Acros Carbon Handlebar and Popular Stem - Review
Acros is a component specialist that has been manufacturing lightweight, high-performance products in Renningen, Germany, for around 15 years. Its range comprises headsets, pedals, wheels, bottom brackets, even a hydraulic shifting system - but for mainstream riders, it's probably not the first name that springs to mind when shopping for a new handlebar and stem.
Carbon Handlebar
That might change with the launch of its new Carbon handlebar, which is manufactured in Germany (unlike so many carbon products made in the Far East). It measures 780mm wide with a 35mm center section diameter, and is available with a 15 or 25mm rise, an 8° back-sweep and 5° up-sweep. It’s pretty light at 196g - a weight that compares well with other carbon handlebars - but its 99kg rider weight limit will be a limiting factor for some. It’s available with a choice of red and white logos (Popular) or black logos (Gothic). MSRP: €149.95, $164,95USD
Popular Stem
If you’re upgrading to a 35mm handlebar, you need a suitable stem. This Popular stem is available in five lengths from 50mm (pictured), to 90mm, It’s beautifully machined from aluminum with a four-bolt faceplate and two steerer-clamp bolts. It’s nicely finished and a pleasant enough design, and weighs 138g. MSRP: €74.95, $79,95USD.
www.acros.de / @acros
Trail Report
I’ve been testing the Acros bar and stem for a couple of months on a 150mm trail bike. They replaced a bar and stem of the same width and length, but with an upgrade in the clamp diameter from 31.8mm to 35mm.The handlebar felt right at home immediately. The angle of the bar put my hands at a comfortable position, with good control when riding at higher speeds and on more challenging trails. Some 35mm aluminum bars I have ridden have felt overly harsh, passing too much vibration through to the hands. The carbon layup of the Acros handlebar got the balance of stiffness to compliance just right, they manage to filter out much of sensation of vibration, something that you'll notice more over smaller, high-frequency bumps than bigger impacts.
If you are a gram counter, the 196g weight (about half an equivalent aluminum bar and lighter than the same width Renthal Fatbar Carbon) means these are some of the lightest 35mm handlebars on the market. Despite the scant weight, I’ve not had any concerns about the strength and durability. Some people would be skeptical of a bar that is so light, but I’ve crashed them and they have yet to explode. The carbon finish has so far proved hard-wearing and durable, and there’s been no problem with grips or brake levers slipping around the bars.
There’s little to report about the Acros Popular stem. It didn’t flex and went about its task of securing the handlebar to the bike. The stem is easy to install with precise fitting hardware, and the finish is exceptionally good, with well-radiused edges. It would be nice to have some more length options, a 35mm would be a welcome addition to the range.
Pinkbike'sTake:
 | Upgrading your handlebar and stem is one of the easiest ways to change the ride and feel of your bike. While the 35mm clamp standard hasn't exactly taken the mountain bike world by storm, Acros has used the larger diameter to design a magnificently lightweight carbon handlebar. If you are in the market for a lightweight, wide, stiff, yet forgiving handlebar and a matching stem with perfect proportions, the Acros kit is worth looking at. - David Arthur |
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Member since Apr 12, 2015
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you are concerned about a wheight limit of 99 kg if you have a closer look at teh website teh handlebar lasts the multiload test requirements which are the highest in teh industry!?
what ever it's your choice, but for my point of view I would trust more in a brand which takes really care about their products espacially in a case of the handlebar which is a high quality made in germany product and not a cheap in production vietnamese or cambodian carbon sausage.
cheers from a "usually sausage lover" :-)
I'd take a spare aluminium dh bar in the bag just in case
Also 99kg weight limit is wild, i imagine most riders throw on 10-15kg of clothing/rucksack/stuff so that really must limit their potential demographic for these bars. but how many companies actually specify a max rider weight for their bits? it could just be to cover their asses. then again if your entertaining weight weenies they should be pretty lean and welterweight themselves.
So this acros bar and stem did not roll very fast, we found they created too much rolling resistance, almost as if they were just scraping along the ground and not actually rotating. We couldn't find a plus sized tyre to fit, in fact no tyres at all fitted on this bar and stem combo. 5/5 Really impressed.
You're welcome!
But why would I buy this brand when my Raceface Atlas stem and SixC Carbon 35mm bars and stem is so nice?
Not to mention how commonly available,warranted and discounted in many places?
.....Ok...... I feel better now. ????
Thanks expensive!
*not complaining about cost... , instead of . in the pricing.
*OpeningTheNationalStereotypesBox*
However, I don't think it is a bad idea to make products weight specific. XC cranks and DH cranks are not built with the same strength so why not bars, frames, etc?
a) You don't build muscles from eating croissants
b) To eat the same mass as a nice big steak you'd need to eat about 5 of them...
If you want healthy fats, eat some nuts or fat fish like salmon or fish oil.
What does it fckn means?! Seriously, it doesnt mâle any sense