Unite Co are manufacturers of mountain bike componentry, including chainrings (round and oval), flat pedals, chainguides, headset components, and now stems and handlebars. The brand are CNC’ing almost all of these components in-house at their UK headquarters. A decision to cut European distributors means Unite can (and have) dropped their prices by up to 30%, while still delivering the same quality product to consumers. Let’s take a look at the now rather good value componentry, including the all-new Unite Renegade Stem and Bar.
Unite Renegade Stem
Unite wanted a stem that was stiff, accurately machined and looked the part. After hours of designing, 3D printing and FEA analysis, the Unite Renegade Stem was born. The complete Renegade stem and face plate are CNC machined along five axes from one piece of 6082 aluminium. That’s the stem and face plate machined at the same time in one operation, meaning the shape of the two pieces are 100% complementary and will always line up perfectly.
Unite say that machining the stem in one piece also makes it far more accurate around the bar clamp area, removing any stress raisers for carbon bars. It is machined to be as light and as strong as possible, removing material from areas without sacrificing strength. The Unite Renegade was designed with a special recess for the included Flush Cap giving it the ultimate integrated look.
The Unite Renegade Stem weighs a claimed 135g. It is available in both 31.8mm and 35mm clamp options, with 35mm and 42.5mm length options available for both.
Unite Alloy Handlebar
The Unite Renegade alloy handlebar is designed in the UK and manufactured in Taiwan from 7000 series aluminium. On their arrival into the UK, Unite laser-engrave the graphics in house, said to be far more accurate and consistent than standard transfer graphics. The bar is available in a 35mm clamp version only, with 20mm or 30mm riser options. Both have an 8° backsweep. The former has a 5° upsweep while the latter has a 4° upsweep.
The bar is shipped at 800mm wide but markings on the bar ends handily inform you of where to cut for a given width. The clamp area also features useful markings for ensuring the stem is clamped at exactly the midpoint. The bar weighs a claimed 310g.
Pricing and Availability
The Unite Renegade Stem is available in 5 popping anodized colors, and black, and will set you back £64.99. The Renegade handlebar is available only in black with black and yellow graphics, and is priced at £44.99.
