The Race Face Next low rise cross-country handlebar uses Next carbon technology with a titanium mesh anti-crush zone - the result is a top performing carbon bar for cross-country use.
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Strengths: Strong, light, excellent finish. Low price compared to competitors.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
This is for the 31.8 mm Next SL low riser (1").
I replaced the S-Works bar with this one to improve my hand position. I also felt that the S-Works bar was a little too flexy when pedaling out of the saddle, and it was a little too short to accommodate my Marta brakes and Gripshift components.
This bar feels amazingly strong for its weight (measured 155 g). The Ti mesh "anti-crush" zone inspires some confidence, but the test results of Race Face carbon bars in Syntace's lab speak louder of Race Face's competence in this area.
This bar is light, stiff,good looking and has good shock absorbing properties.I have used other Race Face components before without problems, the same with this bar. My Next LR has survived two seasons, approx 3000km including a couple of "light" crashes scratch free. I´m very happy with them and cant ever envisige having to replace them. Bottom line,I am a big fan of Race Face. They make great quality components which are designed to last, this bar is no exception and comes with my recomendation.
Purchased At: Cant remember, but it was on special offer
Similar Products Used: Race Face LR aluminium, KORE flat bar
Bike Setup: Ti Hardtail, lots of Race Face and other high end goodies.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005
Strengths: looks, weight, width, build quality, warranty, anti-crush liner at stem mount area
Bottom Line:
nice addition. looks very cool, very high build quality. taken a few hard falls with no adverse affects. very light. 1" wider than stock which has made a bigger difference than I expected.
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, UT
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005
Strengths: Light, strong, hasn't broken.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I needed something to take the edge off the hits with my full rigid setup. I still get the crap beat out of me, but I'm sure I would be in worse shape with an aluminum bar. I've ridden a couple thousand miles with this bar over the last year and it's done it's job without fail. Still looks as shiny and new as the day I bought it and grips stick great to it's glossy surface- even in the rain. I highly recommend this RF bar.
Strengths: Carbon AND Titanium,? PUULLEEEEASEE! Carbon + Ti + factory lifetime warranty = SOLD, my brothers. Weight, or lack thereof at 125 grams; LIFETIME WARRANTY, DUDES! color (high gloss weave carbon fiber, but somehow unmarred by root/rock/tree stump encounters. . . Hmmmmm. ), PRICE. . . this one product proves that you CAN get "LSC"... (light, strong, AND cheap!) also got one in a riser bar. .. .
Weaknesses: Under marketed. . . if you like or want a carbon bar, and do not look seriously at the Raceface product, you must be high on the chronic.
Bottom Line:
You are smoking crack rocks if you do not buy this bar, right now, while it is still on sale for 50 beans at pricepoint. It is just that good, and carbon fiber has many grades. . . the RaceFace next line is just top end, do your homework, homie, and you will find this bar for twice the dollars elsewhere. Carbon + Ti + factory lifetime warranty = SOLD, my brothers. This product deserves the highest rating; I am a nationally ranked XTerra and Ironman athlete, and this product exceeds my very high standards. . . right on, Raceface!
Strengths: Looks, light weight, soaks up high requency fibration, titanium mesh to reduce stress risers at the stem.
Weaknesses: It does flex a little, takes time to get used to.
Bottom Line:
These bars are extremely comfortable and improves the ride. They also improve the asthetics of your bike. These bars are slightly cheaper than the leading brand. The titanium mesh appealed to me because I was a little apprehensive about the bars breaking from stress risors. I've put these bars through the test and they have no problems holding up. They definately have a different feel than aluminum bars and it takes a wile to trust them. But it is well worth it.
Submitted by
Scoeri
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004
Strengths: Trick looking
Weaknesses: Broke
Bottom Line:
Initial creeking went away. Was going well untill my bar end caught a tree and when I picked myself up. I saw my bar end lying on the trail with a piece of the bar still attached. Rode my aluminum bar for 5 years with several crashes and it always held up.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Superlight, SID, Crossmax, XTR v-brakes, Race Face cranks, Sram drivetrain. Thompson Post
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2004
Strengths: strength, light weight, looks, super smooth gloss finish really sticks to the grips. Gloss finish also seems thick and durable. 25" width is perfect.
Weaknesses: High cost, although compared to the other carbon bars out there, these are a good value. Didn't come with BERPS (bar end reinforcement plugs), although no big deal since I decided not to use bar ends.
Bottom Line:
Great bar so far. Mates up well with RF's good n'evil grips. The combination of a carbon bar that sucks up vibration and some thick tacky grips makes for good rigid ridin'. I crank the hell out of this bar going up steep trails and it's so solid, I don't even know it's there. Mated with a Thomson stem, this is an install and forget product. Also, it looks to have a super thick finish and appears more burly than the Answer or Monkey lite. If you've got $100 to blow on a bar, I highly recommend it!
Similar Products Used: all sorts of aluminum bars both light and heavy
Bike Setup: full rigid steel single speed.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Cross Country Rider
from Clark, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Strengths: stiff, light, carbon, lo rise, narrow
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
The bar is stiff (no flex), light, and has less width and upsweep and bend vs comparable products (don't look or feel like Pee Wee). This bar is comfortable on long xc rides, performs great, looks pimp, and is not seen on 80% of bikes (Easton).
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from SJC, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004
Strengths: Everything about them. They are light, strong and feel sooooooo sweet!!!! I love them!!!!! They match my NEXT cranks.
Weaknesses: $100 retail price, but it has all the right materials so you get what you pay for.
Bottom Line:
Highly recommended. These RaceFace Next bars look soooo sweet, glossed carbon with nice graphics. Although they say on the label not to jump and freeride that is what I use them for, they are way strong enough. Very expensive, everything about them feels just right. GET THEM!!!! You will be very HAPPY!!!! I LOVE THEM!!!
Submitted by
Samsun
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales, GB
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Strengths: Very light, very stong and looks pimp.
Weaknesses: Could maybe do with slightly more upsweep. Expensive.
Bottom Line:
Price is in £. I cant say that these are going to improve your riding but they do feel strong and comfortable. They are also super light for the weight watchers and like I said above they just look soooo sweet, glossed carbon with nice decals. Although they say on the label not to jump and freeride that is what I use them for, they are way strong enough. Very expensive over here but you get what you pay for, fit and forget.
What a let down. The bar is the next sl 25.4 clamp size. I ordered these off of a website as no shop had them in stock. On their advertisement it says 135 grams. I like a slight ri Read More »
