Twenty Nine Inches has become a place where we have allowed the reviews of handle bars that fall outside of the normal flat, five to seven degree XC bars and typical riser bars that have become a standard of sorts for most mountain bikes. For whatever reasons, 29″er fans are attracted to these “alt bars” and since that is certainly the case, Twenty Nine Inches has been looking at the various “alt bar” choices over the past couple of years or so.
Well, to that end, Ritchey saw fit to send us their latest WCS model. A flat, high modulus carbon fiber job, that is 660mm wide, with 10 degree sweep. That doesn’t tell the whole story here though. This bar has something a bit different that sets it apart from most bars of this type. Let’s take a look….
You will notice that this bar has the now familiar to alt bar fans “forward wiggle”. This is a design feature intended to allow for a swept bar yet not require a change in stem length. Ritchey designed in this “forward wiggle” in the carbon bar with a 10 degree sweep, which is definitely more than a standard XC bar, but is right in line with a riser bar. The second thing to note is the lack of rise. This bar is absolutely flat, and this is in part aimed at 29″er riders to allow them to set the bar height lower yet retain a “riser bar feel” with the sweep.
The WCS Carbon Mountain 10D Flat bar is available now and MSRP is $169.95. The bar is listed as having a “UD” finish, and has a claimed weight of 178 grams. The center section of the bar is textured to allow for a better interface with a stem. The rest of the bar is finished in a high gloss, smooth look.
Our sample weighed in at 190 grams, so a bit more than claimed, but less than the aluminum bar it replaced which weighed 230 grams. Also, in a strange twist, the Ritchey bar actually lengthened the cockpit length of the bike I mounted it to by about 12mm. So the “forward wiggle” actually wiggles a bit too far forward, apparently. This didn’t really mess with my personal preferences too badly, but for someone who is ultra sensitive to position changes, this should be noted. Another noteworthy item concerns the grips I chose. Originally I was going to stick with the stock, light weight, lock on grips that featured 2mm Allen bolt clamps. Unfortunately, the slick looking finish on the bar was too slick. I couldn’t keep the grips from spinning. So I resorted to the Ergon grips, which I prefer anyway, and they held on just fine. Grip choices may be an issue here.
Now that the bar is mounted, a test ride or two is in order. I’ll report back with my impressions and a final take on these bars then.
Note: This product was submitted to Twenty Nine Inches for review at no charge. We are not being bribed or payed for this review. We will strive to give our honest opinions throughout.
What is the OD? Is it one of those new fat sausage bars?
I have been riding a alum. version for over a year. LOVE IT… Will be interesting what you think.
What a sick looking cockpit! Sorry to get off-subject, but could you identify that steerer cap?
of finish the review of the bike it is attached too..
I like it – but I think I’d like it better with more sweep – at least enough to get the grips back to where they would be without the forward wiggle.
Another worthy contender for the carbon SS!
Alon, the cap is a stock Specialized item. I have the same bike ” SJ expert 29er ” . Im running the the stock stem w/ no spacers and a low riser bar to achieve the same effect. (although it does not look as cool) …. by the way I see that the snow has melted and im looking forward to the full SJ expert review.
@Alon: “R” is correct. A stock Specialized offset stem cap that allows for an adjustment in stem angle.
@Hans: The update on the Stumpjumper Carbon Expert is due sometime next week.
@Willie: Yes, it is 31.8mm clamp diameter.
Bar-end compatible?
You must have a 100% broomstick shaped bar to not need a shorter stem when switching to this, it seems.
They have the idea, not the geometry. Long stems are GOOD for had positions, especially on bikes that can afford such a bar. 10 degrees..I’ve been unable to run those since the 11D Salsa’s. Then the 17D ones cam, and I couldn’t stand 11D anymore. 10D…even German bike brands have been spec’ing more for most of the past decade.
I’ve been riding this bar for a year now. It is awesome. It gave me a lower position on the front end of my 29′er which is tough to do sometimes. I did have to shorten up the stem by a cm because if you look at the bar it sweeps forward then back. Essentially putting your hands right at the center of the stem. Where a traditional bar sweeps back from the center of the stem. At first this was a little annoying to me but once I got it set up the bike just seemed to handle even faster. Which is what I was looking for. It would also be a great solution for someone that is taller and doesn’t want to ride a longer stem for their fit.
One word of advice. On any carbon bar make sure to follow the torque specs per each item. I cracked one by torquing a Shimano shifter to 5nm when it should have been 3nm. Doesn’t seem like much but it is.
@Kosmo: Yes.
I have found I prefer a little forward, lots backsweep bars that requires a long stem. This is for fast cummuting/racing. Then, why ever ride slong with a carbon handlebar?
Negative rise makes the forward sweep act as an extra hand position. The long stem gives a free view of the front tire, and makes the narrow hand position nice and aero. The increased backsweep does wonders for leverage and comfort, while making length and width of grip position adjustable on the fly, just move your hands.
10D is still straight, and Ritchey’s solution is a bit worse. I’d love to learn the pro’s of this geometry, I see more cons right now.
“Our sample weighed in at 190 grams, so a bit more than claimed, but less than the aluminum bar it replaced which weighed 230 grams.”
Can I take this that you tried the aluminum version of the same bar. Curious, because I’m thinking of getting the aluminum version to replace a carbon riser bar (different brand) and would like to know if there is any flex to the aluminum version. I will be riding rigid an wouldn’t mind a little flex. Any advice on the aluminum version?
Thanks!
@JoesephK: It should have read, “….but less than the Specialized aluminum bar it replaced.”
Sorry about the confusion there.
Therefore I have no beta for you on Ritchey’s aluminum version of this bar, but I am currently testing a bike with a Ritchey aluminum riser and it is quite stiff.