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EB16: Syntace straightens up carbon mountain bike wheels, hands in new Vector Superlight MTB handlebars

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The new Syntace MX Straight 33i Carbon wheels are more than just a new combination of parts from the brand. The hubs are new, and the rim is new, and together they make a impressive wheelset that comes in at 1,580g (27.5″) with Boost axle spacing and a 33mm internal rim width.

They’re laced with 28 spokes per wheel, with the same length spokes on each side of the hub and front to rear so it’s easier to keep just a few spares on hand without worrying they’ll be the right length. And, they say, the rims and build are so good that if you do break one, you’ll be able to ride out just fine. They’re straight pull, too, which is new for them, and you can grab those hubs separately if you want to build your own…

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The C33i rims measure 40mm wide on the outside with a well shaped 33mm wide inside. Bead hooks and a notched bead channel help lock the tire into place for solid tubeless performance. They’re also compatible with Schwalbe ProCore tire systems. The shaping of the rim complements carbon’s inherent stiffness, and the use of 3K woven carbon at the edge helps it withstand impacts better. Rim weight is just 430g, impressive for the width.

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They’re laced 3x with Sapim spokes and alloy nipples. Retail for the wheels is €1,400.

The hubs are their new HiTorque MX Straightpull, which license American Classic’s steel freehub body insert to prevent the cassette from biting into the otherwise alloy part.

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The new straight pull hubs are lighter than the original flanged design (background) but use the same double seals and waterproof axle end caps to keep them running clean and smooth. Weights are 286g for 12×142 rear (289g for Boost 12×148) and 138g for 15×100 front (142g Boost 15×110). Retail is €220 and €160 (€380 for the pair). Inside, they’ve increased the number of engagement points from 36 to 44, providing a 20% quicker response.

Both the hubs and wheels come with a 10 year warranty, three years with 100% replacement coverage for defects and the remaining seven at about 50% of then current pricing.

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The new Syntace Vector Superlight handlebar series comes in with four sizes/shapes, all under 200g despite testing very strong against the competition…and meeting the VR-3 downhill standard.

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They’re available in 8º and 12º sweeps, in 720mm and 760mm widths, all with 10mm rise.

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Click to enlarge. Sure, they’re narrow by today’s enduro standards, but a 760 makes a fine XC bar with a weight that’s enviable. Retail is €250.

Syntace.com

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Von Kruiser
Von Kruiser
7 years ago

Wow, those weights are low. Hats off to them for having a 760mm bar w/ 10mm rise @ 198g. FSA SLK is 235g w/ 740mm. However not sure a guy of my size and being an aggressive rider would feel comfortable on a 198g bar. There are a lot of factors to consider when going super lightweight per individual. Do not envy brands who focus on having the lightest products. There’s always a knuckle head like me who smashes everything yet likes to have light(ish) bikes. Personally I can never go ultra light on parts for this reason and it can be a scary game if youre not careful. Their wheels are probably pretty safe for trail riding and are an excellent wide spec and low weight.

Phil Succuluski
7 years ago
Reply to  Von Kruiser

I agree 100% the bars are no place to skimp. I have seen 740mm carbons snap under aggressive riding before (not Syntace). Mountain bikers crash this is a fact. There may be no visible signs of damage to the carbon until a sudden part failure.
Without being a carbon fiber expert.It is hard to know if Syntace figured a better way to make a very light bar. I hope so!

Wacek Keepshack
7 years ago

Phhh, Tune has a 800 bar at 120g. Who wants to drop in on that!

AYYGGSS
AYYGGSS
7 years ago

ive run this bar on 3 different bikes for everything from bike parks to trail riding . im 200lbs naked and do not ride lightly . syntace will always be my bar of choice !

Varaxis
Varaxis
7 years ago

I have a set of Syntace Vector carbon bars that I’ve run for about a year. The main beef I have with them is how they’re shaped by the clamp area. It tapers right away and I have trouble securing anything to it tightly to it, such as a headlight. Keeps wanting to slip and point down or whatever, since the bar tapers so soon. I got the 12d version and don’t find the backsweep to be excessive, though I do think my Enve’s have a better feel overall.

Xyphota
Xyphota
7 years ago

I hope they are going to release 26″ wheels to complement their daughter company’s (liteville) frames that encourage mismatch wheel size. Would love a set of these on my 301.

Jason
Jason
7 years ago

When will companies start making XC width bars again? No way you can ride an xc trail at pace with suck wide bars, many gaps in our trails are sub 700mm wide. Its a pity they don’t do a light 690mm bare that can be trimmed.

Chalchalero
Chalchalero
7 years ago
Reply to  Jason

Yes you can, you only need to learn the New England “shuffle” 😉

Kernel Flickitov
Kernel Flickitov
7 years ago

Less than 700mm way through on a mtb trail?! Jeez, someone needs to buck up and do some trail work! Where do you live, Middle Earth? Are you hobbit size?

Cycle Monkey
7 years ago

Syntace bars (all their products really) are probably the most tested in the world. They dedicate tons of time and resources into breaking parts to know exactly how their products perform. This allows them to squeeze as much weight out as possible without compromising on rider safety or comfort. They back this up with a 10 year warranty and no rider weight limit.

matt1025
matt1025
7 years ago

I have run Vector Pro bars for 3 years (680 wide 10mm rise) with no issues at all. Yes I have crashed and ride them through all conditions, etc. Only reason I recently changed to Enve was for the 760 width and cheaper cost.

Von Kruiser
Von Kruiser
7 years ago

Great input everyone who chimed in. Have never considered Syntase but will now.

Darryl Duck
Darryl Duck
7 years ago

Wide handlebars and hacksaws go very well together for tight singletrack.

Stanislav Pantenkov
Stanislav Pantenkov
7 years ago

You say that the hubs are lighter than the original Hitorque mx, but original weights 220g rear and 110g front. Usually straight pull hubs are lighter, so are the weights in the article correct? 286g and 136g looks much heavier than the original hubs.

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