Tri Rig has recently announced a new component line under the X-Series name that includes a brake, handlebar and stem. While some of these components are updates on existing models, all of the new X-series parts were completely redesigned from the ground up to gain incremental performance improvements.
Tri Rig has put some serious focus on producing the most aerodynamic parts possible, and they make some big claims about the Alpha X handlebar’s wind tunnel performance in particular. Click past the break to get the skinny on the wind-cutting Alpha X handlebar, Omega X brake and Sigma X stem…
Omega X brake
The Omega X brake is a complete redesign of TriRig’s popular Omega brake, and has been improved in terms of aerodynamics, power, brake feel and ease of maintenance. The brake’s slimmer overall profile and new front cover ensure minimal drag, as the cover now has no exposed bolts. The cover is secured by two powerful magnets, and easily pops off for installation and adjustments.
A redesigned roller-cam wedge and revised internal mechanics have resulted in improvements to initial bite by creating a greater cable-pull ratio, better brake return that’s now handled by a powerful single spring, and improved modulation.
The pad width can be adjusted by set screws on either side, and the brake will open up to 32mm at the top of the brake track to accommodate wider wheels. If you swap wheels with different width rims, adjusting the pads to match is an easy operation with no need to remove or adjust the cable.
The Omega X is compatible with standard mounts, but also works with Shimano Direct-Mount or TRP U-Mounts by using Tri Rig’s universal adapter plate. A sleeker back plate without the cable hanger is also available separately if your routing doesn’t require it.
The complete brake with mounting hardware and pads weighs in at 134g. The Omega X brake is available online, and sells for $184.99 USD.
Alpha X handlebar
Calling it their finest product ever, Tri Rig is definitely amped about this new handlebar. The Alpha X was designed to provide unmatched aerodynamics and excellent cable management, and Tri Rig claims it’s the lightest, most aero and most adjustable bar on the market.
Tri Rig calls this bar the ultimate upgrade for virtually any triathlon bike, and makes a bold statement that entry level bikes can outperform competition grade models in the wind tunnel just by adding the Alpha X to the front end. The bar uses a super wide 10-1 truncated airfoil and its single piece carbon construction allows for a knife-edge front profile.
The bar comes with aero-matched headset spacers that are split in the back so they can be removed with your cables in place. The integrated stem’s cable cover works with long steer tubes and covers up to 10mm of spacers on top, so there’s no need to cut your fork down for aerodynamics. The cable cover and arm pad mount both feature bolts strategically spaced for BTA add-ons.
The Alpha X provides over 120mm of stack adjustment and an 80-120mm range of effective stem length. Everything is adjustable with no more than a few bolts twisted, and cables are routed so you won’t have to reroute or unplug anything when you adjust the handlebar. The bolts are even positioned so they are always accessible without removing any extra parts.
All cables and controls are hidden from wind but easy for the rider to access. The Alpha X is Di2 compatible, with a large cavity under the foil to hold the junction box and snap-in channels on the extension spacers for the wires. The inside of the foil is also smoothly shaped with nothing to snag cables while you route them through.
The Alpha X handlebar is available for pre-order now, and should ship out within 6-8 weeks of purchase. The bar comes complete with a litany of spacers for custom fitting, and sells for $999.99. Check out Tri Rig’s online fit guide to find out how to set up the Alpha X on your bike.
Sigma X Stem
Tri Rig’s Sigma X stem now features all-carbon construction and has shaved significant weight versus its predecessor. The minimalist design leaves a small, aerodynamic front profile with the bolts securing the handlebar completely hidden.
Its design borrows many elements from the Alpha X handlebar. The stem grips the steer tube with the same wedge style clamp, which leaves little material on the back of the stem so it can fit bikes with raised top tubes. The Sigma X’s cable cover goes on with your cables already installed, doubles as a BTA mount, and stops before the steer tube so you don’t have to trim it to fit (although it doesn’t cover any spacers on top like the Alpha X does).
The Sigma X also allows for clean center pull brake routing with a removable cable stop that accommodates either full housings through the stem, or provides the stop for set ups that require it. The Sigma X has a 100mm reach, and comes with an ultra-low 1mm tall dust cap and 40mm worth of aero-matched spacers for height adjustments. The stem costs $189.99 and isn’t yet available, but is coming soon.
