Newmen Evolution SL 318.2 and Newmen Advanced on test: The perfect handlebar/stem combo?

At first glance, the combination of the Newmen Evolution SL 318.2 stem and Advanced Carbon handlebars looks inconspicuous: black, short, wide - a modern MTB cockpit. However, when you pick up the parts, gravity seems to be cancelled out for a moment. Despite its expansive dimensions, the combination of handlebar and stem is remarkably light. But is an MTB control centre really the right place to save weight? In any case, the parts come without a rider weight limit. In our test, we wanted to find out whether lightweight construction also has its pitfalls.

Newmen Evolution SL 318.2 stem in detail

• Price: 99 Euro >> available here
• Area of application: without restrictions
• Lengths: 50 (in the test) / 60 / 70 / 80 / 90 / 100 mm
• Angle: 6° (in the test) / -17°
• Handlebar diameter: 31.8 mm
• Overall height: 43 mm
• Minimum insertion depth: 41 mm
• Maximum total weight: without restrictions
• Stem material: Aluminium
• Material screws: Titanium
• Weight: 69 g (manufacturer's specification, 50 mm length)
• Special features: 2-screw clamping

>> Here we have compiled lightweight parts, including stems, from the 3D printer.

Newmen Advanced handlebars in detail

• Price: 139 Euro
• Application: Cross Country / Trail (under test) / Enduro / Downhill
• Versions: Advanced SL / Advanced (in test)
• Width: 760 / 800 mm (in the test)
• Rise: 10 / 25 (in the test) / 40 mm
• Diameter: 31.8 mm
• Backsweep: 8°
• Upsweep: 8°
• Maximum system weight: without restrictions
• Material: Carbon
• Weight: 240 g (manufacturer's specification)

>> Syntace also recently presented a new carbon handlebar. Here are all the details.

Lightweight construction without compromise

With the Evolution SL 318.2, Newmen is calling for a stem revolution. According to the German label, it is the lightest 3D forged stem that the MTB market has to offer. The dream weight of 69 grams is achieved by halving the number of bolts. Instead of four, the handlebars are clamped by just two bolts, which are also made of titanium to save the last gram of weight. The handlebars have to be pushed through the stem for installation. Certain models with a lot of rise can lead to compatibility problems. Newmen is so convinced of the robustness of the lightweight stem that there are no restrictions from the manufacturer in terms of rider weight or area of use.

>> Newmen can also do extra-light wheels. We tested the set, which weighs just 1158 grams.

The Advanced handlebars can be ordered from Newmen in different versions. The weight-optimised SL version for cross-country use weighs just 180 grams at a width of 760 millimetres. We opt for the Advanced Trail, which is still light at 240 grams and 800 millimetres wide. Newmen also places no restrictions on the maximum system weight for the lightweight carbon handlebars and also allows the bar to be used for heavy e-bikes. The developers deliberately opted for a low backsweep of eight degrees to enable a more aggressive downhill position without wrist misalignment. The decision in favour of the narrow 31.8 millimetre clamping dimension is also no coincidence. Compared to 35 millimetre handlebars, the Advanced should offer more comfort, less weight and better durability. Our past tests partially confirm this assessment.

The Newmen cockpit in the field

Fitting the Newmen parts is easy and fun right from the start thanks to the high-quality workmanship. When transferring the handlebars from another stem, the grips and fittings have to be removed in order to thread the part through the Evolution SL stem. This, in turn, does not cause any problems. Unfortunately, the Advanced Carbon handlebars have no markings for shortening. For trail riding in particular, 800 millimetres is too wide for most riders. In addition, the applied foil decals suffered from the clamping of the brake levers and dropper remote after just one installation.

>> Highrise handlebars are all the rage. We have tried out the hype.

Apart from handling and looks, the handlebar-stem combination leaves a very good impression. Stiffness and flex are in a pleasant balance on the trail: not quite as uncontrollably lively as special flex handlebars, and not quite as fatiguingly stiff as thick 35 millimetre systems. The ergonomics are well suited to modern geometries, both seated and standing, and place the rider in a balanced riding position. The estate takes jumps and drops without a murmur. Despite its flyweight, we had no concerns about stability even on rough terrain.

>> Lightweight parts from cheap platforms: We show why bikers are better off staying away from them.

Conclusion

The handling and workmanship of the cockpit parts from Newmen are of a high standard. The riding characteristics of the combination of Evolution SL 318.2 stem and Advanced handlebars are impressive and the minimal weight is a dream. The fact that there is no explicit weight limit is impressive and inspires confidence. Personally, I find the 800 millimetre wide handlebar too much of a good thing. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor