Intermarché-Wanty is set to take on the final time trial of the Tour de France with a competitive edge, thanks to a new partnership with Profile Design. The team and Profile Design have jointly developed a new, fully integrated handlebar system, designed to maximize aerodynamic performance and rider comfort. The new equipment includes the brand new ASC Pro handlebar, as well as the 43 ASC Carbon Extensions, and Race + Armrest Kit.
Teaming up with World Tour team Intermarché-Wanty to make the prototype, the Profile Design engineers just unleashed a revolutionary time trial bar – the ASC Pro. Remember the legendary Sonic Stryke that Profile Design pioneered nearly two decades ago? This is its successor, reborn with even fiercer performance.
Profile Design delivers the newest innovation in time trialing: the ASC Pro. Aerodynamics that crush the wind and comfort that lets you push all the way to the finish line. This bar offers enough adjustability to dial in your perfect position, all while mimicking the sleekness of a bespoke design.
Mikey van Kruiningen, Head Mechanic at Intermarché-Wanty identified the adjustability and compatibility as two priorities:
Adjustability
- Base angle: The ASC Pro features a 15° base angle for a comfortable riding position. You can further fine-tune this angle by up to 10° upwards and 5° downwards using a separate tilt wedge kit.
- Arm contact: The padding provides a consistent surface that runs from your elbow up to your wrist, ensuring full contact and comfort for your arm.
- Width positions: Two included brackets, a 5mm offset and a 15mm offset, offer a range of width adjustments for the ASC Pro. This allows you to customize the fit for your specific needs.
Compatibility
- Double functionality: The included alloy brackets are cleverly designed. You can flip and reverse them, offering two reach positions and two additional width options for even more customization.
The ASC Pro extension body in itself is not adjustable, so there are three sizes – 325, 350 and 375mm long. The ASC Pro offers comfort and aerodynamics comparable to a custom bar while retaining enough adjustability to allow position optimisation.
Another key point in cycling is weight. Because of the cull carbon construction, the ASC Pro weighs a lot less than the conventional systems. The 400mm ASC Pro extension body weighs only between 510g to 550g.
This is what Mikey van Kruiningen, Head Mechanic at Intermarché-Wanty had to say about the new ASC Pro:
- Adjustability: We’re talking wind tunnel tweaks, track tests galore – all to get each rider dialed in like a laser with the ASC Pro. Time trial isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.
- Comfort: When these riders are tucked down low, practically kissing their handlebars, the armrests need to be pure bliss. No more arm pump, just pure power transfer.
- Performance and aerodynamics: We’re talking about time trials, where every watt counts. The ASC Pro is built to slice through the wind like a hot knife through butter, all about raw speed.
- Seamless integration with our Cube fleet: The ASC Pro isn’t just fast, Profile Design made sure that it perfectly hugs our Cube bikes– pure riding perfection.
- And let’s not forget the looks! Because a professional team deserves a professional presentation.
Intermarché-Wanty will use the ASC Pro in combination with the 43 ASC Carbon Extensions and the Race+ Armrest Kit.
The 43 ASC’s are positioned for prime comfort, with a perfectly angled rise (87mm) and a 43-degree sweep that hugs your arm like a second skin. These extensions weren’t only designed for comfort, though. CFD optimization ensures they minimize drag, turning every ounce of the riders effort into pure speed. The 43 ASC are not only crafted in carbon and aerodynamic, thay are also universally compatible.
The Race+ Armrest Kit is 124mm of pure, pressure-reducing bliss, cradling your arms like a cloud while you conquer the road. The Race+ features a cutting-edge surface pattern that doubles down on comfort. It grips you tight for ultimate control and wicks away sweat like a champ, keeping you cool and focused on the finish line.
Basically, these new components are a game-changer. We’ve managed to combine the best of both worlds: the precision of factory production with the personalized fit of a custom bar. It’s like having a tailor-made suit that’s ready off the rack. They’re adjustable, comfortable, aerodynamic beasts that integrate seamlessly with our bikes and look like a million bucks.
Profile Design: Cycling Components Designed for Speed
Since 1988, Profile Design has been setting the standard in innovation, creating cycling components designed for speed. Profile Design has been pushing the limits and making the bold moves to increase cycling performance on the sport’s most captivating stages. Cyclists turn to Profile Design for compelling, detail-oriented products engineered for superior handling, aerodynamics, adjustability and fit. Whether to be first across the line or intrinsically fueled by the allure of competition, athletes worldwide turn to Profile Design, to not only achieve their goals, but to make a lasting statement.
Ingo Weiler (Profile Design):
“We are excited to partner with Intermarché-Wanty and be a part to achieve the team’s goals in the upcoming Time trials!”
Get ready to see Intermarché-Wanty slice through the air on the ASC Pro during the ultimate stage in the Tour de France: the time trial in Nice!
