SRAM’s newly released Red eTap AXS wireless groupset delivers more aero optimized drivetrain than ever before – much of that based on sleek, compact controls for time trial & triathlon bikes. So Zipp has given their Vuka Aero carbon aerobar a complete overhaul to neatly integrate the new AXS tech.
Zipp Vuka Aero carbon TT aerobar & integrated AXS BlipBox
Red eTap AXS is more aerodynamically optimized with aero chainring & power meter options, the possibility for the wholesale removal of the front derailleur (with wide 12-speed gearing spreads out back), potentially more aero rotors, new aerobar hydraulic brake levers & a smaller BlipBox to bring TT shifting all together. But none of that makes sense with a clumsy cockpit.
For those who had never set up a TT or Tri bike with eTap, it’s easy to have overlooked SRAM’s BlipBox. Without the smart standard road drop bar shifters, a TT bike and its wired remote Blip & Clic shifters needed another brain to communicate wirelessly back to the eTap derailleurs, that’s the BlipBox’s job. That usually meant a rather large piece of electronics strapped to your aerobar.
Now the new Red eTap AXS groupset brings a new, much smaller BlipBox.
And with that, this new Zipp Vuka Aero basebar hides it completely away inside an aero nose cone that looks no bigger than the nose on the original Vuka Aero (note: the old BlipBox will not fit) but also adds 5% more structural stiffness once installed.
Vuka Aero tech details
The Vuka Aero is a 40cm wide UD carbon basebar with 0mm of drop, includes internal cable/hose routing, and a claimed weight of 846g complete with carbon aero bar extensions. The bar shares the airfoil shape of the Zipp SL-70 Aero road bar for a slippery-in-the-wind, but UCI 3:1 complaint design.
The base bar attaches to standard stems with a 52mm wide 31.8mm clamping area. It offers a wide range of fit possibilities together with Zipp’s Vuka pads & extensions: arm pads +46mm fore (in front of the stem clamp) to -50mm aft of the clamp, pad widths of 140-285mm, pad heights from 60-150mm of rise above the clamp, and 5, 10, or 15° pad angles. Extensions can also be adjusted for 0-10° of pitch.
The new $900 / 1000€ Vuka Aero bar (with riser stack & arm pads, not including extensions) will be available next month, March 2019.
