Hed Designs Aerolab V04

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at hedcycling.com

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Road without cars

Bike Setup:
Serotta Legend Ti w/full DA 7800
Time VRX DA 7800 w/Zipp Z4
Kuota Kalibur DA 7800 w/Z6 and Hed 3 wheels

Summary:
I had this bike for about 2 years but used it sparingly.
It has the stealth look, ride pretty comfortably and good handling though the front end needs to be stiffer.
Overall it's a descent bike but I think Hed people missed the bullseye with this one.

This bike is in a no man's land.
It isn't a true TT bike or Road bike.
It has a seat angle of 74 degrees (M Frame) which is good angle for crits but I believe they advertise this as a TT frame.
The seat angle is simply too laid back for TT frame.
I set this bike up as a Tri/TT bike but the seat tube angle was too laid back and couldn't quite get comfotable.
I also think that the gap between the rear wheel and seat tube is too wide.
This is surprising since HED people are all about being aerodynamic.
Look at the other TT frame and you will find very tiny gap.
The bike does turn heads and will get a lot of complements.

Three other small issues.
Putting the brake cable through the top tube will take a painstaking time.
Also, after a one ride in rain my seat post clam bolts were rusted as well as the barrel adjuster. My guess is they used cheap bolts for the whole frame.
Lastly, you can not take the rear wheel out until you remove the skewers completlely due to very tight dropouts.


Overall, this frame is not very compelling as a TT bike or Road bike.

It doesn't have the right seat angle for TT set up. It also lacks the light weight, stiffness and overall cache as an outstanding road bike.

It's a simple OK bike.

Strengths:
The look. Comfort due to carbon stays.

Weaknesses:
Seat Angle, weight, tight drop outs, brake cable routing and cheap bolts.

Similar Products Used:
Kuota Kalibur, Cervelo P3, Serotta Tri Colorado