Easton pretty much rehabilitated carbon bars with their original MonkeyBar, and this new pipe takes its technology and performance to another level.
There are lots of well shaped carbon bars around the £100 mark now, but none can boast the carbon pedigree and expertise of Easton.
The EC70 uses the company’s unique CNT technology, where nanotube micro particles reinforce the resin – normally the weakest part – between the fibres. This increases strength by 20 percent and boosts impact resistance.
Stem and brake clamping zones are also reinforced to create a seriously tough bar. The pure structural fibre construction (there’s no cosmetic cross weave) keeps weight right down among much narrower, more flexible race risers though.
The recent change to a flatter outer section on the low rise bars (a high rise version is also available) makes them much easier on the wrists, and they’re accurate without ever feeling harsh. Measuring in at a whopping 685mm, they’re positively man-sized! The result is that you’ll love them or hate them.
With an eight-degree backsweep and four-degree upsweep, the feel is bang on. Some carbon bars can feel overly harsh but the MonkeyLite’s just feel ‘right’, giving loads of stability and precision without the weight of a downhill bar.
If you’re a cross-country purist then chances are they’ll be too much for you but for bigger riders or trail bikes they’re ideal. It’s also worth bearing in mind that they can be trimmed down if you’re having problems finding exactly the right width of bar.
Considering the EC70's quality, the price is excellent too. We think it's the best performing all-round trail bar.
