Controltech jump on the super-wide bandwagon with their latest riser bar, the Venom, made from 7075 aluminium.
At 750mm wide there's plenty of leverage for wide open courses but you'll be clipping trees on tighter trails. There are handy markings on the ends so you can trim the bar down.
The minimal 20mm rise is perfect for keeping the front end of your bike low and means you can get your weight right over the front wheel in corners.
With a five-degree backsweep and four-degree upsweep, the Venom has a fairly mellow profile, which may be a bit straighter than you're used to. We found it comfortable, whether racing downhill or tackling rollercoaster all-mountain terrain.
At 316g this oversize (31.8mm) bar isn't the lightest in its class but has proved to be plenty strong enough to take the abuse and stiff enough, even with the extra leverage.
The sand-blasted finish features high-polish areas for your levers and shifters – the idea is that if you crash your controls spin around the bar rather than taking the brunt of the impact.
We haven't put this to the test yet but it seems like a good idea and adds to the bar's understated, sophisticated look.
