Renthal release wider handlebars with 35 mm diameter
UK based Renthal have been manufacturing bars, stems and chainrings in-house since 1969 and have now updated their entire range. The ever popular Fatbar (and Fatbar Lite bars have grown wider and fatter (to the new 35 mm standard) and we have been riding a set to see how they shape up.
Ian Collins from Renthal states “We are very pleased to announce the launch of a 35mm diameter option to our range of Fatbar, Fatbar Carbon, Fatbar Lite and Fatbar Lite Carbon handlebars and Apex and Integra stems. 35mm diameter has seen a significant increase in use as an OE fitment over the last couple of years, which has subsequently lead to an aftermarket demand for product upgrades. Our philosophy is always to offer as much choice as possible, so it was a natural step to offer a 35mm option.”
The Fatbar and Fatbar Lite grow 20 mm wider.
One change which we are really excited about is that the Fatbar Lites have grown wider too, we love the ride and sweep of the Renthal range, feeling instantly comfortable and aggressive, but 740 mm was not quite enough width. Renthal have added 20 mm to all their bars, taking the Fatbar Lites (Aluminium and Carbon) 35mm’s to 760 mm and the Fatbar (Aluminium and Carbon) to a tree worrying 800 mm, this is great news.
What are the benefits of 35 mm?
When asked why they went to the 35 mm standard Ian Collins stated, “With all our new 35mm handlebar line, we saw the ride quality and flex characteristics being of optimum importance. For all our 35mm handlebars we have matched their flex characteristics to the 31.8mm equivalent. All 35mm diameter options have the same ride quality that Renthal handlebars have become synonymous with. We have achieved the same ride quality with no loss of strength or durability and at a very similar weight to the 31.8mm equivalent. The only exception to this is the aluminium Fatbar 35. By improving the efficiency of the use of material in this handlebar, we’ve reduced the weight significantly, whilst maintaining the same level the strength, durability as the 31.8mm diameter equivalent.”
“Our challenge with the Apex and Integra stems was to keep the strength, stiffness and durability of the larger 35mm diameter package at the same weight as the 31.8mm equivalent. Developing each stem from the ground up, but sharing the same 240-degree clamping system of the 31.8mm stems, the strength, stiffness and durability were all matched to the 31.8mm equivalent. An average of just 1.5g increase in weight for the Integra 35 and an average of 7g increase for the Apex 35.”
Price and specifications of the new Renthal Range
The new 35 mm Renthal Fatbar is available in Aluminium £69.95 and Carbon £134.99, and the Fatbar Lite costs £69.96 and £129.99 respectively, and all are available in 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm rises. The new Apex (33, 40 50 and 60 mm lengths available) and Integra (45 and 50 mm in 0 or 10 degree rise available) stems in 35 mm standard cost £89.85 and £99.85 respectively.
Our impressions of the new 35 mm Fatbar Lite and Apex Stem
We have always been fans of the Renthal range of bars but have always wished for just a little more width. Renthal has answered our demands with an extra 20 mm taking the Fatbar Lite Carbon 35 mm’s to 760 mm. With the added width the Fatbar Lite Carbons feel more aggressive and the sweep and rise are very comfortable. Some 35 mm bars can feel overly stiff and dead feeling, contributing to arm pump, but the Renthal’s use the new standard well and still feel well damped and comfortable. The added friction surface of the bar’s clamping surface ensures that there are no slips and with a 33 mm stem length available you can really make the most of the advantages of a short stem if your frame reach is long enough.
Going to 35 mm has brought the Renthal range bang up to date, but it’s the added 20 mm width that will please most, making the bars a better option for those who prefer a wider and more aggressive stance.
For more information you can check out the Renthal Website.
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