-
I should have done more googling, this Zipp bar has it too https://www.triathletesports.com/zipp-vuka-aero-bar-base-bar-brake-levers/
But no one's done drop bars as far as I can tell?
Because the gains are probably quite minimal and the drawbacks include setup drama, limited brake options, stupid braking position.
Those reasons have never stopped people before!
I'm thinking that integrating brake levers/hood area/cables into bars, removing STI levers in favour of Di2 blip/climbing things would save a fair bit. Not worth it for normal people obviously, but for a pro in the TdF or whatever who can afford to spend £1000 on a fully integrated cockpit I can imagine it.
frankenbike-
Also if you crash, you've fucked bars and two lever sets, rather than just maybe a lever or maybe bar and lever. Teams with big budgets don't do it, even though they know it's possible. They might if they thought the gains were worth the wrenching effort. I've never used integrated levers but I bet they'd be inferior to proper levers and braking is still pretty important on pro TT courses. Those Tulas, etc. are better suited to CTT dragstrip courses.
-
I'm thinking that integrating brake levers/hood area/cables into bars, removing STI levers in favour of Di2 blip/climbing things would save a fair bit
Then you need to think a bit more. The brake lever and hood is a major comfort and control interface, you make substantial changes to their shape in pursuit of aero gains at your peril. Ignore gear levers, they are already electric on all high end bikes and aerodynamically insignificant. Ignore cables too, as the switch to hydraulic brakes joins the switch to electric shifters in eliminating the last impediment to full enclosure, the unwillingness of Bowden cable to play nicely with tight corners.
hippy
gbj_tester
Because the gains are probably quite minimal and the drawbacks include setup drama, limited brake options (and gear options if you need Di2 shifters anyway), stupid braking position.