Bike Ahead: Review of the Unit ICR – a lightweight cockpit approved for trail use

​The Bike Ahead The Unit ICR consistently combines lightweight construction with integration. And that is precisely what handlebar-stem units are all about: fewer individual parts mean less weight and a seamlessly integrated product. One-piece carbon cockpits have now become the norm on high-end mountain bikes. The Bike Ahead The Unit ICR sits right at the very top of the range of the lightest and most exclusive handlebar-stem units, yet is still approved for use on tough enduro terrain. Our test report reveals whether this command centre – weighing just over 200 grams and costing 599 euros – can really hold its own off-road.

Conclusion

Handmade in Germany, super-light and super-expensive, the Ahead The Unit Cockpit is one of the most impressive tuning parts you can treat your mountain bike to. In our test, both the consistently high-quality technical execution and the ergonomics proved impressive. However, the visual and financial investment required for this component from Würzburg demands a real commitment. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Bike Ahead: The Unit ICR in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country to enduro
• Width: 800 mm
• Available lengths: 44 / 55 / 66 (tested) / 77 mm
• Backsweep: 9.5°
• Rise: 15 / 0 mm (in the test)
• Angle: 0 / -4 / -8 (in the test) / -10°
• Weight: 205 g (BIKE measurement, uncut)
• Price: 599 euros
• Accessory tested: Bike Ahead GPS mount, long (139.90 euros / 10 g)

Full integration

Bike Ahead’s one-piece carbon cockpit is manufactured in Germany and is aimed at ambitious trail, enduro and cross-country riders who value low weight and a clean look. Visually, ‘The Unit’ immediately catches the eye. Instead of angular shapes, Bike Ahead opts for flowing lines. The design is by no means an end in itself: through the use of a full carbon construction, the developers aim to save weight whilst simultaneously tailoring the stiffness specifically to the various stresses placed on the cockpit.

The Unit is one of the lightest integrated mountain bike cockpits on the market. At the same time, the unit is certified for rugged trail use in accordance with ASTM Category 4, making it suitable for modern all-mountain bikes as well as many e-MTBs. A special clamping surface is designed to prevent the brake and gear levers from slipping, even when tightened with low torque.

Lightweight tuning without compromise

In the test, the Bike Ahead The Unit was fitted with a bespoke custom bike – a perfect match! At just under 600 euros, the one-piece cockpit is by no means a product for the masses. Enthusiasts should also take good care of their The Unit, as Bike Ahead does not offer a crash replacement service for this expensive tuning component. Customers should be able to appreciate the bespoke craftsmanship and the feather-light weight; otherwise, The Unit is simply not an option for them. The GPS mount, costing almost 140 euros, also weighs next to nothing and, with its carbon tubes that are clamped into the cockpit rather than screwed in, is aimed at tech enthusiasts. Visually, The Unit takes up a lot of space in the centre of the handlebars – that’s something you’ve got to want.

Despite the lightweight construction, we experienced no compromises in terms of function or durability during the test period. For the test, we shortened the wide handlebars to 760 millimetres. This resulted in comfortable ergonomics on the race hardtail. In this category, the cockpit’s geometry isn’t particularly extreme. Even over long distances, the cockpit proved impressive with just the right level of comfort. On the trails, we put The Unit through its paces without mercy. Despite its feather-light weight, we never felt any sense of insecurity. Thumbs up for the performance-to-weight ratio.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• Extremely light, yet with no stability concerns
• suitable ergonomics
• Made in Germany

Cons

• painfully expensive
• no crash replacement

What do you think: would the Bike Ahead The Unit be a suitable upgrade for your bike? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!