Vision's Carbon Clip-on aerobars have been favorites of serious triathletes and time-trialists for years. With the current iteration, those who prefer to build a modular aero cockpit off a 31.8mm basebar can have lightweight performance with the vibration damping qualities of carbon extensions along with simple efficient design and excellent adjustability. Vision offers both R- Bend and J-Bend extension designs in the carbon clip-on model. The R-Bend is a true race bend, with low, flat hand positions that favor an aggressive rider who can easily relax and contort forearms, wrists, and hands. The J-Bend is more traditional with a more natural wrist and arm position. Wind tunnel testing has shown both options to be aerodynamic, but there are many variables in working through the possibilities. Suffice to say that rider choice will be dictated by comfort and experience. We can say that the use of UD carbon for the extensions allows Vision to create flat wrist rest sections on the J-Bend version, advancing the comfort level and perhaps providing more subtle steering control. This design now delivers a very natural support structure.

Installing the TriMax Carbon Clip-ons is pretty straightforward. You can easily access the 31.8mm basebar/ handlebar mount clamp bolts from underneath. The sleek compression mounts for the extensions can be adjusted from under-side access points, and the cradles are adjusted from underneath the pads, which are held in place with velcro. Your width from bar to bar is a personal choice, determined by bike fit and perhaps your handlebar or basebar set-up. The extensions have 60mm to slide fore or aft- offering reach lengths from 230-290mm. Of course you can also rotate the bars to find the best angle for your hand placement. The arm cradle mounts have angle, width (40mm) and fore-aft adjustment options referred to as the 12-position pendulum armrest system. The bolts are easily accessed from the top. The velcro mounted pad can be quickly removed and replaced as you work through the options. As for the pad itself, the TriMax offers a supportive cup shaping for your forearms, now in a slightly wider shape than previously offered. A high density foam is used to soak up road vibration and impact.

Standard 22mm openings can accept shifters, as well as Di2 electronic options, with internal cable routing and rear exit for a clean, efficient set-up. Vision keeps the pad position fairly low at about 10mm from the bar top to the pad, but recognizes that some people will require risers for height adjustment. A spacer kit, with 50mm of possible height is available separately for fine tuning the end position.

Our experience with clip-on aerobars tells us carbon is worth the expense for mid to long course athletes. The vibration damping of the carbon makes a substantial difference in overall hand, arm and shoulder fatigue over time on the bike. In the case of the Vision TriMax Carbon Clip-ons, you also get a decent weight savings. With some competitor options, there is zero to little weight savings, and sometimes there are weight gains. Vision has kept the system light and simple to use, and the new J-Bend extension design is drawing rave reviews from users. We have long experience with Vision's clip-on TT bars and we highly recommend the TriMax Carbon Clip-on TT Bars as you build your modular aero cockpit this season. The overall quality, hardware, features and end result are well worth the cost.