Syncros has been working on some exciting new products for 2011, including a brand new and very
unique stem that resembles nothing you may have seen before. If that wasn't enough, Syncros is also pushing boundaries in the handlebar market by
debuting a 39" wide bar! Inside you can see all the photos and info, as well as listen to audio about the new products.
Read on... And here I thought that you couldn't possibly reinvent the mountain bike stem... The Syncros FRIC stem is certainly a departure from the norm and can brag about being both impressively light and sporting some unique features. Firstly, this curvy unit is actually forged (although not in the fires of hell), not CNC'd as you might have first guessed. While the fine gentlemen at Syncros were not about to share how the shape comes to life via the forging, it is unusual to see a piece as shapely as the FRIC use this process for manufacturing. I'm not about to go on a big spiel as to why forging can create stronger parts, that is for you to look up, but it is a common method of producing a light and strong final product. The stem's FRIC name is an acronym for FreeRide Intelligent Clamp and refers to the faceplate bar clamp that runs a full 260 degrees around the handlebar. While the forging process contributes to the stem's light 124 gram weight, the extra bar clamp grip area also plays a part in allowing for a lighter weight due to not as much material being needed. Although mega light, the FRIC is designed for full on heavy duty use as the name suggests. After being shown the stem I immediately assumed that your handlebar controls would have to be removed from one side during the installation, but this isn't the case. The 260 degree clamp leaves enough room for you to fit the tapered part of your bar through, not the 31.8 clamping area. Listen to the audio below to learn more!
Something missing from this picture? Moving the steerer tube clamping bolts inboard isn't an entirely new concept, but it certainly finishes off the FRIC stem nicely. Not to mention that it will save your knees if you slip a pedal. The unique looking FRIC stem does require a specific bolt tightening method during installation, listen to the audio to hear the process. Expect to see the FRIC in your local shop this December. One length only, 45 mm, but you can pick from two color options, the white shown here or a black model with a black chrome faceplate.
It is about time someone came out with a 39" (that is 1000 mm!) wide bar. Yes, 39 inches. It makes so much sense that it surprises me that it took this long, but leave it to Syncros to push the limits and make shit happen. Just for anyone keeping tabs, this is the widest bar at Interbike, I personally measured each one to be sure. Listen to the audio to get the full scoop on the FR1000 handlebar!
Visit the
Syncros website to see their entire lineup of goodies... but you won't find the FR1000 bar!
Syncros has been working hard to bring you some new shiny bike bits for 2011. The stem is very cool and the 39" wide bar should be popular with the a lot of shredders. Share your thoughts on the new FRIC stem and 39" wide faux bar below! Just remember to read the article and listen to the audio before commenting!Stay tuned for more Interbike coverage!
I notice the width being very helpful sometimes but on the singletracks when you have to weave through trees...it could be your downfall. And whats the benefit of such a long handlebar? I've noticed turning feels more comfortable. What else?
but beside being hip i personally love a wider bar, (for DH at least) its way more stable at high speeds and really helps crank through corners.
Or is the stem is a 'joke' too?
But who rides with high rise bars for DH/FR these days anyway?
They're out of their mind.
Wake up,if the 800 mm bar are already to wide for most people,why launch a 1000mm bar?
Hold on a moment! - April only in half a year time
While the forging process contributes to the stem's light 124 gram weight,
What length/s does/do the stem come in?