ENVE has introduced the all-new, SES AR Road Handlebar. ‘SES’ stands for ‘Smart ENVE System’ and products that are aerodynamically optimized in the wind tunnel and CFD to be “real-world fast.”
‘AR’ means ‘all-road’ and, according to ENVE, designates products that ‘define the modern road rider and their preferences.’
In a release, ENVE notes…
The SES AR Road Handlebar features aerodynamic shaping that also aids in damping and compliance. While comfort is an important metric for riders spending long days in the saddle, it does not come at the sacrifice of power transmission and response for the performance-minded racer.
To further the bar’s aerodynamic performance, as well as meet the aesthetic requirements of the modern road bike, the SES AR Road Handlebar features internal and external routing options to ensure maximum versatility and compatibility with the numerous internally routed systems on the market.
The SES AR Road Handlebar features a compact geometry with a reach measurement of 76mm and a drop dimension of 127mm. Given the modern road rider’s requirement for a variety of hand positions, the SES AR features a flat top that transitions to a tight bend to the hood position.
In the drops, riders will find two well-defined hand positions and easy access to the controls. Like ENVE’s SES Aero Road Handlebar and its G Series Gravel Handlebar, the SES AR features a compound-flared drop that falls in between the minimal flare of the SES Aero and the aggressive flare of the G Series handlebar.
Flared drops allow the rider to widen their base and achieve greater confidence and control while descending and navigating more technical terrain.
“Road riding has evolved,” said ENVE VP of Product, Jake Pantone. “In 2016 we saw the writing on the wall during the development of our introductory SES AR wheel product, the SES 4.5 AR.
“Since that time, road frames have evolved to include clearance for high-volume tyres, and tyre manufacturers have invested heavily in high-volume tubeless road tyres that leave the tyres of yesteryear, quite literally in the dust.
“With frames, wheels, and tires growing more capable, so too has our appetite to explore the long road, the rough road, and dirt roads. With this evolution, it is only natural that our primary point of contact on the bike evolves as well. The SES AR Road Handlebar is ENVE’s solution to a better road riding experience.”
ENVE’s Chief Engineer, Kevin Nelson, said “The compound flare is designed to maintain better hand position in the hoods while also improving the reach to the lever in the drops.
“The flared drops provide a more natural control position and more comfort. All of this is based on the principles already being used in the G Series Gravel bar. The top shape is intended to give you much of the aero benefits of the aero road bar while giving you a wide position with a tight bend which provides forearm support in a hood based aero position.”
The SES AR Handlebar is available in five sizes and will retail for US$375, £400, €400, and AU$590.
