Pinkbike Product Picks
Syncros FL 1.0 Carbon Handlebar
The FL1.0 Carbon bar with a 15-millimeter rise is Syncros' top end carbon bar and is crafted from high-modulus carbon fiber. It is offered in 700 and 740-millimeter widths and has a sibling flat bar which, aside from the lack of rise, carries the same dimensions and angles. The backsweep is tried and true nine degrees, while the upsweep is six degrees (one more than the five degrees the industry has largely settled on). The 740-millimeter-width riser bar has a claimed weight of a very competitive 200 grams and is full of smart features. The stem clamp zone is reinforced to resist crushing and to reduce stress risers, and it is coated at the stem interface with a special material to increase grip and reduce the chance of the bar rotating at the clamp. The ends of the bar have aluminum inserts to protect them from abrasion. A nice feature is the markings on the bar under the brake-lever clamps to facilitate better alignment between right and left lever assemblys. The graphics are very understated, with subtle gold lettering of the Syncros logo and a faint white outline font indicating the FL1.0 model; all this over the raw unidirectional carbon, for a very high-end look. MSRP: $149.99 USD.
Syncros' FL1.0 carbon bar is a leading combination of weight and width
Pinkbike's take:
 | What Syncros has managed to produce is a very compelling choice for those seeking width without sacrificing the weight or stiffness of the handlebar. At 740 millimeters wide and 205 grams actual weight, it is a champion of the gram-conscious rider seeking a wider bar. It is very rigid and resists flex even under very heavy loading. The added width over more traditional bars provides great leverage to ease the control of the bike on the downs. The quality of the construction and finish is right up there with the best and the bar is full of thoughtful features. Scott brings a depth of experience to carbon construction, so those uneasy about trying a new carbon bar ought not to be afraid to try this one out. The more upward sweep of the Syncros bar felt great, coming off a handlebar with a standard, five-degree sweep. This bar is a winner - Michael Klimek |
Syncros AM 1.5 Stem
Syncros' AM1.5 stem falls into the All Mountain category and at 1.5 is the second tier of that group (in fact the AM group appears to be second tier, as there is no 1.0 offering). The stem is made of the industry's workhorse 6061 aluminum alloy and as mentioned above falls toward the lower end of the selection (with higher end aluminum stems being produced out of 7075 alloy, as well as there being carbon fiber offerings in the TR and FL groups). It is available in 60-millimeter (reviewed), 70, 80 and 90-millimeter lengths. The body is 3D forged and features two opposing bolts to clamp on securely to the steerer while the the broad faceplate secures the handlebar using four bolts. The stem flares out from the clamp toward the wide faceplate providing additional torsional rigidity and support for the handlebar. The claimed weight of the stem is 135 grams for a 70-millimeter version. MSRP: $54.99 USD.
Syncros' AM1.5 stem offers a great combination of performance and price
Pinkbike's take:
| While billed as a mid-range offering, the AM1.5 stem offers a very compelling balance of weight, price and performance. Syncros' 3D forged body requires minimal machining and the finish is shot peened and anodized. It may not win anyone over with the looks, but is certainly durable. The flared out construction gives the stem added stiffness and provides added support for the handlebar clamp. There was no detectable flex or twisting. The 60mm stem we tested weighted in at a respectable, 148 grams - an excellent choice for the price-conscious, seeking solid performance. - Michael Klimek |
Syncros RR 1.5 Saddle
The RR1.5 saddle is a mid-range offering in the Road Race category. The distinguishing characteristic from the mountain saddle is a stretched out rear section allowing the rider more sitting positions than a typical mountain saddle would. It features titanium rails with a carbon-injected base, as well as pressure relief channels and a modest amount of padding, which Syncros refers to as 'Superlight Foam.' Higher end saddles in the 1.0 category feature carbon rails, while the lower end ones marked 2.0, feature steel rails and fiberglass bases. The saddle is offered in only one width at 140mm and it comes with a choice of two color schemes; all black with red lettering accents, or white with a black stripe running down the center and grey lettering. The claimed weight is 230 rams. MSRP: $ 99.99 USD.
Syncros' RR1.5 saddle provides moderate padding at a good weight
Pinkbike's take:
| The RR1.5 saddle hits all the requirements for a upper-midrange offering. The RR1.5's actual weight is dead on the claimed, 230 grams. There is actually some padding, the rails are made out of titanium, it looks good and there's even some carbon in the shell. Comfort of a saddle is very subjective and while this isn't what I'd like to be sitting on all day, there are others for whom the shape should work great. Only one width is offered and the added length of the rear section appeals more to those who put emphasis on climbing rather then descending. Grinding up long fire roads benefits from being able to sit back and get a small degree of the recumbent effect going; otherwise, those who do not like getting snagged on the saddle will likely look over this one. The cover material is grippy, almost sticky and that will polarize some customers as well. Overall, a solid offering. - Michael Klimek |
Syncros
Syncros was acquired from by a long-time partner, the Swiss brand Scott Sports. Historically the focus of the brand and its reputation have been built on the AM/TR, FR and DH categories where Syncros has positioned itself as a strong contender. Since the acquisition by Ritchey Logic some time ago and now Scott; the offerings have been broadly expanded toward the XC and Road categories. The products in their lineup are categorized based on intended use and are identifiable by their two letter acronym indicating the segment followed by a number indicating their position on the totem pole in each category. For mountain bikes, XR indicates cross country, TR indicates Trail, AM stands for All Mountain, and FR is Freeride; FL category, which stands for "Freakin' Light" encompasses their top flight (typically carbon fiber) offerings. On the road side of things there is RL for Road Light, RR for Road Race and the same FL for the carbon bits. Finally, 1.0 indicates top offering in any segment and number increases the lower you go.
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www.paulcomp.com/cameramount.html
Also you could probably mount a bar fly to this www.paulcomp.com/stemcaplightmount.html for your Garmin.
stemcaptain.co.uk/index.php/shop/product/2-stem-cap-bike-clock
I actually like these syncros bars and that saddle. Actually I think that saddle is too gorgeous to use!
tractionbikeblog.com/2013/08/23/review-stemcaptain-enduro-clock