Big Earl is the next rank up in quality from Earl and it shows. It's a wide bar with a nine-degree backsweep. The 50mm centre lift carries on rising to the tips, which makes it a great choice for serious leverage freaks and those seeking cockpit relaxation. They've got a good stiff but not bone-breaking feel with a shot-peened, hard-anodised 'dark champagne' finish. Some chop-down markings would be nice, seeing as most people probably will trim them a bit.
Bontrager's basic FR nugget is a solid twin-knuckle cold forged unit. Detailing lets it down but at least it's cheap. The protruding rear bolts aren't knee friendly, the bolt threads are rough and the ribbed inside panel on the front plate should only be used with thickwall bars. The logos look a bit cheap, and whichever way you run it, one side logo will be upside down.
