The TRUTH about Arm Cups

Why do you see some arm cups with open backs, and others with closed backs? The answer may be a little more complicated than you think.

One of the questions we get a lot regarding our line of Scoops arm cups is … what’s the deal with open-back versus closed back cups? Why does each type exist, and which one is right for me?

At its core, the difference between them is very simple: the closed back cups are really the ultimate for forearm support, and really push the idea of increasing the contact area you have with your bicycle. I’d say that, for most riders doing triathlon or TT riding, closed back scoops are usually the best option. Especially for riders who test high-hands positions. As you tilt your arms up, that little elbow support becomes extremely helpful. It’s not only a great way to stay locked in to your position, but gives you additional control over the bike.

But the benefits of closed-back scoops don’t stop there. A couple of weeks ago I interviewed bike fitter and aero testing guru Jim Manton, and he alerted me to something we hadn’t even considered when designing the cups. He said that as he fits athletes to a new aero position, the closed back helps act as a stopper on their ability to slide back into a less comfortable or less aerodynamic position out of habit. He said he usually sets the back of the cup to be the absolute farthest back he wants to see them, with room to go forward a bit. For Jim, the closed back scoops are not just about comfort or control, but act as one of his fit tools to help athletes stay in their best position.

So that leads us to the other side of the coin – open-back scoops. If the closed-back versions are so great, why would you ever want open-back ones? Primarily, open-back scoops are good for someone who either isn’t ready to commit to a particular position, or really likes to move around a lot in the bars. Now, there’s an argument that either of those cases just speaks to the need for that athlete to get a better bike fit, and that once they do they will be more comfortable on closed-back scoops anyway. But we recognize that not everyone thinks about bike fit the same way we do, and some people just prefer the open back for whatever reason. They still provide a ton of benefit from their careful shaping and increased contact area along your forearm.

Both closed back and open back scoops have a broad range of adjustability and are compatible with just about any bar on the market.

We make a wide range of Scoops to help you get the exact fit and style that works for you, for every athlete and every budget.