| Bontrager's new RSL carbon handlebar / stem combo is a guaranteed conversation starter, and it also adds some space-age flair to any bike. I'd even go so far as to say these are some of the best looking bars currently on the market. While the concept isn't exactly new, it's still a polarizing design due to the fact that adjusting handlebar roll isn't possible, and there's no easy stem switching. On the flip side, the integration allows for fairly significant weight savings, somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 grams compared to a high-end carbon bar and aluminum stem combo.
The $350 price tag also isn't exactly budget friendly, but there are also carbon bars and stems out there that, when purchased together, would have a similar final price. Bontrager offers two versions – the 750mm XC-oriented model with a 13-degree stem drop, and the trail-oriented version that comes in an 820mm length and a 0-degree rise stem.
I've been using trail version, trimmed down to 780mm. Installation was straightforward, just don't forget to use the included aluminum spacer that sits on the inside of the stem to help cinch everything down. On my scale the bars weigh 274 grams, or 24-grams more than Bontrager's stated weight. (I have a feeling their weight is without the aluminum spacer, but I included it since it's a necessary part.)
Out on the trail, the bars feel, well, normal. They're stiff without feeling uncomfortably harsh, and the rise and sweep isn't that far off from what I prefer. However, they also don't exactly match my current preference, and that's what's ultimately going to be the deciding factor when it comes to who purchases these. For me, they're very close, but not quite in line with what I'm looking for - I'd love to see a higher rise version added into the lineup, and maybe one with a little more backsweep and a 40mm stem length.
If the 45mm or 35mm stem length, 27.5mm rise, 7-degree backsweep and 6-degree upsweep match the numbers you're after, then the RSL bars could be a good weight saving option.
Update: I’ve spent more time on these bars on harder packed, rougher trails, and found them to be too stiff for my liking. There’s not much give to them, and that leads to more feedback reaching my hands and forearms. |
While we are at it I super wish that fork steerers were keyed after being pressed in with a slot in my stem to always make it perfectly straight.
Would consider buying combo as an upgrade to current set up;
Bar position only needs to be as accurate as your hand placement when you grab the bars. Nobody gets that the same to 1 mm or 1 deg. every time, so why worry about 1 mm or 1 deg. on the bar position?
You probably overestimate how sensitive you are to those angles. How many times have you seen someone crash, get back up, and ride on, and then notice at the end of the ride that the crash knocked their bars askew? It happens all the time.
As many pointed out already, the lack of bar roll adjustment and the fact that the stem and bar sweep angles/position will be different on every bike, makes it a non-starter for me or anyone who likes to fine-tune the fit of their cockpit.
Add to that the fact that the XC version is not really XC-light - trail bar tested above was 24g overweight, so I think it would be safe to assume their supposed 228g XC version with 90mm stem is closer to 245-250g on actual scale...
And for $350 USD? My 760mm carbon bar / 90mm aluminum stem combo weighs in at 215g, at under $250 CAD or about $200 USD. And if I wreck and damage the bar, I'm not scrapping the stem with it.
I cant say that I didnt get along with the roll or sweep of it but I understand that if I didnt like it, I'd be stuck with it (so get that point).
Their "virtual" 40mm stem is closer to a 30mm stem FWIW.. I'll keep running it for the time being... that being said I wouldnt spend the 450 AUD that you would for a new one (got mine second hand for 100 bucks from a bloke that didnt like the feel).
so to recap: not any lighter that stem/bar combo, more expensive, less adjustable, and to put your bike in a bike bag, you'd have to clamp a traditional stem on the steerer so your front end didn't wobble apart in transit.
That's going to be a no from be, dawg.
Anything shorter than 25-30mm is difficult to engineer in aluminum, period. But with carbon it's not. I like the idea of having some of these shorter stem/bar options in 5mm-25mm to dial in your reach below the usual 30mm limitation. Not everyone has perfect arm length in proportion to the rest of their body and more options are good to have.
I guess, like myself, you have the "perfect " numbers in mind, but no one is making that bike. I know I know. It will come close at some point.
Eurotrip, watched that movie countless times. Thanks for bringing up some memories.
Bluegrasses back/shoulder protectors look like the best product out there for that... you just can't seem to buy them in the US yet. I read recently that they're finally going to be distributing them to the US sometime early next year, but until then, I don't think you can buy one if you're stateside.
Just as an FYI.
And... I'd love to be wrong. So if anyone knows different, please let me know .
Only thing I wish for is a zipper.
also US. availability and 1 day amp shipping
@fullendurbro:
Thanks for the info/recommendation guys.
I haven't looked at the 100% stuff, I'll take a look at them now though. And I'd looked at the fox Baseframe pro, but its almost impossible to find reviews on that for some reason. Hearing that the chest protector is removable is good. Maybe I'll take a look at it again.
I have some Leatt Airflex elbow pads that fit this mantra of "not the highest protection level, but I literally forget I'm wearing them", so I wear them every ride.
Because of that, I've looked at the Leatt Airflex Stealth tee, as well as the Ion Protection Scrub amp vest, and one of the POC vests as well. And they all have certain things that appeal to me. The Bluegrass seamless seems to have all the checkboxes ticked, its just not available now.
$65 bucks, fits great, more protection in more areas.
The poc blows. Hot AF. The IXS version is better but not by much. The bluegrass looks like a winner but just 2 sizes is kinda BS
Also, my $0.02 is that the mimic saddles aren't worth it for dudes. I got talked into one and it's not as good as the normal power saddles with the cutout for dudes. Or this dude at any rate! The mimic is now on the peloton and a region power expert on my gravel bike.
Google Klein Mission Control.
Or is it just behind a paywall now?
Its either part of a ship or some strange aliens head.
Either way, it sucks