Ritchey's Comp Butano handlebar is made of 6061 alloy and is a gravel riding bargain, but there’s also a WCS carbon fibre version available if that's your preference.
Available in widths from 38 to 46cm, my 42cm example, with the de rigeur 12-degree flare, weighs 285g – which is 10g less than advertised.
It’s also measured centre to centre at the point where the hoods meet the bar, but is only 46cm across the bar ends.
The Comp Butano bar has a 73mm reach and 118mm drop, including an almost flat section within the drop. Because the tops have a 4-degree back sweep on each side of the stem, the transition in to your lever hoods is a fraction longer, but no less comfortable.
The bar transitions from round at the stem to backswept and mildly ovalised, with an angled flat on the lower front side that makes a great hold.
Ritchey Comp Butano gravel bar performance
Ritchey has made the most of a few extra grams, adding the satisfyingly backswept tops and lengthening the effective reach.
The drops have plenty of room for big palms without compromising lever control, and although it reduces the width of the tops, the larger radius bend from tops to drops maximises wrist clearance. If you like to add a bar bag though you will need to go wider.
They’re as stiff as they need to be, supple enough to cosset when the going’s rough, and are ideal for long days in the saddle.
Overall, Tom Ritchey’s budget ride-anywhere bar offers more than you’d expect for the money and does it with style.
Product
| Brand | ritchey |
| Price | 70.00 AUD,45.00 EUR,40.00 GBP,43.00 USD |
| Weight | 285.0000, GRAM (Width 42cm) - As tested |
Features
| br_material | aluminium |
| br_width | 38-46cm |
