Inside Triathlon's Coveted: Zipp’s Vuka Alumina Clip And Basebar

Zipp’s Vuka Alumina Clip and basebar ($255, Zipp.com) can morph into almost any fit and won’t bust your budget.

This article was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2012 issue of Inside Triathlon magazine.

The Concept: Build an aerobar system that offers exceptional fit range in an easy-to-adjust package that is light and affordable.

The Execution: The Vuka Alumina Clip can morph into any form you need it to take. Reach adjustment couldn’t be simpler or farther reaching. Loosen two bolts, and the extensions slide back and forth; the pads can also move fore-aft without limitation.

When it comes to height, the bar is available with two clamp kits: one that mounts the extensions above the basebar and one that mounts below. Between this and the riser kits capable of lifting the extensions 1–5 cm, the Vuka Alumina Clip offers almost 8 cm of total stack height adjustability.

In addition to these all-important stack and reach adjustments, Vuka Alumina can change its arm pad angle, extension angle and extension shape. No dimension is fixed.

The alloy Vuka Alumina Bull basebar weighs just 250 grams and virtually mirrors the Vuka Carbon Bull in shape and feel. Internal cable routing holes are well thought out mechanically, and the bar’s flat shape creates a comfortable, relaxed riding position on the brake hoods.

The Result: The Alumina Clip is actually better than Zipp’s own carbon Vuka Clip in almost every respect, and it costs $55 less. Clean design of the Alumina’s hardware, excellent range of adjustability, extension shape variety and light weight all set this bar apart from pricier carbon alternatives from Zipp and others. The Vuka Alumina Bull’s lines and ergonomic grip design also rival its carbon counterparts.

The Verdict: Very adjustable, well-priced and functional. One of the most versatile aerobar systems available, I expect Zipp’s latest offerings will prove very popular individually and as a combination. And I may have a new favorite mid-level clip-on aerobar.

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