Vision Launch New Metron TFA Evo Base Bar, TFE Evo Extensions

Vision is well known for innovative aero components for road and time trial/triathlon. Starting back in the 1990’s and into the 2000’s, they worked with pro teams and triathletes to create cockpits and wheelsets to fit their needs and improve their performance. Today, that tradition continues with the introduction of the TFA Evo base bar and extensions and TFE Evo extensions.

Back in the 1990’s, Vision was formed as a division of Full Speed Ahead to focus on two key areas, aerodynamics and weight. They worked with teams and athletes to push past the status quo and make their riders faster. It wasn’t until the original patent for the aerobar from Scott expired in 2006 that Vision released their first aerobar and base bar. The use of carbon fiber allowed them to create light, stiff, and aerodynamically shaped pieces that started attracting teams like Team CSC and US Postal Service to help them gain an advantage in time trials. As the years have progressed, and technology and aerodynamics have advanced, Vision has adapted to stay current.

TFA Evo Base Bar and Aerobar Bundle

The Metron TFA Evo is an update to the previous TFA base bar and aerobar bundle from Vision. Immediately, you notice that the TFA Evo moves from the double-riser for the TFA to a mono-riser with a topper that holds the extensions and pads. Vision went this direction was the most efficient in CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing by reducing frontal surface area and cleaning up the airflow through the cockpit versus a double-riser set up. In wind tunnel testing, the TFA Evo averaged 1.6% less drag than a similar set up on the TFA (dual-riser) at 70mm stack, and averaged 4% less drag at 105mm stack. It also makes set up and traveling easier with one mounting point. Made from high-mod carbon, the base bar has an integrated 90mm stem and a width of 400mm (c-c). The base bar is compatible with internal routing for your brake lines and Di2 cable running from the grips, or the hoses can be run out the back of the stem. Unlike the TFA, the TFA Evo does not allow you to flip the base bar to change from a higher to lower position at the grips. Instead, the base bar is flat.

The riser is adjustable from 5mm to 95mm, with a cylindrical mount at the top for the extension mount to be added. This is also where the angle is adjusted for the extensions, allowing you to run a low and flat setup, or the more upright praying mantis position that has gained popularity more recently.

The TFA Evo is available in two different configurations: base bar only with the riser stack, or the bundle with JS-Bend extensions and mounting plate. The bundle adds the horizontal plate where the pads mount above and the extensions below. The carbon extensions have a bit of sculpting around where they kick up for hand and wrist clearance.

Here is where you can start to geek out when it comes to setting them up for your position. The bracket that the extensions and pads mount to allows for plenty of adjustability. The pads have a grid of holes to mount them on that is four wide and six deep, and the bracket itself can be mounted forward or rearward facing. The total stack height (bottom of the stem to top of the uncompressed pad) is 72-168mm in 5mm increments. You can adjust the reach (center of the base bar to the rear edge of the armrests) from -41 to -79.2mm in 7.5mm increments. The armrests widths can be adjusted between 216.6 to 351.6 (o-o) in 15mm increments, while also allowing them to be rotated up to 13 degrees. The extensions can be adjusted from 245mm to 385mm (center of the base bar to the tip of the extensions). The JS-bend extensions rise 60mm (c-c) from the mount to the tips and are mounted 80mm (c-c) apart at the top of the riser block. The extension have a 12 degree ben at the tips, and the bracket can be adjusted from flat to a 30 degree upward angle. What all of this means is you should be able to find a way to adjust the extensions to find the perfect position for you.

The TFA Evo base bar is available for $985 or $1285 for the bundle. The JS Bend kit is also available separately for $300.

TFE Evo Extensions

For even more performance gains, Vision updated the TFE extensions with the new TFE Evo. While they are not a major overhaul, the new TFE Evo are designed to be compatible with the majority of time trial and triathlon bikes on the market. Along with having a dedicated mount for the TFA Evo base bar, Vision already has mounting plates for the Argon 18 Electron Pro, Canyon Speedmax CFR, Cervelo P5, Colnago TT1, Giant Trinity, Merida Time Warp TT, Profile Design base bars, Specialized Shiv, and the Trek Speed Concept SLR. More adaptor plates will be available in the future.

The sculpted, full carbon extensions are designed to provide more support for your arms than typical pad and extension setups. The raised sides near the elbows help to keep you locked into the position. The extensions feature a 20 degree rise for more comfort, more control, and a better overall aerodynamic position. The grip portion at the end is 50 degrees for better ergonomics for your wrists. They also include a computer mount that puts it between the arms.

For adjustability, they aren’t quite as adjustable as traditional round extensions that you can slide in and out. Instead, there are four sizes: XS (280mm from the back of the pads to the base of the grip), S (300mm), M (320mm) and L (340mm). For the extensions themselves, reach can be adjusted between -8 and -98mm in 7.5mm increments. The armrest width can be adjusted 216-322mm (o-o) in 15mm increments and be rotated from 0-13 degrees.

The TFE Evo will set you back $740 for the extensions. The bridge to fit the TFA Evo is another $65.50, and we’ll update this space when we have pricing for the the adapters for specific bikes.

The TFA Evo and TFE Evo are available now from the Vision website and your local FSA/Vision dealer.

www.visiontechusa.com