Zipp Launches SL-70 Aero Bars

Cyclists who are looking to eek out every millisecond are loving the latest aero road bikes and equipment. With aero bikes now capable as all-rounders, the next frontier is to keep pushing the limits of cockpit parts. Taking the learnings from previous designs, Zipp is launching their new SL-70 Aero road bars. Built with the same short 70mm reach and 128mm drop found on the Service Course SL-70, the new SL-70 Aero bars will work well with longer stems while maintaining rider position.

World TT Champion and Omega Pharma Quick-Step rider, Tony Martin, had this to say about the new SL-70 Aero:

“I used it in the Prologue of Tour of Dubai and I can say that it is a fast handlebar. The Zipp SL-70 Aero is the closest thing to get to the position of TT bike even on the road.… It looks good and it gives me the opportunity to go in an aero position with the arms inside the handlebar.”

Zipp SL-70 Aero Specs:

Sizes: 38, 40, 42, 44 cm (center-to-center)
Weight: 240g (42cm)
Material: Unidirectional carbon
Reach: 70mm
Drop: 128mm
Ramp angle: 10 degrees
Drop outsweep: 4 degrees
MSRP: $350, €300, £266
Retail Availability: March 2014

The following release has more details on these new bars.

Zipp’s new SL-70 Aero is, in every way, a high-performance bar. This new unidirectional carbon handlebar is packed with the innovations for best-in-class fit, ergonomics and aerodynamic performance. With its wing-shaped bar top, the SL-70 Aero features Zipp’s latest bar refinements while building on the trend-setting aero legacy of the VukaSprint.
Performance Advantage
Distinctive wing-shaped top designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the same supercomputing software used to design Zipp Firecrest wheels.
A traditional round-tube handlebar top creates drag of about 0.74 Newtons, which we found requires about 7.5 watts of effort at 30mph (48.3kph) to overcome. The SL-70 Aero exhibits just 0.11N of drag, which means a savings of 6.4 watts over a round bar.
30 percent stiffer than VukaSprint.
Fit and Comfort
Zipp bars designed using feedback from top fitters and pros.
Popular 70mm drop shape especially tuned for SL-70 Aero, allowing a proper fit without compromising stem length and steering control.
Revised 10 degree ramp angle to the brake hoods eliminated need for up-rotated bars.
Ample wrist clearance for riding and sprinting in drops.
Easy Setup, Race Ready
Features Zipp’s Rapid Routing™ system, first developed for the Vuka Stealth integrated aero system, for easy internal cable routing.
UCI legal.
Compatible with all mechanical brake/gear systems and all electronic gear systems. Not clip compatible.
Perfect to pair with Zipp SL Sprint carbon stem.
The SL-70 Aero already Raced this season by the technology-minded Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team.