While fully hidden cable routing systems can appear aesthetically minimal when installed in a precise configuration, a truly closed-off system carries with it several drawbacks. Chief among these is a significantly more tedious and time-consuming maintenance process. It also makes the bike more difficult to easily break down for travel. And, due to inherent space constraints, many fully hidden systems can cause excessive wear and tear on cables and housing if not perfectly set up by an expert mechanic. Likewise, one-piece handlebar-and-stem configurations limit a rider’s ability to dial-in their preferred body position, as well as fine-tune their favored steering interface. With the AR’s tried-and-true system, riders have the option of using our semi-integrated stem (in lengths from 80mm to 140mm) or their favorite stem in whatever material and length they prefer, as well as their preferred handlebar in a myriad of materials, shapes, and sizes.
We pioneered a unique seatpost design for the previous-generation AR, and it offered such a high level of aerodynamic efficiency and a superb ride quality that it only made sense that we would revisit it for the new AR. This latest version still features the signature split design that not only allows for an aerodynamically optimized interface between the post and the seat tube junction, but the two halves of the post flex and shear independently of one another, which increases overall rider comfort. We also created a co-molded rubber insert that lives within the junction of the seatpost and seat tube, giving the entire interface added compliance. Finally, the slotted seatpost design allows for the use of a proprietary clamping mechanism that results in a lighter overall setup thanks to the use of thinner carbon walls, and a more finely tuned level of compliance for rider comfort. So what does all this mean? The new AR’s seatpost provides 112% more flex than the seatpost of the previous- generation AR. Purists will say that an aero race bike shouldn’t be “comfortable.” But we disagree.