Comparative evaluation of four integrated handlebars

[kiritozhang]

In recent years, integrated handlebars have been very popular. Many brands have introduced integrated handlebars.
However, many integrated handlebars are difficult to buy in China, so the four handlebars reviewed in this review are easier to buy in China. All the integrated handlebars reviewed in this issue were purchased by the author at their own expense. These four products are outstanding in integrated handlebars.
The four products are:Vision Metron 5D、Bontrager XXX、Farsports F1、The One
Article is divided into three sections
1. Details review
2. Experimental test data
3. Riding experience

[kiritozhang]

1.1 Vision Metron 5D

In my opinion, the most famous one is the Vision Metron 5D. It has a very high usage rate in competitions, and many brands of aerodynamic bikes choose to use it.
For example: Bianchi Oltra XR4, Merida Reacto, Orbea Orca Aero, etc.

Vision Metron 5D has a highly recognizable appearance, strong and aerodynamic.

The Vision Metron 5D's shape is the most flat and aggressive of the four products. The computer mount uses a structure fixed under the handle.

The Stem can house Shimano Di2 controllers and adjustable-length computer mounts. Complete integration of accessories is extremely high.
But I have seen the storage structure of the Shimano Di2 controller break.

The bottom shows the specifications and torque values of the handlebars. The handlebar width designation is center-to-center at the end of the drop bar

The Vision Metron 5D is integrated with many frames. With a dedicated spacer, you can achieve more integrated and concise visual effects.
In order to align with the spacer, there is a positioning design at the bottom of the stem.

The vision angle of the Vision Merton 5D is -6 °. The top of the stem is integrated with a dedicated top cap. The locking height of the stem is 40mm.

Vision Metron 5D uses a cable design inside, but because the tube is very flat and the interior is not completely flat, you may encounter some trouble when passing the cable.

The shape of the Vision Metron 5D's drop bar is different from the traditional design.
Both sides are 5mm apart, but keep the shape vertical, so it will look a bit awkward.
This is said to be a design from World Tour rider feedback.

Vision Metron 5D supports not only the traditional DI2 controller, but also the new RS910. The opening of the drop bar is oval, allowing easy access for Di2 cables.

After prolonged use, the surface pattern will crack.

Why bring accessories?
This is the weight when really riding.
The Vision Metron 5D is an integrated handlebar that heavily uses the opinions of professional riders. Because UCI has a minimum weight limit, weight is not a priority.
The weight of 465 grams is really not light, and a top cap of 14 grams is added. It is a major obstacle to bicycle weight loss.
Vision Metron 5D offers four stem lengths: 100/110/120/130 and three widths: 400/420/440. Narrow width options are not available.

[kiritozhang]

1.2 Bontrager XXX
http://c2.biketo.com/d/file/news/bikene ... e522a7.jpg
The other extreme of the integrated handlebar is the extremely lightweight Bontrager XXX. The official weight is only 220g, which helped Trek create a 4.8kg Emonda SLR.

Without any extra design, Emonda's philosophy is to streamline. Without any aerodynamic design
Bontrager XXX uses a single screw on the front to secure the computer mount. Through the replacement of bontrager series accessories, you can match different accessories: lights, gopro, etc.

Pay attention to the label, 5mm spacer. The torque value of 5.2Nm must be careful during installation, and a torque wrench must be used. Because it's expensive

The Bontrager XXX integrated handlebar has a locking height of 42mm and a stem angle of -7 °.
Stem's locking structure is designed obliquely to optimize the force. This is also an important difference of the fake Bontrager XXX handlebars.

▲ The interior of the stem of the Bontrager XXX integrated handlebar is designed with a step for mounting a headset hanging

The water mark of the Bontrager XXX integrated handlebar is upright, which is not easy to see. The width of the Bontrager XXX is top bar c-c.

Reach 85mm is a bit longer. The geometry of the Bontrager handlebars is not very friendly to Asians with short hands and small hands. Madone9 and Madone SLR have long Reach handlebars

Shifter is installed with scales, but there is no anti-slip treatment, and the scales are lower.

I bought discounted early products. So it is not compatible with Shimano Di2 RS910 controller.

Bontrager XXX also uses a drop bar design. Top bar is centered at 42cm, drop bar is centered at 44cm. The factory production is based on the drop bar width, but please leave the mark if you leave the factory. Such an expensive product requires attention to detail.

Plus the measured weight after the computer mount is only 266 grams! Worthy of the name of lightweight king!

[kiritozhang]

1.3 The One

The One is China's cheap carbon fiber handlebar. How cheap is it? 1099RMB, about $ 150.

The one was originally a copy of Canyon's product. Released in 2017, it has now evolved to the third version. It is already quite different from the Canyon handlebar.

My handlebar is the second version. The third version is now compatible with 31.8mm forks.
Regarding the second version, you can watch this youtube review. This is done by an Englishman in China.


The angle of The One integrated handlebar is the most radical of the four products, the official figure is -15 °. However, considering the lower stem height of 35mm, the actual stem angle is about -17 °.

The handle width is centered on the top bar. The centering width of the drop bar of the 420mm bend bar is 440mm.

Use a very common computer mount design, compatible with other brands of computer mounts, common with brands such as MOST.
Stem is clearly different from canyon. The closed hollow results in a better stiffness-to-weight ratio.
The cable passes through the outside of the handlebar and is more friendly to the mechanic. The Di2 cable can pass through the handlebar. The mechanic said that in some instances, there would be residual airbags for molding, which caused the di2 cable to fail to pass.

Handlebar compatible with Shimano Di2 RS910 controller

Without the computer mount, it weighs only 314 grams. Buy a carbon fiber computer mount for about 35 grams.
The One integrated handlebars are now available in a total of 5 stem lengths, 80/90/100/110/120, and three handlebar widths, 380/400/420. All can be freely matched with a total of 15 specifications, and the specifications commonly used in the market are basically fully covered.

[kiritozhang]

Farsports from Xiamen, China, launched the first integrated handlebar in 2019. It sells for $ 299.

Completely original design. The golden finish looks very high-end.

The cast in the middle of the handlebar used the wing cast of the Second World War. The computer mount is dedicated.

Farsports F1 integrated handlebar has a caliber of 31.8mm and is compatible with models such as Giant, Canyon, and Scott. The handlebar comes with a reducing sleeve, which can also be mounted on a standard 28.6mm front fork.

The stem angle of the handlebar is -10 °. When using reducing sleeves, the stem angle can be adjusted. Two free reducing sleeves are included, one with a 0 degree inclination and the other with a 3 degree inclination. It is possible to switch the stem angle between -7 ° and -13 °.

Farsports F1's drop bar has no openings. But the official said that Shimano Di2 RS910 controller can be installed.

The cable passes through the inside of the handlebar. But the openings are relatively narrow, making it difficult to pass through the cable.

With a computer mount, it weighs only 331 grams. The integrated handlebars made in China have a good weight.
Farsports F1 is available in four stem lengths: 90/100/110/120 and four widths: 360/380/400/420. You can freely choose the combination of length and width.
The biggest highlight of the handlebar is that it provides a 360mm width specification. The handlebar width is based on the centering of the top bar, and the drop bar will be wider.

[kiritozhang]

Forgot to say a big news!
Farpsorts F1 integrated handlebars are available in aero bike compatible versions! This is so exciting!
It can be mounted to Trek Madone SLR, New Cannondale Supersix EVO, Focus izalco max disc, BMC SLR01 / RM01 / TMR01
There will also be versions of Wilier Zero SLR, Scott Addict RC Disc, S-works New Venge, and Pinarello F12.
But headsets need to be purchased for an additional fee.

[spdntrxi]

I kinda like the farsports version.. if they really make one for the BMC TM01R.. I see potential to lose 100g +

[kiritozhang]

▲ Red means no choice; green means single choice; blue choice is less; yellow choice is rich.
Chinese products are more caring for Asians, and they all offer narrow handlebars. There are fewer and fewer brands insisting on producing 440mm width. 130 / 140mm stem has very few options

[kiritozhang]

2.0 Mechanical test

The test uses single-sided and double-sided pull-up and push-down.
Drop bar is locked at a distance of 50mm from the bottom according to ISO standards; the upper bar is locked at 26 ± 0.5 ° according to the shifter installation position.

The test standard used for unilateral pull-up and unilateral push-down is 30kgf vertical force.
The standard for double-side pull-up and double-side push-down is 100kgf vertical force.

This data is only responsible for test samples, and there may be individual cases. Use the same machine, the same angle, and the same test position.

[kiritozhang]

1.Pull up on one side shifter lock position
2.Push down on one side shifter locking position
3.Pull up the end of one side handlebar
4.Push down the end of one side handlebar
5.Push down on both shifter locking positions
6.Push down the end of both handlebars

Unilateral pull-up and unilateral push-down reflect the value of torsional deformation during the sprint. During the sprint, not only the downforce, but also the pull-up force.
The calculation includes the lower position, which uses 75% of the upper position and 25% of the lower position when riding.
The formula is = (① * 0.5 + ② * 0.5) * 0.75 + (③ * 0.5 + ④ * 0.5) * 0.25

It can be seen from the data that the Vision Metron 5D is a roller compact compared to other competing products. The Farsport F1 performed well in all aspects of the test, and the Bontrager XXX had the worst stiffness in addition to its weight advantage.
According to international safety standards, the handle should be able to withstand a test of 400kgf.
At the time of the 200kgf test, the Bontrager XXX had sounded. Because it is purchased at its own expense, there is a big doubt about whether the Bontrager XXX can withstand 400kgf, and it is afraid to conduct further testing.

[kiritozhang]

3.0 rider feel (several riders)

Vision Metron 5D: This is the existence of a stiffness apex. No matter it is a sprint ride or a hill climb ride, it will not lose a little force, but it is not comfortable when the road is bumpy.
Bontrager XXX: Most people find it stiff, especially for heavy riders and sprinters. The other side is that it is very comfortable when riding.
The One: No obvious flaws, stiffness and comfort that most riders can accept. But for some sprinters it is still not rigid enough.
Farsports F1: Excellent comfort during cycling. But you may hit your wrist when sprinting.
(In the No. 5 test, Farsports F1 has a large difference from other products, the vertical deformation of the stem is smaller, but the handlebar part is twisted forward.)

[kiritozhang]

summary
Vision Metron 5D: If you don't care about the weight and the budget is adequate, this is a handlebar with no shortboards in performance, complete accessories, high integration, and the best choice for sprinter.
Bontrager XXX: The stiffness-to-weight ratio is the best, but the stiffness is insufficient. If you don't care about stiffness and only care about weight, it will make your bike lighter.
The One: Cheap and quality options, no obvious problems. But the stem angle is too low.
Farsports F1: Good performance in all aspects. There are many widths, lengths and angles to choose from, and Bike fitter will love this handlebar.

[kiritozhang]

I am from China and I am a neutral bike editor and bike fitter.
My English is not very good. Some words may be wrong. I hope to receive your forgiveness and correction.
If you like my article, I thank you.

[tonchy]

Interesting reading, thank you!

[Lewn777]

Good article. 谢谢朋友
Interested in 'the One'.