Product Review: Ritchey Biomax II Handlebars

Yeah, I’m on Spring Break this week, so I’ll be posting a lot :)

Here’s the manufacturer’s product description:
6 degree swept-back tops, 3 degree flare, Ergo bump and super shallow (135mm) drop for more a comfortable riding position : R50 bend for more hand room : Deep groove hides cables : 290g (42cm/31.8). Width measured from center to center

I put these on about a week ago to replace my 42cm ergo bend bars. They’d gotten somewhat flexy (metal fatigue), and I tended to hit my forearms on the tops of the bars when sprinting in the drops. Because the Biomax II bar ends flare out, I ordered a 40cm in order to keep my hands in line w/my shoulders when on the drops.
The first thing I noticed was how much stiffer these were than my old bars. The width is perfect. On the hoods, my hands are a little narrower than on the previous bars, and they feel perfectly in line with my shoulders when I’m in the drops. Even with my long arms, I feel more comfortable with the shallower drop. The “biomax” features- swept back tops and flared drops- really are nice. The flare makes sprinting in the drops much more comfortable than before. I feel much more stable in that position than with my previous bars.
The only discomfort I’ve noticed is the amount of vibration I get with the bars, but, they’re aluminum, so I’m not really surprised. It’s worth it for some extra stiffness when it counts. I think once I switch my tape out from some plain cork to a gel cork that I’ll be more comfortable.

Unless someone comes out with a carbon version bar like this, they’ll be what I ride!