BLAC INC AERO BAR & EXTENSIONS

£708.50 Does this integrated cockpit have tri appeal?

Created in collaboration with parent brand Factor Bikes, Black Inc says the Integrated Aero Barstem offers ‘best-in-class’ aerodynamics thanks to the shape and possibility of full internal cable routing. The carbon drop bars are aimed at road and gravel riders, and this version adds tri extensions that mount directly onto the bars via adapters. As a nice touch you also get an out-front mount for a bike PC.

While we’re judging on performance, for the record we’ll note that we tested on a mechanically-geared bike, so couldn’t route cables internally; but if you’re patient, you can achieve full front-end integration running electronic gears. With 19 sizes to choose from, we opted for 40cmwide drop bars and a 90mm stem length. The 30mm flared drops offer comfortable hand positions, and the aero tops are fine to grab for short, sharp climbs. They’re stiff, but not completely unforgiving, so are suitable for longer events if you prefer a road bike over a tri bike.

The extensions are impressive, both in terms of performance and ease of installation. It’s a unique, highly ergonomic solution, with the shape of the extensions providing a comfortable forearm platform that we could stay in for long periods. While the bars might be utilised more by serious gravel racers, for triathletes who want an integrated, aero cockpit for their road bike – plus the option to add tri bars for hilly middle-distance or long-course races – Black Inc’s solution isn’t cheap, but looks great and is highly ergonomic. JS blackinc.cc