S-Bend vs Ski-Bend aero bars

I just got s-bends and like them fine so far.  But I understand the point that Tom makes in that article and do think that many may find ski-bends more comfortable.

Definately bring up your concerns with the fitter.  Perhaps even try to let them know in advance so they can make sure they have an equivalent ski-bend bar that you can try out and swap at little/no cost if you prefer it.

Good idea. (little or not cost? it'll probably depend on if I bring my RUBE sign with me or not... ) 

I tried them both and ended up going with ski bend.  I could get used to either but the ski bend didn't have a "getting used to it" component and my speed/riding posture isn't aggressive enough to have it make a difference from an aero standpoint.

My fitter started out wanting me in s-bend but after about 30 mins of tring different postures he agreed with me that the ski bends were probably better in my case.

Joshua

I test rode a K-Factor for an hour and a half a few weekends ago and it was my first experience with S-Bend bars.  Sure, I could eventually adapt to them, but the position didn't feel very natural.  One wrist was sore even the next day.  Personally, I would definitely switch to S-Bends.

As to swapping them out, take a look beforehand at the brands your LBS carries.  The most likely swap is to another Profile Design bar (from your LBS's preference).  I think they make two ski-bend styles (also called j-bend sometimes) - the Aerolite and the Carbon Stryke.  The Aerolites have lots of adjustment available, but are heavy.  Personally, I didn't care for the look of the Carbon Stryke).  Alternatively, if they carry VisionTech, you could see if they would swap for the VisionTech clip on bars.

Definitely bring this up with the fitter and make your choice before your fit.  Since the different brands /models position the arm pads at different heights, you may need the spacers adjusted accordingly.

Bottom line; choose what’s comfortable for YOU! I switched from ski bend to S bends and I find those aerobars a lot more comfortable for ME and my bike fit setup.

Interesting...

So if it's comfortable in the fitting, it should be comfortable after a long ride? 

Same as an s-bend of course, just VisionTech's name for it.

My guess is that it will be hard to know for sure since whatever you have will be new to you.  I'd go with what your gut says is most comfortable during the fit though.  While the frame is a big committment, the bars can easily be changed later at little net cost (e-bay or classified one set & buy new ones).  Some shops (don't know about Cadence) may even let you swap bars within some period.

Haven't yet, but debating it.  I use my bike at least 90% of the time on solo rides and tris so it would make some sense.  But I'm comfortable in the drops on descents and have gotten used to the shifting issues so have put it off to date at least.

Isn't the Soloist a tri specific frame anyway? 

Actually,  the main point of Tom's article was that, in his experience conducting many fits for his customers, he has observed that the people tend to prefer the comfort of ski bends over the s-bends.  (Not everyone, just more than 50%.)

Now, his search for a physiological reason behind this preference may have been flawed (and was hashed out quite a bit on the slowtwitch thread).  However, his underlying observation remains.  This doesn't say that one or the other is better, only that real world experience with customer's preference does not seem corrolated with the advertising and marketing which seems to push s-bends as the latest-and-greatest.

Actually, it's an aero road frame.  Sort of a hybrid, but more road than tri.

I just switched to S bends and wish I had done it sooner. I find them much more comfortable and natural. I always felt scrunched up with the cowhorns. I like that the s-bends allow me to either drape my fingers over the top of the shifter or I can move farther back and have a better grip. I just LOVE them!!

Now this is just my personal experience, but something amazing happened as soon as I got those s-bends. My first ride with them was a 73 miler and I averaged 18mph. My long ride average speed up to that point had been about 16mph. I don't know if I just got myself more stretched out and comfortable with the s-bends or if there were other factors (I also started riding more in my big chain ring), but I can say that I feel much more comfortable on my bike.

I guess it is all personal comfort. I find s-bends much more comfortable, but I guess most people don't. 

Ski-bend type...other type doesn't feel natural at all to me.

Cool another BTer with a K Factor...love the bike...hope it works for you and you have many happy & fast miles with it.

I swaped out lots from the part package...different base bar/aerobars, compact crank, different saddle, different cassette, different wheels....just perfect for me.