For just a little bit more long term feedback after 2 1/2 years, the only other thing I hate besides the lack of a UDH on this frame is the damn seatpost wedge / clamp.  I've already had to replace the bolt once, but the main problem is that it's just angled too in line with the frame making it nearly impossible to get any tool other than a standard L shaped Allen key in there.  The head of my torque wrench?  Too bulky, doesn't work.  Nearly all of the multitools I'd carry with me on the bike?  Same problem.

Obviously it's a small issue but these have been the only two flaws in this for me.

The knockoff Alanera from AliExpress was measured very strangely in my experience.  I've got two different 110mm ones from different sellers for different bikes, they are more like 130mm (estimated by comparing to an Easton stem).

I eventually switched over to Lexon gravel ones on one bike and road ones on another and like them a lot better (and the measurements seem more accurate).

Though I will say the Lexon road bars had trouble fitting the Jagwire compressionless housing for my rim brakes on that bike (theres like a long metal transition piece that just could not fit in the bars no matter what I tried).

The Deda clones I've ordered must be specified / measured weirdly, as the two I got a year or two ago were both like 20mm longer than expected.

On the other hand, I bought a Lexon gravel bar and really like it, that one was spot on with its measurement.

Site seems to not be letting me upload images (error 500).

Here's imgur versions of a picture with skinnier tires for the person who was curious.  30mm tires from the front, and an updated side view:

I feel like this is probably a really dumb question, but I just got a new gravel bar from Lexon.  It came with a normal metal compression ring shaped like a C, this is what I'm familiar with from all previous work on my bikes.  However, it also came with this weird looking thing that maybe is a different type of plastic compression ring?  It's on the Aliexpress page as a "cable guide" but definitely does not fit anywhere but where the compression ring would go.

Am I crazy, does this serve some other purpose?  If I'm right, which one would be better to use?   I don't want to cut brake hoses to put the new top cap on yet, so I haven't been able to test on the bike, but the metal one sits a little bit deeper if I put it on top of a bearing.


(Also, I really don't understand the point of breakaway spacers that don't open at the cable/hose section and only open at the fork part, but that's a whole other thing.)

I'm about ready to give up on my most recent order (new bars) to the US, purchased Feb 17, "arrived at facility" in ISC New York on Feb 25, and absolutely no movement since.

Trying to not talk about politics here but this trade war stuff is infuriating.

Edit:  It looks like maybe on March 8 it may have finally left NY.

Do you have any picture where I ca seenthe gaps around tires?

Nothing from the front (and the bike is disassembled currently for spring maintenance and a replacement bar) but page 5 has a picture from the side with 30mm tires.