Renthal 35mm across the whole range

Over the last few years the 35mm handlebar diameter has been creeping in, and for 2016 has suddenly accelerated with huge OEM demand.

Whilst some manufacturers are offering the 35mm option to increase stiffness, Renthal 35mm options feel exactly the same as their popular Fatbar range – but in slightly longer lengths at virtually the same weight.

Here are the main facts about the Renthal 35mm bars:

1. Fatbar/Fatbar Carbon increased to 800mm
2. Fatbar Lite/Fatbar Carbon Lite increased to 760mm
3. Four rises available in all bars – 10, 20, 30 and 40mm
4. Same popular sweep and rise – 7degree back and 5 degree up
5. All bars are similar weight, except the Aluminium Fatbar – which is actually lighter due to the construction, whilst maintaining the same feel; strength and durability
6. Fatbar approx 305grams
7. Fatbar Carbon approx 225grams
8. Fatbar Lite approx 270grams
9. Fatbar Carbon Lite approx 190grams
10. Fatbar and Fatbar Lite – £69.95
11. Fatbar Carbon – £134.95
12. Fatbar Carbon Lite – £129.95
13. All bars are available from Ison Distribution

Integra and Apex Stems

Tweaking the stem design to allow for the 35mm diameter is a tricky thing to do as it involves adding more material, but Renthal has managed to do this too – the new 35mm compatible stems are virtually the same as the 31.8mm options.

Here are the main facts about the Apex and Integra 35mm stems

1. Apex stem available in 33 | 40 | 50 | 60mm lengths
2. Apex stem 6deg/-6deg rise
3. Weight from 112gram – 147gram
4. Integra stem available in 40 and 50mm lengths
5. Integra stem available in 0 and 10mm rise options
6. Weight from 133 – 177grams
7. Apex retails for £89.95
8. Integra retails for £99.95
9. All bars are available from Ison Distribution

Out on the Trail

I’ve been riding Renthal bars since they first appeared on the MTB scene, and have grown to love the aggressive 7degree/5degree numbers – and of course the trademark gold finish. I jumped up to 800mm bars last year, and can’t go back now – so am pleased that the Renthal 35mm is also wider.

I’ve been riding both the carbon and alloy Fatbar, whilst a couple of Factory Jackson testers are running the Lite in both options.

The new Renthal 35mm shape is also a little nicer on the eye in higher rises – I go for the 40mm rise bar. In alloy, the older bar looked fine, but the carbon option has a slight bulge that bothers me. On the 35mm bar the shape is much nicer – you wouldn’t really know they are 35mm bars until you go back to 31.8mm, which already feel skinny.

We Say

Although not an upgrade or hop up, the new Renthal 35mm range is modernised to suit the demands from both bike manufacturers and consumers.

For us, the major pull is the extra width – which puts Renthal back on top of our list again.

Although we prefer the iconic gold finish, the bar that does it for us is the Fatbar Carbon due to it’s stiff feel – but unquestionable damping characteristics. It really does help your hands on long, rough descents.

What do you think of the Renthal 35mm range?

Do you like the idea of 35mm, or are you not fussed?

Let us know in the comments below!

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