For most handlebars, seeing the ends droop towards the ground would be a cause for concern. If it’s a handlebar from the French company Baramind however, there is no reason to worry. In fact, it’s all part of the design. After launching their first flexible handlebar in 2012, the team has been hard at work developing new models that take advantage of their patented technology.
While most handlebars remain completely rigid, Baramind’s Bam bars use a combination of different materials sandwiched together to allow it to flex in a single vertical plane, while remaining stiff in all other directions. The idea may seem outrageous, but after introducing the Bam XC in 2012, the handlebars have been used by marathon cross country racers ever since. Now, Baramind is working on a wider Bam MTB and the more affordable Bam City…
In case there were any doubts to just how much the bars actually flex, this video from Baramind shows the new Bam XC flexing a surprising amount. Claiming less stress on your wrists and arms with no loss of energy during pedaling, each bar includes a 2 year warranty and is tested in accordance with European standards.
The original Bam XC used a combination of composites, plastic, and aluminum for the entire system that allowed users to fine tune the amount of flex they preferred. The upper locking inserts were fully rigid and kept the bar from flexing upwards and the lower inserts were able to tune the amount of give towards the ground.
The Bam City will use similar technology, but with a completely different structure. In order to make the bar more affordable for the average commuter, the bar will be made from a new material that is a mix of glass fiber and technical plastic. The new material also comes with a new molding process that was developed with another French company, resulting in another patented design. The first Bam City will not be tuneable like the original Bam XC, and is built around a 60-80kg (132-176lb) rider. We’re told that future versions will include different levels of flexibility to fit more riders according to weight, but the current product on Idiegogo only comes in one option. If the first stretch goal is met for their campaign, the locking inserts (white plates) will be offered in different colors to match your bike.
Initially, the bar will be manufactured with a 620mm length and 20 degree backsweep and 5 degree upsweep. Only offered in 31.8, the bar should come in at 350g. Additional stretch goals include more widths, and the possibility of a new shape, though that last goal is looking pretty far off. Pricing starts at €45 with an additional €8 for shipping outside of France, and an additional €15 for shipping outside of Europe. For us here in the U.S., that would put a Bam City at your door for just over $65.
The Bam City Indiegogo campaign will run until April, 26.
