturers usually do not put extra support in that area of the handle bar, only on the clamping face area for the stem. There are a few manufacturers which produce a carbon handle bar that can support an aero-bar, Kestrel being one of them.
If weight is an issue, most light-weight aluminum stem and handlebars will be the same or LIGHTER than the Ram or Synapsi.
If you're really digging to have carbon up there, get a carbon stem, and then a Kestrel bar.
Or better yet, go to calfeedesign.com :
http://www.calfeedesign.com/barstem.shtml
They will make you a custom integrated carbon stem/handlebar. I'm sure they could reinforce the bar area where an aero bar needs to clip onto - and the cost will be about the same as a Ram bar, BUT you would have a one-of-a-kind
Good luck.
