Syntace Racelite 2 Handlebar review

Carbon bar for distance riding

Our rating

4.0

312.6
179.99

Published: October 16, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Our review
Pricey, but a superb design brilliantly constructed

The Racelite 2 is a carbon bar which fits the needs of the most demanding distance rider. The shape has been tailored for just this; think of it as a classic randonneur bar re-invented for the 21st century.

The drop is shallower than a standard bar and the semi pistol grip profile makes it more comfortable to stay in the drops for longer.

The top section has a deeper, thicker profile so it’s comfortable on the hands and makes the transition between the standard tube diameter drops and oversized 31.8mm clamp section more gradual than a potentially weaker bulge.

A six degree rearward sweep brings the top handhold closer, making for an extremely comfortable cruising position.

The clamp section is reinforced with a titanium mesh over the surface to protect the carbon surface from scratching and scoring, and it also creates a very grippy clamp area, helping to prevent the bars from slipping or twisting. It also means that clip-on TT bars can be fitted safely.

At £180 the Racelite 2 isn’t cheap, though it’s less than a comparable bar from the likes of Ritchey or Zipp. It’s backed with a 10-year guarantee – one of the longest we’ve seen on any carbon part, the only condition being that they must be fitted according to the instructions.

The bars are available in three widths – 420mm (M), 440mm (L) and 460mm (XL), and two sizes of drop/reach: 145/110 (M, L) and 151/110 (XL). The L size tested weighed 198g.

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