Planet X and partners-in-crime On-One are well known for devising unusual yet practical and well thought out handlebars.
The Strada differs from most conventional road handlebars in that it’s both shallow – with 14cm between the tops and the drops – and very short in reach, curving just 8cm forwards. This makes it particularly well suited to both long-distance touring and roadies with small hands.
The downside of a shallow drop is that there’s less ‘scoop’ for an aero tuck on fast descents, or when battling into a spirit-sapping headwind. The upside is that you’re actually far more likely to use the dropped position regularly, even on day-to-day riding, while the short reach gives a more upright, touring-friendly position too.
The 300g bar feels reassuringly sturdy, with enough give to temper road buzz. Four sizes are available from 38-44cm. The clamp diameter is 31.8mm, so if you’re planning to run a bar bag with them, make sure that it’s compatible with oversized bars.