Cavendish PRO Star Series bar and stem launched

Isle of Man cycling ace Mark Cavendish has received the star treatment from component manufacturer PRO with the launch of a new bar and stem bearing the HTC-Columbia sprinter's name.

The Vibe Sprint 'Mark Cavendish Star Series' comprises a handlebar and stem, developed in conjunction with the Manxman himself.

Emphasis is on rigidity without compromising weight. As such, the stem has been designed to be twice as rigid as the regular PRO Vibe 7S unit. The main stem body is carbon-fibre with alloy front clamp and top cap. It will be available in three lengths - 105, 120 and 130mm. Weight is claimed to be 170g for the smallest size.

Eschewing the current trend for carbon-fibre, the rigid theme continues with the handlebar which is made from aluminium alloy. This is reinforced with four internal splines that run the length of the bar. Three widths will be available - 40, 42 and 44 cm. Weight starts at 295g.

Both stem and bar are finished in black with white decals, and will be available from PRO stockists in the UK from June 2010.

Cavendish had a hand in developing the stem and bars that bear his name