Alpina Carbon Sprint track bar – First look

As used by Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton

John Whitney/BikeRadar

Published: October 28, 2011 at 10:15 am

For such a broad-shouldered man, Sir Chris Hoy's handlebar isn't half narrow. Specifically designed for Team GB, the 33cm wide Alpina Carbon Sprint helps the Olympic track star to get into as aerodynamic a position as possible.

The British track squad worked closely with Alpina during production and the Carbon Sprint is used by a number of team members for sprint and keirin races, including Victoria Pendleton and Ross Edgar.

Weighing in at 300g, it's made from 100 percent carbon fiber and is said to be ultra stiff. Pendleton is said to use hers slightly offset to the right to boost her power, a trick that hasn't had the same effect for Hoy.

The Carbon Sprint was first used in competition at the 2011 UCI World Track Championships in the Netherlands and is now available to the public from Dolan for £195. Widths up to 42cm are available, for 31.8mm stems only. For more information, visit Dolan's website.