Handlebar choice shapes your hand position more than any other cockpit component, and Specialized's Expert Alloy Shallow Bend targets riders who find traditional drop bars uncomfortable after a few hours. The shallow drop—120mm from the bar tops to the lowest point of the hooks—keeps your hands closer to the brake hoods even when you're in the drops, which means less wrist extension and a more natural grip angle during longer efforts. The compact reach of 70mm pulls the hoods back toward the rider as well, creating a cockpit that doesn't force you to overextend when shifting or braking from the drops.

The 6061 aluminum construction delivers a predictable flex pattern that damps road vibration better than some stiffer carbon alternatives, and the alloy material allows Specialized to maintain tight tolerances on the bar's geometry without the layup variations that can occur in composite manufacturing. A 31.8mm clamp diameter fits standard oversized stems, while the ergonomic tops provide a flat platform for climbing or casual riding on the hoods.

Bar tape wraps cleanly around the smooth transitions between sections, and the cable routing grooves on the underside of the extensions keep housing tucked against the bar for a cleaner look and improved aerodynamics. Available in 40cm, 42cm, and 44cm widths measured center-to-center at the drops, the sizing accommodates most shoulder widths without the extremes that sometimes require special ordering.... Read More