Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon Handlebars - Initial Impressions

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2009/11/syntace-vector-318-carbon-handlebar_1766.html for a full review!

I have been testing the Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon handlebars on my Moots Mooto-XZ 29er for around a month now, and I am highly impressed. Dare I say that they actually have a Titanium feel to them! I have never used a set of carbon handlebars that had such a wonderful feel to them. They are not only bombproof, but they look good, have a nice sweep to them and are decently wide.

Specs
Weight 189 g (verified at 190.7 grams)
Width 680 mm
Rise 10 mm
Clamp Ø 31.8 mm
Sweep 9° or 12°
Color Carbon

I needed some different handlebars when I converted my Mooto-XZ from a 100mm travel 29er to 120mm. The extra raise and slackness of the front end made it too difficult to use the old school layout (flat bars and 100mm stem) that was the default on the bike. To help alleviate the slackness and the stretched out feeling, I went with a 90mm stem and the Vector 318 low rise bars.



The Vector 318's have a couple of interesting features. One feature is that the clamp area has some extra protection that has been added to it. It has what they call an 'in-molded titanium lattice', which helps protect the handlebar from the crushing loads of a stem clamp. You can see it in the picture as sort of a glued on tape zone under the stem clamp. It also provides a nice anti-slip section, since it has a tackiness to it that helps prevents movement.


Although the handlebars look a bit shiny and slipperier, I had the darnedest time getting the grips to slide onto the handlebar ends. I used more than a few choice words during the escapade of getting the grips installed.

The Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon handlebars are one sweet new toy that I am really enjoying, although I am still getting used to how wide they are. They have an incredible feel to them and have several unique features, including the clamp area protection, and they meet DH 2002.4 accreditation, the world‘s toughest test standard for handlebars and stems.


Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon url: http://www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=1529