Aero road bars typically ask you to pick a lane between wind-tunnel numbers and everyday comfort, but the Rapide was developed by Specialized in collaboration with Roval and tested extensively in the wind tunnel to make the shape as streamlined as possible . The result is a one-piece carbon drop bar that reads as an aero bar from the front but keeps the hand positions and clamp interface of a conventional round-bar cockpit, so you can run it with any 31.8mm stem you already own.

The shape is where the Rapide earns its keep. The handlebars are proven to save over 20 seconds across 40 kilometers compared to traditional round bars in Specialized's wind tunnel testing, and the flattened, forward-offset airfoil on the tops is what does most of that work. The wing-like upper bar is mounted forward to give you more space for your forearms and knees, and a recess on both sides marks where the handlebar tape ends for a flush finish . That flush transition matters more than it sounds — no lip under your palm when you shift hand position between the tops and the hoods.

Comfort holds up on longer rides too. The textured surface offers a secure grip even in wet conditions , which is what you want on the naked carbon section of the tops when you're riding without full-length tape. The bend itself measures 125mm drop and 75mm reach , a compact shape that keeps the hoods within easy reach and the drops usable for riders who don't want to stretch out to get low.... Read More