Race Face NEXT SL handlebars review

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Next SL’s anatomic curves are comfortable wherever your hands are, but particularly pleasing is that the shape allows the top section to be flat, without ruining the angle of the drops. Double grooves are handy now everyone in the shifter world has hidden all their cables beneath the tape.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great finish

  • +

    Comfortable bars

  • +

    Tough

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not the cheapest

By Cycling Weekly
published

Race Face has made concerted efforts in the road sector, and we’ve noticed several bikes specced with the Canadian manufacturer’s kit for ‘09.

The Next SL is top of the shop, full carbon with a tasty looking finish. It’s not the lightest but that’s never been Race Face’s top priority; it’s more about tough, durable kit, harking back to its mtb roots, and it’s one of the stiffest bars we’ve ridden.

The only bad news is that if we’d printed this review in December they’d have been 20 quid cheaper, as the exchange rates continue to hammer the UK.

Sizes: 40, 42, 44cm (C to C) Dimensions: 142mm drop, 86mm reach. Diameter: 31.8mm.

Weight: 215g. SB

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Cycling Weekly

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.

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