Looking for Mr. (or Mrs.) Good-bar? Okay that's a lame intro and you probably need to be beyond a certain age to get it but, oh well. I've got a suggestion if you're looking for a good bar, Ritchey's Mountain Bar Pro fills the need nicely.

I don't know about you but handle bars are not something I replace that often. If you're a hard rider or maybe in the clydesdale class, a constant pounding can stress bars. If you're the typical XC dude or dudette, a new bar every couple of years might be more than enough.

Recently I got a hold of the Ritchey Mountain Pro. An important aspect to consider when replacing any part is the other components within the "system." Example, the handle bar is part of the cockpit and comes into direct contact with the stem, brake levers, shifters & grips. But overall feel is also dependent on your front suspension, brake/shifter placement, head tube angle and head-set. This is why it's considered a "system."

The Ritchey Mountain Bar Pro is made of 2014 T-6 alloy with triple seamless butting. It's 560mm wide with a 6-degree rise and 9-degree sweep that tips the scales at a slight 140g. If it matters to you, and it shouldn't, the Pro is manufactured in Taiwan to Ritchey's exact specifications. The feel is consistant with what I would expect from the good Ritchey name.

What I like about the Mountain Bar Pro was that it simply did what it's suppose to. It held up and did a fine job of absorbing the vibrations that the front ends are expected to withstand. My only complaint is that I would have liked the finish on the Ritchey logo to be a little more crisp looking. I love that reagal looking TR logo! After a few trips over the bars there will be some new "accentuations" to the finish but hey, we're mountain bikers and crashing is a part of the deal. The Ritchey Mountain Bar Pro will set you back about $40.

Who's It For:

Anyone ooking for a solid well built replacement bar that's priced at a great value

Who Isn't It For:

Weight freaks & downhillers