Life In The Saddle

Big wheels on modern 29er mountain bikes demand flat top bars; they allow you to achieve that low powerful position for speed and efficiency. Extra bar width is also a real virtue—letting you to pump the bike over challenging terrain, and to keep control of your steering as you tear through the countryside. The Ultimate USE RIP handlebars were a much warranted and long-awaited upgrade to my trusty Pivot Les 29 mountain bike. This bright orange bike is approaching its ten-year anniversary, with countless race miles on all kinds of terrain across Europe, from the Dolomites to the forests of Denmark. The core of the bike remains the fantastic carbon fibre frame that I first enjoyed in 2013, but over the years I have been progressively upgrading the bike rather than splashing out on a new ride. The Ultimate USE RIP Flat Carbon Handlebars were designed for aggressive XC riding and racing. Their flat profile, with an eight degree sweep and 720 mm width, provide a powerful low position ...