Ritchey WCS Carbon Flat Handlebar: Textured stem clamp area reduces risk of bar slippage. Carbon lay-up is tuned to provide torsional strength and vibration damping. Reinforced internally to accept bar ends and shifter/lever clamp. Intended for XC use.
Bike Setup: Polygon Astroz,DT Swiss x430 w SLX hub, Drive train SLX, Brake mechanic XTR vs.Bengal, bar Ritchey carbon, F1RST Platinum, totally weight ±10-11 Kg
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Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
Strengths: Stiff, light, very blingy, with a beautiful carbon weave finish, and sharp graphics too.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I was hesitant about going carbon- due to some stories I read about them. My LBS said as long as I do not overtighten the stem(i.e; use torque wrench), and do not use bar ends......all is fine.
Well, I am upgrading from very heavy(309g) FSA alu risers- and the Ritchey WCS Carbon doesn't even feel like it is even there. It lightened up my front end so much that climbing hills has become almost too easy. Also, the carbon has smoothed out teeth-jarring trails, that the front suspension feels even more plush. They soak up vibration so well that I am never going back to alu bars again. I was lucky enough to try out two other(see above) carbon flat bars- and although the Ritchey WCS was not the absolute lightest....it just had that feel, look and function of a professional racer's equipment.
Even though Ritchey Logic states the WCS Carbon Flat can accomodate bar ends- I feel there is no real need for them because of it's lightness, narrower width, and near-perfect sweep angle. Get yourself a set....they not only look hi-tech flashy, but they also work hi-tech GREAT!!!
Bike Setup: 2005 Cannondale F2000SL Optimo Headshok DLR; Mavic XC717 rims/DT Swiss Onyx hubs; SRAM X.7 mechs; SRAM PG990 cassette/PC991 Hollowpin chain; Shimano Deore Hollowtech II crankset/Race Face X-Type BB; Avid BB7 disc; Fizik Nisene Sport saddle; Thomson Elite seatpost; Crank Bros Smarty clipless pedals.....equals a 22lb XC racer
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Submitted by
alistair
a Cross Country Rider
from johnstone,renfrewshire,scotland
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2008
Strengths: I had the standard scott 25mm bar on the bike and the flex was really noticable, but when I fitted the Ritchey bar, no flex, yet the carbon still manages to soak up some trail vibration.
Weaknesses: just the usual price in the UK (£100 ish) I am afraid at that kinda money I was unable to support my LBS so bought mine from an international source on ebay (Australia I think) and paid about £40!!!
Similar Products Used: First carbon bars, but various alloy bars
Bike Setup: scott scale,fox f100rl, mavic crossmax st, ritchey wcs carbon bars, stem and seatpost, hope platinum pro mono minis, schwalbe nics/ralphs, xt/xtr transmission
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Submitted by
joey JAMIESON
a Racer
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
Strengths: Light, strong, vibration dampening and look good
Weaknesses: nil
Bottom Line:
These are the best bars I've used. They are light and look good on any bike. I was very surprised how much the carbon dampened the vibrations. Making them so much more comfortable on long rides. I resisted carbon for a long while due to possible durability problems. But I would highly recommend these bars to anyone who like flat bars.
Similar Products Used: Syncros flats, Easton E50 raiser
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR XC
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Submitted by
Rob Bogin
a Racer
from Simi Valley, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006
Strengths: This is a Superlight, super strong carbon bar. Little to no flex. This bar is for people who like to hammer it out. I have it on my cross country rig, which is a hardtail, this compliments it very well. There is no little or no flex in this bar so don't expect the dampening that you normally think of with a carbon bar.
Weaknesses: None or if you consider dampening that just that.
Bottom Line:
Awsome for Racers, wannabe racers, or anyone who wants to hammer it. Not for downhillers, freeriders and the like.
Bike Setup: Felt Carbon F1 Frame, Ritchey WCS stem,cranks,wheelset,Carbon ritchey seatpost,Time atac carbon ti pedals,XTR drivetrain, Rock Shox World Cup fork. You get the pic, a light cross country hardtail.
