![]() ![]() Despite coming in the bar’s widest width (44cm), our sample weighed in at 274g: 5g more than claimed for the 42 and within 40g of the brand’s $350 SL-K carbon bar. The real attraction here, however, is the Energy bar. While it may not be an obvious upgrade, the $100 Energy a no-brainer and should be considered before splashing out on bigger-name alternatives. Despite a weight that would put most carbon stems to shame, the Energy is most impressive for its stiffness- it is noticeably stiffer than the OEM Ibis stem it replaced. The matte/polished graphics are handsome- though a more neutral color option might be nice for some of the brighter bikes now available. 3D forged out of 2014 aluminum, the stem should be stronger than a similar-weight machined model (and kinder on the knees). ![]() And what better compliment to a nice new set of bars than a light, stiff matching stem? Hit the jump for more on FSA’s best alloy set.Ĭomplete with titanium hardware, our 100mm Energy stem hit the scales at an impressive 113g. While I hadn’t thought much about FSA’s aluminum offerings, the raves of a local shop owner about the near-perfect shape of the company’s shallow-drop Compact bars had me taking a closer look. Better still, giving racing’s appetite for handlebar destruction, going with metal ‘bars could even be considered Pro than destroying a set of carbon bars in your regular Tuesday night pileup crit. After all, it takes some time to decide if a bar’s bend is right for you- and several hundred dollars is a big commitment if things don’t work out. April 22 Update: Brifter and bar angles fixed!Īs much as we would all love to be riding around on carbon fiber wunderbars and unobtanium stems, our fiscal realities often dictate more… defensible purchases. ![]()
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