I’m looking at swapping out my current handlebar and stem (42cm, 110mm) and looking to switch to an integrated aerobar/stem combo. I’ve got an Emonda and the new Bontrager Aeolus RSL VR-C that is coming on the new Emonda looks like a great option.
It would also help me clean things up on my bike as I have a Di2 junction box sitting under my stem at the moment.
Given the move to an aero bar, I was thinking of also going slightly narrower than the 42cm I’m currently using, perhaps down to 40cm. Would that necessitate any adjustment in stem length or should the small difference in width not have that great an impact?
Maybe, but you need to make sure you check the Bar Reach value and compare that within the equation.
Stem length change to bar width change is more common in MTB, since the bars are double the width and the impact of our arms at that angle is rather large. For road, the arms are more close to parallel, so a width change has less overall impact on Reach to the bars. I tend to think you may not need much stem length change unless you are making a large shift in bar width (assuming bar reach is identical).
Thanks Chad. I’ve been using a Bontrager XXX VR-C roadbar in 42cm. From what I can see it is 100mm reach on both this bar and the integrated RSL. Is this correct in your eyes?
Actually I’m wrong. The 42cm XXX VR-C road bar is only 85mm reach (I went outside and checked my bar…), so a shorter stem length might be needed with the RSL being 100mm reach.
I did that swap and went with the 40cm/100mm bar. My local Trek Store did the swap and it turned out great. I was able to get my Di2 junction box in the bar end, which cleaned things up nicely. The bar has been great out on the road and I like the more aggressive look it gave the Emonda, especially when I have my Enve 65’s on it. Here are a few pics.
Thanks for the reply, think you may have just cost me £550 They really neaten the front end up dont they. Love the bike, got some Enve 4.5s on mine too great wheels. Thanks again for the reply
Hi there. Nice setup! I’m looking to do something similar with DA9150, but I’m having a hard time figuring out how to work the cabling between the junction box, shifters, etc. Is there any way you could share a diagram of your setup and/or photos of the cabling underneath?
Hi, I have a 2019 SLR Emonda and am thinking of putting the one piece rsl stem and bar on mine. Looking at your photo I can’t see how you have routed the di2 cable from the bar to the battery, is it in the housing going to the rear brake? Also did you put a new headset on with spacers, if so can you tell me which one you went with. Love the look of the bike. James
Not the op but looks like they may have used heat shrink tubing from the bar to the frame on the Di2 wire and hose. It does make for a nice neat setup.
They really neaten the front end up dont they. Love the bike, got some Enve 4.5s on mine too great wheels. Thanks again for the reply 