Test: Bontrager RSL MTB Lenker-Vorbau – eine edle Steuerzentrale
The most important facts in brief
One-piece handlebar/stem combinations are becoming increasingly common. They are beautiful in themselves and fit in perfectly with the current system integrations, where cables and hoses are routed through the headset. This makes a cockpit look tidier than ever before. However, these products also have disadvantages when it comes to ergonomics.
First impression
Beautiful - that's the first thought. You want to screw it onto your bike right away and lo and behold, it looks sexy. The RSL MTB handlebar/stem unit from Bontrager has a simple design and looks very classy. But the first time you sit down and grab the handlebars, you realize that it's either this way or not at all, because you can't adjust anything here. Either the geometry suits the bike and your personal preferences in terms of grip position, or you're screwed. The handlebar cannot be detached from the stem as usual and turned a few degrees until it fits. It is what it is.
The steering unit is compatible with both knock-block and classic headsets, the corresponding adapter plate is included. There is a grub screw in the center front where you can mount Bontrager Blendr accessories for lamp heads or e-bike displays. This cockpit is available in widths of 750 and 820 millimetres and in various lengths. The test product has the following specifications:
Width: 820 mm (uncut)
Length: 35 mm
Rise: 27.5 mm
Up sweep: 4º
Back sweep: 9º
Stem angle: 0º
In use
There are markings on the handlebar ends to make shortening easier. The 820 version can be shortened by a whopping 70 millimetres. If you cut the handlebars with a carbon saw blade, you can do this effortlessly and without tearing out the fibers. The version shortened to 760 millimetres weighs just 252 grams.
If you fit one of these units, you probably won't notice much difference to the previous normal handlebar/stem combination. It takes numerous rides in quick succession in a back-to-back test - where you always master the same route with the same bike and only a different cockpit - to feel anything. It is also essential that the handlebar width and stem length are always the same.
Conclusion
After several hours of comparative testing, it turns out that the "Bontrager RSL MTB" handlebar/stem unit is quite comfortable, but on the stiffer side. This is particularly evident on rough asphalt, where you feel vibrations a little more. From a purely visual point of view, this component is a real upgrade for any bike.
Recommendation
It is really advisable to have the cockpit fitted for test purposes before buying. Even a backyard ride will show you whether the geometry suits you or not. Because this pretty piece has its price.
Price: CHF 575.00
