Road bike hangers Black Friday: carbon discounts

What handlebars to look for during Black Friday?

A compact handlebar with a low reach and moderate drop makes the hoods and the bottom of the handlebar more accessible; an aero handlebar, with a flattened top, improves aerodynamic efficiency and offers a wider grip for the hands; a one-piece handlebar-stem combination lightens and streamlines the front of the bike, but at the cost of fixed settings. Triathlon and time trial handlebars feature extensions, while some flat or raised handlebars are used for gravel and mountain biking. The complete guide is available all year round with road handlebars and stems.

Measurements to consider: clamp, width, reach and drop

• Clamp: the central diameter, 31.8 mm in most cases, must match your stem's diameter.
• Width: advertised in centimeters or millimeters, measured from center to center or outside depending on the brands. Check the method before comparing two handlebars.
• Reach: the distance forward to the levers. For Zipp, the Service Course SL-70, SL-80 or SL-88 numbers indicate this in millimeters.
• Drop: the height difference between the top and bottom of the handlebar, which affects the position at the bottom of the handlebars.

Aero, integrated, Di2: compatibility points

A monoblock handlebar-stem is ordered by pairs of measurements, such as 120 x 420 mm for stem length and width: it is impossible to change one without the other. Its internal cable routing must match that of the frame and the headset. Di2 versions are drilled for electric cables. On a flattened part, check that the manufacturer allows for a computer mount or extensions.

Finding a deal on the right handlebar

The same model often comes in several widths, in aluminium or carbon, in standard or Di2 versions: a crossed-out price only compares with the same measurements and version. For a hand rest, the lever reference, ST-R9270 or ST-R8020 for example, takes precedence over the brand and the discount. The rest of the cockpit can be found in road stems for Black Friday and other road components; the clearance sale also stocks widths and colours that are at the end of the line outside of promotions.

Recommended road handlebar brands

Shimano provides the hand rests for its levers, from Ultegra and 105 to Dura-Ace Di2 11 and 12 speeds, each designed for a generation of levers.

Pro, the cockpit brand of Shimano, offers the Vibe in aero, compact and anatomical versions, as well as the PLT Ergo and the LT Compact for the road.

Zipp names its Service Course SL handlebars after their reach and offers the Vuka for triathlon, with Vuka Clip extensions.

Deda, an Italian brand, produces from Zero100 to Superleggera, in Di2 or DCR versions for internal cable routing, and offers the Alanera RS, a one-piece handlebar-stem.

Vision, the high-end range from FSA, includes the carbon monoblocks Metron 5D and 6D, as well as the aero handlebars Metron and Trimax.

Frequently Asked Questions

What handlebar width should I choose?

The common reference is shoulder width, measured between the two bony points. A narrower handlebar improves aerodynamics, while a wider handlebar stabilizes steering: stay within a few centimeters of your measurement.

Does a carbon handlebar require special precautions when mounting?

Yes: tighten to the specified torque with a torque wrench and use carbon assembly paste to prevent over-tightening. A carbon handlebar that has been subjected to a strong impact should be checked before hitting the road again.

How can I find the hand rest for my levers?

Look for the lever reference, printed on its body or in its manual. Then choose the model meant for that reference: shapes change from one generation to another.

Can you switch from a standard handlebar to an integrated handlebar-stem?

Only if the frame and headset can accommodate its cable routing and pivot diameter. Also know your ideal stem length and handlebar width, as these can no longer be adjusted separately.

Does the Black Friday for handlebars last more than one day?

Its name refers to a single day, the day after Thanksgiving; however, for handlebars and cockpits, Vélo-Store's discounts extend throughout November. When making changes, plan for new handlebar tape and its end caps: a removed tape is difficult to reapply.