35 mm extension of the Truvativ mid-range

In March 2016, Sram presented the new downhill-orientated Truvativ Descendant groupset. It advertised a stylish, aggressive look and durability, reasonable weight and decent prices. You should be able to really let rip with it. Since then, it has conquered the enduro and downhill market, and the price-performance ratio ensured that it was soon to be found on numerous middle and upper class bikes.

Stem and six new handlebars

Now Truvativ is launching the first update for the stable add-on parts: "35 mm" is the keyword. A whole range of solid-looking handlebars with 35 mm clamps for downhill and enduro use are new, naturally with the matching 35 mm stem. The stem is only available in one version but in three lengths and is made of 7050 alloy aluminium. However, fans of extremely short stems will not find what they are looking for here. Due to the design without a rise and the wide handlebar clamp, the minimum length is 40 mm, and the stem is also available in 50 and 60 mm lengths. The part looks solid but not clumsy, weighs 126 to 146 g depending on the length and will be available from January 2018 for 70 euros.

To match: six new handlebars with 35 mm clamps, which will also be available with 31.8 mm clamps, with the exception of the special models. The downhill handlebars come in carbon (198 euros/230 g) or aluminium (79 euros/310 g). Both models are 800 mm wide and angle upwards by 5° and backwards by 9°. The aluminium model has a rise of 25 mm, while the carbon model is slightly more front-wheel oriented at 20 mm.

Stylish with Troy Lee designs and matching decals for your bike

Also new are the Soder models Descendant Colab in cooperation with Troy Lee Designs, each with a carbon model (223 euros / from 192 g) and a cheaper aluminium model (111 euros / from 300 g). The handlebars are available with either 35 mm or 31.8 mm clamps and between 760 and 800 mm in length. Once again, the carbon model with 20 mm rise and 7° back and 5° up-sweep is somewhat sportier, while the aluminium model with 25 mm rise and 9° back and 5° up-sweep remains somewhat more relaxed.

The highlight of the Troy Lee Designs series is of course the look. The handlebars set clear colour accents, and there is also a matching sticker set for Rockshox suspension elements with 35 mm stanchions. So if you go for the carbon model, for example, you not only get the black handlebars with red and gold decals, but can also replace the decals on your RockShox suspension elements to match the handlebars for a real professional look.

Signature models of the team riders

Also part of the Colab special model series are the independent models dedicated to well-known team riders. Two models with 35 mm clamps are on offer. The Jérôme Clementz Signature handlebar is 760 mm wide, made of carbon fibre and weighs 192 g. The carbon fibre comes with discreet black and grey decals, while the dark green, Jérôme Clementz's racing colour, sets the decisive accents. The Kyle Strait handlebar is virtually an XXL version of the downhill handlebar, is made of aluminium and measures a massive 808 millimetres. The eagle, Kyle Strait's heraldic animal, adorns the centre. This weighs 320 grams on the scales and 87 euros in your wallet. The Jérôme Clementz model costs 189 euros.

The 31.8 mm aluminium models from style icon Martin Söderström and downhill legend Steve "Chainsaw" Smith are each 780 mm wide, have a 25 mm rise and cost 85 euros.

All handlebars and the stem will be available from January 2018. On the Website of Sram/Truvativ you will find all the information on the individual models.