PRO has announced its new Vibe Superlight road cockpit range, which has undergone a weight-shaving exercise.
The handlebar is claimed to drop 75g from the previous incarnation, which was introduced in 2019.
The Shimano-owned brand says the new model sees not just an evolution in weight saving, but also performance.
The brand has also announced a set of carbon clip-on aero bars, as well as a lightweight expander plug and computer mount to complete the range.
Availability is to be confirmed, as is Australian pricing.
PRO Vibe Superlight handlebar
At a claimed 154g for the 38cm-width model, PRO says the Vibe Superlight is the lightest road bike handlebar it has ever manufactured.
The brand says the handlebar's strength and reliability has also been improved despite the weight saving, thanks to the use of 'Innegra' fibres within the unidirectional T1100 carbon layup.
Innegra is a high-modulus polypropylene fibre that’s more impact-resistant, and is used by some bike brands – such as Allied Cycle Works and Orro – in their frames.
Carbon handlebars can often fracture at the shifter and stem clamping areas when over-torqued and PRO added it's "been reinforcing handlebars with composites, like Innegra, in the PRO Vibe Carbon and PRO Vibe Aero product lines since 2016. Carbon is already lightweight and stiff; using Innegra on strategic locations adds reliability in the case of an incident".
PRO also says the oversized rounded tops provide “a comfortable and ergonomic hand position”, which should come in handy when riding up climbs in a more relaxed pose.
Mirroring the outgoing model, the reach and drop dimensions measure 80mm and 130mm respectively.
Naturally, the handlebar is fully compatible with Shimano Di2 internal cable routing, while it’s available in three widths: 38, 40 and 42cm.
The PRO Vibe Superlight handlebar will retail for £379.99 / €419.95 / $449.99.
PRO Vibe Superlight stem
Optimised to be used in conjunction with the Vibe Superlight handlebar, the Vibe Superlight stem is constructed from 7075 alloy rather than carbon fibre.
We asked PRO why it chose this material and it replied "aluminium offered us the greatest range of possibilities in the design process, to conform to our PRO testing standards and not having a rider weight limit", regarding it as "the lightest, and stiffest connection (in relation to weight) to the bar possible, and also provides the option for internal- (or semi-internal) cable routing" .
The shortest 70mm-length variant is said to weigh just 92g.
PRO says the stem is lightweight, stiff and compatible with handlebars that have a 31.8mm clamping diameter. The stem allows for seamless internal cable routing when used with the Superlight handlebar and on compatible frames, according to the brand.
The stem is available in 70 to 120mm lengths in 10mm increments, and features a +/- 6-degree angle. It’s compatible with both 1-1/8in and 1-1/4in steerer tubes.
The PRO Vibe Superlight Stem will retail for £159.99 / €159.95 / $174.99
PRO Gap Cap Expander Plug
The new weight-weenie expander plug PRO Gap Cap Expander carbon weighs 24g, saving 16g over the previous lightest expander.
Like the Vibe Superlight stem, it’s compatible with 1-1/8in and 1-1/4in steerers, and includes a carbon top cap.
The expander plug will set you back £29.99 / €34.95 / $34.99.
PRO Vibe computer mount
Completing the lightweight cockpit range is the PRO Vibe computer mount, constructed from 6061 alloy.
PRO says the mount has been designed to fit both the new Superlight cockpit and existing Vibe carbon stems.
The mount is compatible with Garmin, Wahoo and Bryton bike computers, with adaptors for all brands set to be included in the box.
PRO adds the computer mount features a hinge that offers +/- 20 degrees of adjustability. The mount also features two fore and aft positions, set 11mm apart.
The computer mount will cost £59.99 / €54.95 / $179.99.
PRO Compact Carbon Clip-On aero bars
In addition to the lightweight road-going cockpit equipment, PRO claims its new Clip-On aero bars are designed specifically for ultra-endurance cyclists and short-distance triathletes, and weigh just 135g.
According to the brand, the hand position the aero bar enables will bring an aerodynamic gain, while better maintaining comfort and control over the bike.
The clip-on aero bars also incorporate a computer mount.
PRO says the aero bars are secure enough to enhance control and comfort during gravel riding or racing, but are not designed for use on technical off-road terrain or descents.
The aero bars will retail for £149.99 / €159.95 / $179.99.
