Coefficient RR Handlebars Review: commentary before, during and after the first ride - "No regrets"

There was a little hesitation about swapping perfectly good handlebars for something entirely new, an unfamiliar shape with (a little) more weight and a ride into the unknown. One ride on the Coefficient RR handlebars, however, was enough to convince me that there’s merit in the quest for “metabolic and ventilatory efficiency”.
If your blood flow is better, then performance improves. That, it seems, is the theory behind this rethink of the traditional handlebar shape.
This is another episode in an ongoing series of reviews about this (relatively) new product that will soon be available in Australia (via Pushys.com.au).
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Related links:
• Part 1 - Unboxing Coefficient RR handlebars: • Unboxing (new cycling ...
• Part 2 - Interview about ergonomic design: • Coefficient Handlebars...
• Part 3 - Mechanic's observations: • Coefficient RR Handleb...
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www.ridemedia.com.au
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Related links:
• Building my bike (Focus Izalco Max 2019) part 1: • SRAM Force eTap AXS re...
• Building my bike (Focus Izalco Max 2019) part 2: • Focus Izalco Max 2019 ...
• Story of my bike (Focus Izalco Max 2019): • Story of my bike - Foc...
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Any questions? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
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For more on Coefficient Cycling, see: www.coefficient.cc
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- Note: NOT a paid promotion. -

[@bmwflyfisher]

Ok, I was on the fence on buying the bars. I have to thank you. I thought the same thing…Star Wars Bars! I have a Moots RCS with Enve carbon gravel bars (44cm flare to 50cm) which make my hands numb in record time. Shame since this bike is such a great long distance bike. Anyway, you convinced me to try these bars. Holy SMOKES! What a difference. They look sort of futuristic still, but you CAN’T beat the comfort!!! The swept back on the tops, the finger notch on the lowers, and the positioning of the hoods…Spectacular! Thanks for ridemedia…I have also bought a Kask Protone Icon…Great helmet, and I have about 4 others. Keep up the good work.

[@danielakerman8241]

Best handlebars out there for ergonomics. If you’re over 35, not a pro, and/or you ride long miles, you can’t get better bars

[@led1002]

I ordered a pair in April and had to wait until July to receive them. Tried them for a few weeks and decided to order a second pair for another bike. Again I was told they’re out of stock and wouldn’t be available until November now. It wouldn’t be so bad if they would show stock status before ordering but they take the order, charge your card $400 and then tell you they won’t arrive for more than two months.

[@elPedro666]

Now THAT'S how you do a review, spot on, cheers 👌

[@ride-media]

Thanks.

[@timdixo]

The backwards tilt and extended flat top make far more anatomical sense than so many of the carbon offerings on the market now. The added mini Spinachi aero position looks a huge plus too.

[@bonesx165]

Lol. So glad you explained why the wahoo was tilted so far forward. As soon a started watching I was fixated on it and it was doing my head in!😜 The bars look like a great shape for riding on the tops in particular. When I’m in that position, I tend to ride with my thumbs sitting over the front of the bars, as it makes my hands, arms and shoulders feel like they are facing “straighter” in respect of the front of the bike, which provides less strain on them. If that makes sense?? Downside of that, is the weaker grip on the bars if you hit a bump etc. The slight reverse sweep on these bars would seemingly solve that problem🤔 They remind me of the Jones H-bars = heaps of different hand positions for comfort. I’m with you on the bar tape as well. It was the main reason I swapped the Easton bars off my Izalco Max to a set of tried and true 3T Ergonovas = tape all the way across the tops. So much more grip on a hot sweaty day here in Oz. Enjoy your ride👍

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Totally honest review. I appreciate that. Not that "it's 15% more aero than last years model" mumbo jumbo. Well done.

[@michaelanderberg]

Thanks for the review! I need to try these handlesbar for sure! You’ve gained a sub as well :)

[@ride-media]

@@michaelanderberg cheers. That clip is from a few years ago. Been on the hop for a few weeks now… here, there and what feels like everywhere. Soon time to share a few more reviews / stories / interviews soon. So stay tuned. Be sure to have a look around the channel. And if you try these handlebars let me know what you think… - Rob

[@RudiDwiHartanto]

would be nice to see some footage of how your hand position during riding high speed

[@fortunatolara2028]

Thank you for the raw review. Great video too.😊

[@TheMirrorVision]

They look awesome, but more importantly make riding more comfortable!

[@RomanVedat]

Hi, Great presentation, I was wondering what stem you are using with the coefficient handbars please.

[@DanTuber]

loving the helmet hair

[@marciomvp9458]

How comfortable are the bars when riding rough/gravel terrain (when compared to normal alu/carbon handlebars)?

[@picodegallo1959]

Granted this is 2 years later, but the bars look fucking great. Nice rig.

[@pavlos..]

Number one rule from Alan at Europa; bottom section of handlebars after the curl must be parallel with the ground. Sometimes old school is better than expensive new school

[@hamletcabrerart]

The thumbs joke won you a subscriber, thank you for this review! 😅🙌

[@janeichler5810]

So if I get it right..Coefficient bars gives a great neutral position of hands, makes you more comfy and visibily puts you in a more aero position, gives an option of sort of legal Puppy paws position. And the reason you don't keep them is looks..right?

[@ride-media]

Right... until the last bit. I've kept them, and I love them.

[@pabloinones496]

Great review, thanks. Any ideas on how to mount a light on these?

[@ride-media]

Pablo, it's a good question as usual mounts (ie. strap on style) are difficult with the angles of these handlebars. That said, if you look at the opening shot, you can see a bolt-on mount underneath where the computer is... this can be matched to multiple lighting options. I use Bontrager and Serfas and Cycliq... and all have brackets that can be affixed to the mount underneath the Coefficient RR handlebars. Make sense? - Rob

[@pabloinones496]

@@ride-media Absolutely. Thanks. I already have some ideas here. Best!

[@usze123]

Can you tell me what the spec model is for the stem you have used with this coefficient handlebar?

[@Alex-bh4um]

Hi, I have the same frame , Focus Izalco Max for few years now, and I wanted to ask you , after trying many newer frames and bikes, how will you still rate this frame? Best , keep the good work

[@ayuabdullah5257]

I am from Singapore... How can I get this dropbar? How much?

[@meibing4912]

To me it looks like the shoulders get drawn backwards because the reach is a little less leading to potential problems with the neck. Good luck.

[@scottintexas]

I’m not racing anymore. Are these bars still better for a less aggressive endurance setup?

[@michaelhoye3402]

Well done Rob... enjoying your videos!... why didn't you put the coefficient rr on the Caledonia, as it is the more comfort/ endurance bike out of the two?

[@ride-media]

Michael, it could be that the Cervélo has been moved on... maybe, just maybe. (Well, it has... but I've not yet made that public. Maybe there's another video in it, to say farewell to #ProjectCaledonia - a fun six-month bike review.)

[@josepascual3535]

Was it difficult to get all of the internal wires set up?

[@reflectionsdetail]

did you try and ride with no hands and steer with body to see how they handle? How much did you have to adjust from your old cockpit? did you need to shorten/lengthen the stem? Cheers

[@Captinfun101]

Looks like Freo?

[@chrisdaidone8094]

What stem are you using here? Also, who makes that chain??

[@ride-media]

Stem is by Focus, the one for the 2019 version of the Izalco Max (it's a proprietary system). The chain is by SRAM, the FlatTop one... (ie. 12-speed).

[@alexgeo]

Are you still riding these?

[@d9dga]

Tell you what, you Aussies know how to do a proper, good review of cycling stuff. Cam & Neil; Chris Miller; ...I'm adding RideMedia to my list ;)

[@ride-media]

Welcome Dave... feel free to have a look around. If you have any questions, etc. It's not all product reviews here, but there are some you might find interesting. - Rob

[@devdroid9606]

Does it remove the ability to adjust the angle of the bike computer?

[@ride-media]

Dev... ah, yep. You could say that. But there may be ways that you could select a wedge (or some such after-market item, that I don't know about). As I've got it, the mount dictates the angle. Personally, I'm fine with how it is... but can understand that some like a little tilt for the preference. - Rob

[@frankcastellano9890]

hi you have sold me with these new handle bars. what stem do you have on the bike with the co efficiency RR they look great. can you be specific re name and model please thanks in advance

[@zidaz01]

Check out the original Eyropro bar - these guys just copied me. Plus my bar is cheaper.

[@christine9842]

@@zidaz01 As you know, Coefficient has already proven in court that they are the original designer. This is not very kind of you to continue to try and slander their reputation.

[@gioviecelli]

helo from brazil! this stem is -12 ?? what brand is it?

[@irondistance4313]

Did you do a video giving a long term review of these if not could you give me any addition impressions I’m thinking about buying a pair

[@ride-media]

It would be possible to go very long with a reply but I'll keep it relatively quick: they are fantastic to ride with and even though I get plenty of bikes to ride (perks of the job), when a test is about to take place, I always wish that I could swap out whatever comes with the Coefficient RR. (Eventually I adapt and I can say that most bikes have great packages with good handlebars that I see many benefits for too... but that's another story. Another time.) When I got stuck in lockdown (106 days in a row in Sydney in 2021), I ordered a second pair of Coefficient bars: I wanted to keep my outside bike ready (just in case) but I didn't want to ride the home trainer as long as I did - and there were some long indoor sessions - with the old handlebars I had. So, two sets are now part of my collection and they are still in use almost daily (except when there's a review happening). Still love 'em and still find highlights. The groove down below, where the thumb falls into is my latest obsession. I'm in the drops more than I had been in the past - thanks to longer hours on the bike and good flexibility... still, which is lucky for an older bloke. (I'm 52.) It simply works neatly not just for kinda urging you into the grip you take, because frankly that just happens naturally (ie. the position is great) but also because it feels as though that's how your hand would prefer to hold the bars. I'm surprised that such a little inside groove (what? 4-6mm... it's underneath bar tape, so I can't get an accurate measurement) makes the position so much more... ah, comfortable? Yes, but also efficient - largely, I think, because it feels correct. Then, on the tops... I go here, there and everywhere. I'm a fiddling kind of rider, I like short periods in one position before wanting to shift. But lately I'm holding myself in one place longer when using these bars. Probably because I moved before to find a different 'happy' place. But now, all the grips I have (and they could be explained in the video - but that was years ago... early in my time with this handlebars) are comfortable, and maybe even "ventilatory efficient". I've not done blood tests before or after, and wouldn't know how to get the answers to something like that, but I feel better with these bars. (Make sense?) - Rob

[@irondistance4313]

@@ride-media thanks Rob. It does make sense, I think I will be getting a pair.l, I am planning on the climb to kaiser it’s a 120 mile fondo with 16000 feet of climbing in 50 miles and then a 40 mile TT in the desert heat. I think these would be perfect for the event. I’m also an older bloke 45 myself and I find on longer climbs especially I want to move around my hand position regularly

[@ride-media]

@@irondistance4313 you’ll smash it. Let me know how it goes.

[@irondistance4313]

@@ride-media I hope so thanks for the answers. I’m glad I found your Chanel and subbed up. I will let you know and i will tell you how I like the bars when I get my hands on a paid

[@irondistance4313]

Thanks again Rob. I actually am getting a set of these when the size I want 38 comes back in stock, about 6 weeks. I was a wondering since you have tried them on 2 bikes do you think a guy would want to go with a shorter stem because the bars are set ahead further than traditional bars

[@BioStuff415]

the stem ?

[@jackwindmiller]

Is it uci legal?

[@beavc]

May I find out what is the stem that you are using?

[@ride-media]

The stem is by Focus and although I cannot tell you the name (without searching it up) I can explain that it's part of the Izalco Max deal: ie. proprietary for the frame/fork package. - Rob

[@beavc]

@@ride-media thank you very much!

[@rawjunk]

Doesn't look that bad with the way you wrapped them.

[@shepshape2585]

Here's the problem with all these handlebars designed to accomodate Di2 group sets...the two MASSIVE knobs at the tops of the hoods. You may as well nail wood blocks to the tops of your hoods for how aero these things are. Now, to be fair, it wouldn't make a huge difference to me, because I'm a B rider anyway and am not obsessed about extra grams or how aero things are, but these things are made for people who are spending a lot of money on their bikes/group sets and ARE concerned about how aero parts are, and they couldn't figure out how to make them more aero? I mean, I see they're teardrop shaped, but that's still a significant source of wind resistance/friction at the front of the bike.

[@zidaz01]

check out the original Eyropro - these guys just copied me

[@christine9842]

@@zidaz01 As you know, Coefficient has already proven in court that they are the original designer. This is not very kind of you to continue to try and slander their reputation.

[@Epson5000]

you sorta remind me of an aussie version of jeremy irons.

[@raidaman1]

The stem. The stem. The stem. What is it??

[@ride-media]

That's part of the Focus package... it's a proprietary stem for the Izalco. - Rob

[@exa-mountainbikingandhikin7127]

What stem is that?

[@ride-media]

It’s the proprietary one for the Focus Izalco.

[@mohamadjamil3164]

A bit of a stretch. Video could have been wrapped up in max 5 minutes

[@JBthe3rd]

Hate how the computer sits on top like that. 😢

[@jackriley1989]

I would rather be less comfortable than ride a handlebar that looks like that. Great video and feedback, but can't make them look appealing

[@dundeedideley1773]

Slippery hands? Just wash your hands they only tan on the outside

[@hcw199]

All well and good but I wouldn't trust carbon handlebars.

[@jsmith4598]

😂

[@zidaz01]

It is just a copy of the Eyropro handlebar which I have patents for. They reworked it and ruined the design ha ha

[@christine9842]

As you know, Coefficient has already proven in court that they are the original designer. This is not very kind of you to continue to try and slander their solid reputation.

[@zidaz01]

@Christine ha ha now this is a lie and you know it. They don't even own a patent for the bar's they are selling, but I do.

[@bikebudha01]

This guy is not all there mentally...

[@ride-media]

"This Guy" is me. And I read these comments, and I can assure you Bikebuda01, I'm all here - mentally and physically. I'm baffled that you'd opt to type such a statement after watching a video and it says a lot more about you than me. - Rob

[@bikebudha01]

@@ride-media No, you ramble on at a level not often seen on youtube. I actual believe you have some sort of cogitative disability. I wanted to see what you thought of the handlebar, but instead I got to see your new shiny chain, have you apologize for riding around an off-camera speedbump. To be hones, you spent maybe 45 seconds actually talking about how the bar works... Not a good ratio of time on topic/time off topic....

[@fucktheworld1207]

Wrap them bars all the way..... "Sod the bike snobs"