The new CADEX Sync Aero Extension system arrived just in time for KONA. The system offers three extension lengths, multiple cradle and spacer options, adjustable carbon arm cups, integrated computer mounting, and dedicated between-the-arms hydration hardware.
The extensions themselves are UD carbon and weigh a claimed 380g per pair in Medium, while the carbon arm cups add another 182g per pair. CADEX is asking $1,500 / €1,350 / £1,200 / $2,299 AUD for a complete platform-specific fit kit.
CADEX built the system around getting the rider into a repeatable aero position, then giving them enough adjustment to keep refining it.
Three Extension Sizes and 30mm of Trimming
The Sync Aero Extensions come in Small, Medium, and Large, with an additional 30mm of length adjustment via trimming. That gives a fitter three different starting points before making permanent changes to extension length.
From there, the system uses interchangeable 15-degree and 20-degree cradles, plus 2.5-degree and 5-degree angled spacers. You can mix and match these pieces to tune hand height and forearm angle without needing a completely different extension.
The arm cups can also move for width and reach.
CADEX describes the system as designed around both UCI time trial and Ironman fit requirements, which helps explain why it has so much adjustment. A short, aggressive TT position and something comfortable enough to hold through a long-course triathlon aren’t necessarily the same thing.
High-Sided Carbon Arm Cups
The arm cups are made from UD carbon fiber and use a tall outer wall designed to keep the rider supported in the aero position. Claimed weight is 182g per pair.
The shape makes sense given how modern TT and tri positions have changed. Riders increasingly run their hands higher, with forearms angled upward rather than sitting flat across the cockpit.
That places more importance on arm support. If your elbows and forearms are constantly moving inside the cups, it’s harder to stay relaxed through the shoulders and hold the position when the effort gets ugly.
CADEX athlete Kristian Blummenfelt summed it up pretty well.
“A good aero position only works if you can hold it when you’re riding fast for a long distance,” said Blummenfelt. “With Sync Aero I can make small changes to get the position where I want it, and the support from the arm cups helps me stay there when I’m full gas.”
The Hardware Is Aluminum, But Only Where It Makes Sense
While the extensions and arm cups are carbon, most of the adjustment hardware is aluminum.
The extension clamps are CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum, as are the clamp cradles, adapter plates, and computer mount. CADEX offers Small and Large extension clamps, while the cradle system provides the 15- and 20-degree starting angles.
Both the CADEX Tri and Trinity/Avow setups then use dedicated aluminum adapter plates to connect the Sync system to their respective cockpits. So while the fit concept is shared, this isn’t a universal bolt-on system for any TT bike.
For now, CADEX is keeping it within the Giant/Liv/CADEX family.
CADEX Tri Fit Kit
The CADEX Tri Fit Kit includes:
- Small, Medium, and Large extension bars
- Small and Large extension clamps
- 15-degree and 20-degree clamp cradles
- 2.5-degree and 5-degree angle spacers
- CADEX Tri adapter plate
- Carbon arm cups and pads
- Extension bar computer mount
- CADEX BTA bottle holder
- All individual components are also available separately.*
The Giant Trinity and Liv Avow kit includes the same adjustment pieces but substitutes the Trinity/Avow adapter plate and omits the BTA bottle holder.
Integrated Computer Mount
The extensions include an integrated computer mount, so you don’t need another bracket strapped between the arms. The mount itself is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. It’s a small detail, but computer placement gets surprisingly complicated once extensions start moving upward and inward.
Keeping it integrated also cleans up an area that often ends up packed with a computer, bottle, straw, junctions, and a bunch of small aftermarket brackets.
CADEX BTA Hydration
The CADEX Tri fit kit includes a dedicated between-the-arms bottle holder, while Trinity and Avow riders can buy a platform-specific version separately. Both use an 80mm base spacer, with an additional 20mm or 40mm spacer to adjust bottle height. CADEX requires you to use the included 80mm spacer.
Maximum load is 2.2kg, including bottles, cages, and hardware. The CADEX Tri version weighs a claimed 220g with the maximum spacers installed, while the Trinity/Avow version comes in at 150g in the same configuration.
That weight difference comes down to the different mounting architecture each bike requires.
Raising the bottle with the extensions should help riders keep the hydration setup tucked between the forearms, rather than leaving the bottle sitting well below the hands after raising the cockpit.
What Does the Sync Aero System Weigh?
CADEX didn’t provide a single claimed weight for an entire assembled fit kit, because it depends heavily on which extensions, cradles, spacers, and hydration pieces you use. It’s a custom setup to your fit.
CADEX does list weights for several key parts.
- The Medium extension pair weighs 380g, excluding accessories.
- The carbon arm cups weigh 182g per pair.
- The CADEX Tri BTA bottle holder weighs 220g with maximum spacers
- The Trinity/Avow version is 150g with maximum spacers.
The remaining clamps, cradles, spacers, adapter plate, computer mount, bolts, and pads will obviously push the complete system higher.
CADEX isn’t presenting Sync as an ultralight cockpit, though. The priority is fit range, support, and integration.
$1,500 for the Complete Fit Kit
The complete platform-specific Sync Aero Fit Kits are priced at:
$1,500 USD, €1,350 EUR, £1,200 GBP, $2,299 AUD
CADEX says the new Sync Aero Extension Bars will be available soon in select markets worldwide.
That’s serious money for an aerobar setup, but the kit is considerably more than two carbon extensions.
You’re getting all three extension sizes, multiple cradle angles, two sets of angled spacers, carbon arm cups, platform-specific mounting hardware, and an integrated computer mount. CADEX Tri owners also get the BTA hydration system.
