• The (handlebar) plot thickens...

    The ADR "about us" page states that they "...source direct from manufacturers in the Far East...": no mention of original designs until "We also have designs in progress for our own products designed by Scott Burns. Watch this space! ".

    In other words, what they are currently selling aren't their own designs.

    They justify a purchase from them on the grounds of their QC, but pulling the text apart doesn't reveal anything more substantive, not withstanding wind tunnel testing which isn't QC, than what any other end-user could do.

    The specifications PDQ and ADR quote are almost identical, tweaked just enough to beat plagiarism search-engines:
    ADR
    Specifications for our Ultimate TT bar include:
    Stackable Tri bar/Pads - Complete with 10mm and 20mm risers
    Minimum stack height (base bar to arm pad) - 45mm
    Stack heights can be 45mm, 55mm, 65mm and 75mm with supplied risers
    Extra riser kits available soon to increase stack to 85mm, 95mm and 105mm (All bolts included)
    Standard 22mm tri bar clamps so your favourite bars can be used
    Length adjustable Tri bars
    Width/Reach adjustable Arm rest Pads
    UCI Legal 3:1 aspect
    42cm base bar
    Slight drop on Base bar
    Internal cable routing
    Di2 compatible
    Low weight - 600grams
    Standard 31.8mm clamping section so standard stems can be used (Max width of front stem cap is 44mm)

    PDQ
    Specifications:
    Stackable Tri bar/Pads - Complete with 10mm and 20mm risers
    Standard 22mm extension clamp
    Standard 31.8mm stem clamping section
    Length adjustable extensions
    Width/reach adjustable arm rest Pads
    UCI Legal 3:1 aspect
    42cm c/c base bar
    Slight drop on base bar
    Internal cable routing
    Di2 compatable
    Low weight - 600grams

    "You don't HAVE to spend up to £110 more for something similar ... but you can if you want to :-)" is difficult to read as anything other than a dig from PDQ at ADR.

    Equally when ADR write "Please be aware that if you buy an unbranded product from a private seller through whatever medium - including auction sites and websites offering a 'shop' facility without them being a registered business you are NOT covered under ANY warranty or insurance should anything happen to you or the product itself during it's use.

    No Manufacturer's warranty transfer and under UK law all responsibility ends from the seller when you make the private purchase." is clearly a riposte to: "My supplier offers a 12 month warranty which I will gladly honor to purchasers of PDQ bars."

    Hongfu have quoted me $185 plus $55 shipping for either HB019 (572+-10g) or HB029 (612+-10g), which converts to +/- £160.

    Bearing in mind that Hongfu have a good track record and aren't ripping-off an original design; and that ADR & PDQ are charging an extra £200 and £90 respectively for their petty point-scoring, hyperbole and ambiguity, then I'm inclined to "go East young man".

    @mdcc_tester You've got the measure of Far East carbon and supply chains: am I missing something?

  • @mdcc_tester You've got the measure of Far East carbon and supply chains: am I missing something?

    I think you've got me mixed up with somebody else, I've never touched any Chinese carbon which didn't have a big US brand standing behind it.

  • I've never touched any Chinese carbon which didn't have a big US brand standing behind it.

    A decision you've arrived at by having "the measure of Far East carbon and supply chains", no?

    Point taken.

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