Images of Thomson’s New Handlebars Surface

Liking the looks of the 12* ti bars, though.

I saw that picture and immediately thought “Carbon Helix Road Bar”, which would have been a pretty epic discussion topic, oh well.

&fred – The photographer said that he mounted the bars funny to better show the details.

Thomson’s beauty is machining. I’m not sure how “bending’ compliments their non-cycling skill set. They are a super fine machine shop, but they are far from a cycling knowledge base.

Would rather see them making other bike bits like skewers, hubs, hangers, cages, fd mounts, or brakes. Etc. etc. Where they can be a machine shop, not metal benders or China outsourcers.

Name one thing they currently sell that isn’m made from a block of AL? Can’t do this with handlebars, I’m afraid. And bars are preference shape pieces, unlike all their other stuff that is simply built to standards.

Two thoughts…… the carbon cross bar is LIGHTER than the road bar (HUH?). And if you’ve never owned a Thompson seatpost you owe it to yourself. Light enough, micro adjustable, and strong. Every year someone comes out with a new seatpost design but Thompson keeps making a tried and true, dependable, affordable post. Excellent!!!! Good engineering and a quality build….

Just surfaced photos? They posted these on their facebook weeks ago. #notfirstyourebikerumor

@carl

Or maybe it’s just lack of true innovation?

@Whatever

What’s so special about Thomson? Can you in any way prove that they are such a great machine shop? Most of their components are such old designs that today many companies make parts both lighter and just as strong. Just because the company is American doesn’t mean that everybody has to praise their products for exceptional quality.

Greg is right, the setback posts get bent. But one, flat, low-double-digit-degree kink does not handlebar capabilities make. And they are not forged, Chad, AL is extruded into a shape they want. These extrusions are then machined and BENT, if setback.

Thomson is a precision shop, their core business is aerospace. They are special. Those of you that don’t that fit right into the Bike Rumor editorial mission or getting a lot wrong. Cycling is far from their core business.

I think their seat clamp head is ugly, but their posts are FINE pieces of engineering and machine work. And are to be lauded.

No denying Thomson makes nice quality seatposts, though the original blueprint for that came from copying a Syncros Hardcore post. These guys are not known for being original, they made their way taking good designs and making them better with “made in USA” credibility.

Chip-I agree.

i can’t wait for the Thomson cranks and single speed kit.

They sponsor Katie f-king Compton??? I feel sorry for Thomson that they have to deal with such high maintenance BS. Will purchase the bars out of sympathy.

I’ve run Thomson parts on all my bikes since day 1 of their debut. Huge part of the appeal is the “Made in USA” factor, and I’m clearly not alone. Take that for what it is, but there’s no denying it. I think this Asian manufacturing move is a poor business choice that takes them out of the “Chris King” league of components and shifts them into a tier of outsourcers below. Will the quality of the bars be top notch? Absolutely, there is no question of that……BUT, all things considered, why buy one of these Thomson bars when you can buy an Easton or any number of other Asian bars that are just as good? So it can match your post and stem maybe? We’re talking handlebars here, not a super sophisticated component with a ton of market segmentation to be had….like say a fork, or even a dropper post.

Any drop or reach measurements?

I really like Thomson seatposts as they clamp seat rails with authori’tay’. I also find that their ribbed finish also helps to prevent the seatpost from slipping down into the frame. The price is actually very reasonable after realizing how much better they are than what I have tried inthe past. Having said that, I never would have know what a great seatpost they made if it wasn’t built in the USA. I, like most americans, have been trained by Wal-Mart to buy stuff at the cheapest possible price. The only reason I ever looked at them was because I found the Made in USA to be something unique. Will I pay $140+ for carbon handlebars made overseas when I can buy other carbon handlebars made overseas for 1/3 that cost? The answer is no. Why, you may ask… because I’m American and I dont have any connection with overseas parts or brands. I don’t know if the quality is any better and I dont want to spend the money to find out. Bring production here and I will “splurge” to try them out. If they are good then I will probably be a long time user.