Zipp Vuka

Reviewed by Coach Matt Russ

"Who would pay $1200 for handlebars" I heard someone at my local bike shop remark. The answer is that there will always be a niche, albeit small, for the latest cutting edge technology, and it will never come cheap. People will pay for the best, even outrageously so, but it must be the best.

First of all you have to understand that a fully integrated carbon monocoque bar like the Vuka is not cheap to produce when compared to a traditional clip on bar clamped to a pursuit bar. The shape and finish of the Vuka is very nice and clean, with all the cabling internally routed and not a single clamp or bolt visible. A texturized grip takes the place of bar tape on the pursuit bars.

Having fitted a wide variety aero bars I can say the more adjustability the better. The Vuka has a wide range and great ergonomics, but I prefer micro adjustability to the three hole lateral adjustment of the pads. The extensions come in a choice of three varieties, and rotate and telescope in a asymetrical collet for adjustment. This is tricky to line up but it does allow for "just right" comfort. The pads are very comfortable for even the longest rides and distribute arm weight exceptionally well. This is one of the few aerobars I acclimated to right out of the box. I did have trouble with one of the extensions coming loose and it was hard to determine how much torque to put on the clamping mechanism. A special tool is required for this. This is definately a bar that requires the help of a good bike mechanic to install.

No doubt the very streamlined design will reduce drag (slightly) over other aerobars, but at 860 grams they are not the lightest on the market. In fact there are fully integrated bars coming out at almost half the weight and for less money. This is the crux of the Vuka. In todays market you have to be both light and aerodynamic, especially if you are one of the priciest on the market. Athletes will pay your price tag but they want it all.

The Vukas are very solid and stable out of the saddle, with almost no flex, but do not have a lot of reach or extension when compared to a cowhorn style pursuit bar. My one big complaint is the textured grips began to delaminate on the ends after a few rides. If you spend a lot of time cornering / climbing / sprinting out of the aero position these will not last long. The plastic retainers for the brake cables also came undone and will either require glue to stay in place or removal. Again, not what you would expect out of an aerobar of this price.

Are they worth the price tag? That is a tough one. You certainly will not see a lot of them. If you are looking to differentiate your bike, and price is no object, this is your bar. Another option is to purchase their Vuka clip on variety and mate it to an ultra light pursuit bar like the Easton Delta Force. Not as clean or nearly as sexy, but a whole lot cheaper.

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Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com