Ritchey WCS Logic II handlebar

A good price and weight makes the Ritchey WCS Logic II handlebar a good upgrade for any bike. The unique finish makes them look far more expensive than their price tag would otherwise suggest. There's a lot to like about these bars.

If you've read Liam's review of the Ritchey MonoCurve integrated carbon bar and stem and winced at the price, you're not alone. Fortunately there is another option in Ritchey's handlebar range that comes in at a much more agreeable price but don't look any less impressive.

An oversize bar made from 7075 triple butted alloy and painted with a 'wet black' gloss gives them the appearance of a much more expensive bar. This wet finish is available in red and white too - a plain version is also available if you want a more subtle bar. I really like the finish, and on my Supersix Evo they don't look out of place at all. A premium high-end finish without the high price normally reserved for such a bar.

Ritchey offer the bar in four widths (38, 40, 42 and 44, measured centre-to-centre), and for every width the drop is specific. On the 42cm bar I tested the drop is 132mm; for the 38 and 40 it's 125mm and the 44 is 144mm. This is a smart move as it recognises that someone wanting a narrow bar won't necessarily want the same drop as a taller person on a wider bar.

I'm constantly amazed at the sheer variation of shapes that drop bars come in, and while I'm not fussy with bar shape, I know what I like and don't like.

These have an anatomical shape that I got on really well with. They have a short flat section before kinking into a gradual curve. This gives you two different positions on the drops so you have a nice choice that matches the aggressiveness of your riding.

I found the shape suited me really well and they are a very comfortable handlebar. The top of the bars curve inwards so your forearms don't collide when you're on the drops, and the reach and drop is good.

Fitting the bars was straightforward, but the lack of lined markings on the bends did make lining up both brake levers a bit tricky.

The non-slip surface finish, also applied to the centre section, ensures the brake levers stay firmly in place. Lining up the bars in the stem is helped by markings in very small increments. It's just a shame they didn't do the same thing at the bends.

Up top, the centre section is compatible with aero clip-on bars which, while I don't even entertain the notion of racing a triathlon, gives the bar added versatility.

Riding the bar with an aluminium stem fitted, they felt stiff and solid. Surprisingly, the bar is comfortable over rough roads and while there isn't as much vibration damping as a carbon bar would provide, there's less difference than you might imagine.

It's during out of the saddle sprinting and climbing that the stiffness of the bar really comes into its own – if you want a stiff yet affordable bar these are a good option. And for everyone else, don't be put off by their lack of carbon, they're nearly every bit as good.

Verdict

Well-priced, comfortable bars that look great too.