Flat bars with aggressive backsweep create a different wrist position than the traditional straight-across designs that dominated cross-country racing for decades. The Ritchey Comp Buzzard MTB Handlebar takes this concept further than most with 25 degrees of backsweep—enough to rotate your wrists into a more neutral position that reduces strain on longer rides and puts your arms at an angle that improves leverage for technical climbing. The design philosophy borrows from alt-bar and Jones-style thinking, where comfort and control matter more than aerodynamic hand placement.

The 780mm width provides a modern platform that works well for trail riding and bikepacking applications where stability matters. You can cut the bar down if you prefer something narrower, but the starting width gives you room to experiment with hand position before committing to a final dimension. The 31.8mm clamp diameter fits standard modern stems, and the 6-degree upsweep complements the backsweep to create a cockpit position that feels natural for riders who spend long hours in the saddle.

Ritchey builds the Buzzard using 6061 aluminum at the Comp level, which keeps the price accessible while maintaining reasonable weight for a bar with this much sweep. The aluminum construction also means you can cut and adjust without the stress risers that affect carbon bars when modified. If you're setting up a rigid bikepacking rig or want a more upright position on your trail bike without going full cruiser bar, the Buzzard geometry offers something the standard 9-degree backsweep options don't provide.... Read More