Expected to arrive in the UK in early June, the PRO Vibe Sprint “Mark Cavendish Star Series” handlebar and stem is a no-compromise cockpit developed by PRO for and in consultation with the fastest sprinter in the pro peloton. Very particular about the technical details of his bike, Team HTC-Columbia’s Cavendish contributed on both the functionality and final design of the cockpit that bears his name.
The stem combines CNC-machined aluminium top and front caps and a monocoque stem body in unidirectional carbon –fibre in the search for the ultimate in rigidity and responsiveness. The rigidity of the stem is said to be almost double that of a regular PRO Vibe 7S stem. Weighing from 170g depending on size, the stem will be available in 105, 120 and 135mm lengths.
In preference to carbon-fibre, which is felt to be unpredictable following a crash, the handlebar is in aluminium alloy reinforced in the oversized top-section of the bar with four internal splines, which increase rigidity by 9% compared to a regular PRO Vibe 7S handlebar. The handlebar will be available in an anatomic bend only and in three widths: 40, 42 and 44 cm. Weight will be from 295g.
Both the stems and handlebars will be separately available at local PRO dealers from the first week of June 2010. Prices to be confirmed.