Race Face's carbon bars tip the scale at 220g for a 42cm width bar which is on the high side for a carbon bar. We can’t fault the anatomical shape, with 86mm reach and 142mm drop, though.
We especially like the flat sections below the levers for putting down the power and sprinting, although some riders, mainly those with big hands, said they’d prefer the bottom flat to be a little longer. While they ride stiff, the SLs still offer a little give and this, combined with the good damping qualities of carbon, helps with vibration, meaning you can sit on them for hours without getting numb hands.
Double cable grooves compatible with Shimano, Campag and SRAM mean all wires are neatly stowed when taped. The SLs only come in 31.8mm diameter, in tune with modern set-ups, and are available in 40, 42 and 44cm (centre to centre) widths. While the price tag might look steep, it’s good when you compare them to other carbon bars.
Nevertheless, these rae not a bar you'd choose if you were concerned about weight. Zipp, Oval and Easton, among others, all make lighter carbon fiber bars and there are aluminium bars that weigh about the same.
