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3T Integra Stem with Integrated CycleOps Power Computer, Di2 Version Coming

3T Integra stem with integrated CycleOps power meter computer housing nose cone
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3T Integra stem with integrated CycleOps power meter computer housing nose cone

We got the first look at 3T’s Integra stem as a prototype at Eurobike, and now they’ve made it official. Sort of. It should be making its first real world appearance at the Giro d’Italia in May, according to our sources.

The Integra integrates a CycleOps computer into a removable nose cone that attaches to the front of the stem, giving your bike a much more elegant and aero appearance than strapping something to the handlebar. And there’s no weight penalty for looking good. The full carbon stem and weighs in at just 135g and works just as well if you’re not using the computer module. Surprisingly, 3T says you can even use it on cyclocross and mountain bikes.

What we didn’t hear at Eurobike was their plans to do a Di2 integrated version. Not sure how useful shift buttons would be on the stem, but for those wanting to run third party hydraulic brake levers, it’s at least an option. More intriguing is the possibility of a renewed Flightdeck computer integrated into it (No, Shimano, we haven’t given up hope). Pricing still isn’t set, but you can check the full PR after the break..

3T Integra stem with integrated CycleOps power meter computer housing nose cone

PRESS RELEASE:
Stem houses electronic devices from multiple vendors, for systemic integration of wireless performance monitoring and navigation systems; CycleOps first to offer ‘in-the-box’ solution of stem and electronics; Shimano Di2 version slated for early next year

3T is to spearhead an industry initiative to integrate electronic instrumentation into the bicycle. It will partner with vendors producing instrumentation devices and software to create a universal platform for data logging, performance measurement, and navigation.

3T will produce hardware components to enable integrated, system-wide solutions: cockpit mountings for head units, wheels with built-in data transmission units, and cranks with integrated sensors. The ultimate aim is to offer customers all the components they need in one box at the point of sale.

The 3T e-Integration program starts with the INTEGRA stem, a universal component for electronic head units, that is showing today at Eurobike. INTEGRA is shown with a CycleOps Cervo head unit. A unit for Shimano Di2 electronic controls is forthcoming.

The demonstration bicycle features CycleOps PowerTap power-measurement technology built in to a 3T MERCURIO wheelset, and cadence sensors built in to 3T’s forthcoming, all-carbon-fiber META crankset.

The 3T INTEGRA stem is an all-carbon-fiber unibody. Clamp bolts are entirely concealed by the shroud, making it both elegant and aerodynamic. It’s initially available in a 110-mm size and the range will expand to include 90-, 100-, and 120-mm sizes. Weight of the 110-mm stem is 135 g. It’s suitable for road, track, and triathlon bikes but can also be used on MTB and cyclocross bikes.

Announcing the e-Integration program, 3T CEO René Wiertz said:
“Today’s racing bicycle is a hi-tech product. We use computer technology to design and build frames, wheels, and cockpit components. But that’s just the hardware that goes under the rider. With our new e-Integration series, we’re looking to extend that into the way riders use their bike.

“Today’s riders are entirely comfortable using information technology in most other aspects of their life. There’s no reason they wouldn’t use computer technology to help optimize their athletic performance, and that’s the direction they’re moving in.
“At present several vendors offer add-on measuring and monitoring devices for critical performance functions such as power output, cadence, heart-rate, and so on. Logged data can be downloaded to an ongoing performance log, and analyzed to help improve training methods.

“There is also a different category of on-board devices used primarily for navigation, and these are converging with performance monitors. Development of these devices is very rapid and in the near future we expect to see full-featured products that will permit riders to select the apps they need for the type of ride they are doing.

“It’s absurd that fitting these devices is an afterthought, lashed on to the bike’s handlebars or stem. Sure, cable-ties are a fantastically useful product – for tying cables. What we are doing here is to integrate cycle instrumentation into the bicycle. This will make it easier to use, more reliable, more aerodynamic, and more robustly protected against the rough-and-tumble of sporting use.

“Obviously it’s a great step forward that several vendors of these devices have at last been able to agree on a common signalling protocol, ANT+, working in the 2.4 GHz band. This clears the way for system-wide integration of devices. With a common wireless standard in place, riders should be able to mix and match components from multiple vendors.

“A full-on system would include a dedicated rear hub for power measurement, a cadence sensor built in to the crank, a heart-rate monitor, and electronic head unit integrated into the stem to display a single, consolidated view of user-selected data. This head unit might also include GPS functionality.

“One hindrance to physical integration is that different vendors offer head units of various dimensions. Our INTEGRA stem will offer a variety of bezel units to accommodate various form factors. With our expertise in rapid development of composite structures, 3T is able to prototype and prove new bezel units very quickly.

“We believe e-Integration offers the serious cyclist real benefits, and for a comparatively modest cost. High-end racing bicycle design is now very highly evolved. Incremental performance improvements to the standard bicycle’s diamond frame are very expensive to achieve, and the cost of the bicycle to the end user is correspondingly high.

“Most riders will get a greater performance improvement by adopting more scientific and rigorous training methods than by doubling their outlay on their bike. Our aim is to put pro-level training within the reach of a broad range of consumers by making the associated instrumentation better integrated and protected, more attractive, and easy to buy and use. We think that will offer a real value to competitive cyclists, at a relatively low cost.

“With our forthcoming INTEGRA series we are positioning ourselves at the heart of this next phase of bicycle design.”

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Sean
Sean
12 years ago

Still looks ridiculous.

Matt
Matt
12 years ago

It seems kind of silly to aim for making something like this. It’s like putting an integrated computer in a TV. 5 years from now you’re just going to have a funky looking stem with a computer that doesn’t quite do what you are hoping it will do.

I think their efforts would be much better spent on creating a case for the computer that clipped and unclipped easily from the stem in a more aero manner than the current models. You could argue that’s what they’re doing with the Bezel; however, no word if that’s going to be an open model so that any manufacturer can integrate.

satisFACTORYrider
12 years ago

not enough drivers are distracted electronically already, eh? can’t wait to youtube/gopro the carnage! by all means i’ve got popcorn and snacks! let the bodies hit the floor!!

Phatpants
Phatpants
12 years ago

I cant imagine any racer in the giro would be excited to have this on their bike.

Tinozee
Tinozee
12 years ago

This is a weird product that I would not buy.

I also cannot stand their logo – the military style font 3T is terrible.

I do like the regular 3T parts though, great quality and price.

I hope the next press release says there is a new logo and marketing department! I seriously think that strategic move would transform this company into a stronger competitor. Much more than an ugly gimmick stem like this. Stick to high quality with minimal, classy design. Cyclists buy that.

Steve M
Steve M
12 years ago

Cupholder and cigarette lighter option? Ipod jack?

timmbers
timmbers
12 years ago

Hands down the ugliest component i have ever seen. wait… the was that sram space ship bar tho…

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/handlebar/sram/smartbar/prd_357364_123crx.aspx

Joshua Murdock
12 years ago

I’m more concerned by the fact that that Sram shifter has no… shifter…..? Photoshop error? Electronic? MAGIC?

eric
eric
12 years ago

I need this for the iPhone and cyclemeter

Robin
Robin
12 years ago

I think the stem fails on a few points:

1. It offers no adjustment for computer position
2. A person can’t flip the stem and still see the computer

I like 3T’s logo and think it’s industrial, not military. Given the number of 3T products I see on other bikes, I don’t think their font choice is hurting them one bit.

Chris
Chris
12 years ago

Interesting Press Release error.

Its a Joule headunit not a Cervo.

professorVelo
professorVelo
12 years ago

if they’d just cast this in latex they could transition quite easily into the adult novelties market…

certainly giving rise to a whole new category of bike porn

Patrick
Patrick
12 years ago

Am I the only one that notices the lack of a shift lever?

WannaBeSTi
WannaBeSTi
12 years ago

I wonder how it’ll look when (and it’ll happen) that the CycleOps head has to be sent back for whatever reason.

Also, I wonder if Honda knows 3T is using the Integra (a great car) name for something SO stupid.

James65
James65
11 years ago

I see more as a perfect mount for a Time Trial set up. Might be ok on a road bike too, but it will really shine sitting between the aero bar extensions

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