.png)
All sizes UCI legal - also in the future
Information about the Cross-Wing Aero Carbon handlebar
Who is the Cross-Wing handlebar for?
-
Racing cyclists or cyclists who need particularly aerodynamic and narrow handlebars.
-
Gravel bike riders who want to ride an aero handlebar that is not too wide and has good damping, but cannot do without the flare, a small drop and the ability to mount accessories on the top handlebar.
-
For all athletes who ride in larger groups or a racing peloton.
-
For track riders who need an aerodynamic and narrow racing handlebar for sprint and mass disciplines (see also the explanations below).
-
Basically to all racing cyclists who want to have an improved riding experience with their bike.
Just two years ago, the riders of a very well-known women's professional cycling team had to use 42cm or even 44cm handlebars because the stem-handlebar combination with a long stem was only available with wide handlebars. Fortunately, manufacturers have recognized the advantages and now offer narrower versions as well.
Wide handlebars like the one in the picture on the left should be a thing of the past.
Currently, it's popular to rotate brake levers inwards. Once people have tried it, they've generally been convinced and often enthusiastic about the advantages. You see these rotated brake levers almost everywhere on professional teams.
We designed the Cross-Wing handlebar specifically for these inward-facing brake levers . This not only looks visually appealing but also creates a great combination with the flare.
The handlebars are UCI legal with moderately inward-turned brake levers.
.jpg)
Here is the 33/40cm handlebar with a UCI-approved 28cm distance between the brake levers.
Technical specifications:
-
Width at the lower link (40cm, 42cm and 43cm (center-to-center))
-
Handlebar width at the brake lever clamps (33cm, 35cm and 36cm)
-
Wide hand rests on the top of the handlebars (approx. 54mm) for ergonomic gripping and aerodynamics
-
Aero gain - measured 23 watts gain at 40 km/h in narrow brake lever position
-
Shallow drop (105mm) for a not-too-deep grip on the drops.
-
Short reach (72mm) for a short distance between the brake levers
-
Inward-facing drops for inward-angled shift/brake levers
-
Sprinting on the drops with sufficient space to the wrists.
-
Cable channel for quick handlebar replacement
-
Backsweep (approx. 25mm extension at the top link to the rear)
-
Flare (lower handlebars angled 20° outwards) - but parallel handlebar ends (no outsweep or outward bend)
-
Ergo-Drops (straight section) and Short Extensions (short handlebar end)
-
High vibration damping (due to the carbon and the flat top of the handlebar)
-
40cm and 43cm versions with 50mm clamping range
-
42cm version with 100mm clamping range for mounting aero handlebar extensions or other accessories (clip-on bars, computer/light mount, bell, handlebar bag)
-
Full Aerodynamic Integrated Cable Routing (inside train routing)
-
Di2 compatible (for the Di2 control box in the handlebar end / EW-RS910)
-
Beskar reinforced, unidirectional carbon fibers
-
Weight approx. 230g *
-
High-quality carbon design (matte black with printed logo and glossy black decor)
-
Maximum rider weight 120 kg **
-
Stem and accessory clamp 31.8mm
-
Approved for racing and gravel bikes
-
ISO 4210 certified - Zedler Institute Advanced Plus Test passed
Here you can find the handlebar manual for download ( link ).
* Weight specification based on our own measurements and may vary by up to 5g due to manufacturing variations.
** Driver plus clothing and backpack
43cm version
%20(34.jpg)
42cm version
.jpg)
Prices
Cross wing handlebars
Computer mount aluminium
Computer mount carbon
Handlebar bag
Handlebar tape
249 Euro
25 Euro
35 Euro
19 Euro
15 Euro
Free shipping within Germany and the EU
Go to the product pages
Development
From our point of view, the “cockpit” – especially the handlebars – is, besides the tires and the gearing, the be-all and end-all on a racing bike and especially on a gravel race bike.
You have the handlebars "in your hands" on every ride, controlling the bike, steering, balance, and aerodynamics. Handlebars should be comfortable to grip, absorb shocks, allow for multiple ergonomic and aerodynamic positions, have low air resistance, and look good. Additionally, handlebars should be lightweight, affordable, offer space for accessories, and be easily replaceable.
The "handling" of the handlebars is particularly important off perfectly paved roads. There are now hundreds of gravel handlebars available ( link ), and we've tested several popular aero handlebars. Unfortunately, we haven't found a handlebar that combines all the features we need. Ultimately, we developed our own handlebar.
The Cross-Wing handlebar , which is suitable for both paved roads and natural paths.
The name is based on the "X" shape formed from the top and back as the geometry continues. Unfortunately, the name "X-Wing" is trademarked by the Star Wars films, so we call the handlebars Cross-Wing. You can find a reference to the X in the logo.
_jp.jpg)
_jp.jpg)
The material is carbon. Carbon handlebars offer better damping, and their variable design is necessary for the properties we want. Aluminum handlebars have less damping and cannot be shaped as freely. The flattened top section of the Cross-Wing handlebar creates a noticeable flex , thus absorbing shocks from the front wheel.
Modern handlebars have a more or less pronounced flare in the drops (vertical) as well as an outward bend in the drops (horizontal). This means the handlebars are angled outwards in the drops and wider than at the hoods (brake levers). The resulting wider hand position in the drops allows for greater power transfer during sprints and better control on uneven terrain for increased safety.
Aerodynamics are very important to us. The Cross-Wing handlebar, with its inwardly angled brake levers, offers a "new" aero position similar to the boom on a time trial bike. This is advantageous for both road and gravel bikes and saves approximately 20 watts at 40 km/h (compared to brake levers that are 40 cm apart).
For this, I have an aero simulator that you can use to adjust the aero hood position. The hoods are typically mounted 24cm apart. The simulator calculates a gain of 21 watts. This corresponds well with reality (23 watts difference).
_jp.jpg)
Aero and Geometry Simulator
Aerodynamic calculations
The wider grip on the drops is advantageous off-road and during sprints, while the 75mm narrower width at the brake levers allows for a particularly aerodynamic position. The ergonomic hand rests are especially helpful when climbing hills and during relaxed riding.
Riding in a larger group (race or recreational cycling event/marathon) with handlebars that flare out in a V-shape towards the end is very uncomfortable because you're afraid of getting the wide end caught on someone else's. That's why parallel handlebar ends (outsweep or outward bend) are very important to us.
The 40cm and 43cm versions are our handlebars prioritized for aero road bikes, featuring a 5cm wide clamping area for the stem. For mounting your bike computer, we offer brackets for Garmin and Wahoo that screw onto the stem.
The 42cm version is modified and is our "universal handlebar". The clamping area is 10cm wide, allowing for the mounting of speedometer and light mounts, aero extensions, a bell, additional brake levers from the Shimano GRX group, or handlebar bags. The 42cm handlebar thus offers many possibilities that no other aero handlebar provides.
_j.jpg)
The drops are positioned 35mm further out on each side, providing more space during sprints without the forearm hitting the tops. This also allows the drop (lowering of the drops) to be reduced to 105mm. This prevents the rider from gripping too low and ensures a comfortable position even in the drops . Riding in the drops should be just as comfortable as riding on the brake hoods.
.jpg)
_jp.jpg)
_jp.jpg)
Now, an important topic for us as sellers of racing bikes and suppliers of aftermarket handlebars: handlebar replacement .
This is often underestimated, and with hydraulic disc brakes and integrated cables, changing handlebars is a time-consuming problem. All cables must be removed and rerouted. Then the brakes need to be bled and the gears adjusted if necessary. If you can't do this yourself, you'll pay around €200 at a bike shop. Even for racers, a quick handlebar change isn't possible after a crash. That's why our Cross-Wing handlebar has an open cable channel under the tops where the cables can be routed. This maintains aerodynamics, and changing handlebars is quick and easy.
Brake levers angled inwards have the following advantages:
On the lower link:
The brake and shift levers are easier and faster to reach, as the fingers need to be stretched less to access the brake lever. Furthermore, the position of the brake and shift levers is more comfortable and, with flared handlebars, parallel to the direction of travel.
On the brake levers:
Here, the hand is slightly turned inwards. This is the natural position of the hand when it is (relaxedly) extended forward. An outward rotation, or a straight forward position, is unnatural.
The brake and shift levers are also easier to operate. It is particularly important to hold the brake levers firmly and brake simultaneously on bumpy surfaces.
At the brake lever humps (aero-hood position):
A highly aerodynamic position is achieved by holding onto the inwardly angled brake hoods and resting the forearms on the tops of the handlebars. Essentially, this is a similar position to riding with aero bars. The flat tops of the handlebars make this comfortable and offer the advantage of very quick access to the brakes. This isn't possible with extensions. Aero tests demonstrate a significant reduction in power output of approximately 23 watts at 40 km/h compared to standard drop bars when using this setup. See also our aero simulator .
_jp.jpg)
_jp.jpg)
_jp.jpg)
At the upper position nothing changes. The aerodynamics caused by the brake handles being turned inwards are only minimally impaired and disproportionate to the aerodynamic gain due to the new posture and improved ergonomics.
You see – many advantages and almost no relevant disadvantages. Basically all hand positions remain identical. The new shapes of the Shimano and SRAM brake levers also support this mounting position. Just test it yourself. You get used to the new look within 2-3 rides and you don't want to be without the improved feeling.
We advise against a combined handlebar-stem unit. Not only are these handlebar units very inflexible, making it difficult to achieve the correct adjustment, but the price and the hassle of replacement in the event of a crash also make this option unsuitable. Therefore, we have fundamentally decided against them for our road bikes and want to offer our customers a practical and affordable solution with the Cross-Wing handlebar.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Here is an overview of the widths at the brake lever clamps and at the handlebar ends (center to center):
Drop 105mm
Reach 72mm
Handlebar end: 40cm ---> Width at brake lever: 33cm
Handlebar end: 42cm ---> Width at brake lever: 35cm
Handlebar end: 43cm ---> Width at brake lever: 36cm
Special feature for track bikes
Train passengers prefer narrow handlebars.
In addition to improved aerodynamics, this offers a significant advantage: the ability to ride more safely and freely within the peloton. On a velodrome, the racing field is very crowded, and wide handlebars are a disadvantage there.
Sprinters use handlebars between 30cm and 33cm wide. However, they also need a strong upper body to compensate for the forces of their legs and the shorter lever arm on the handlebars.
Track cyclists in endurance disciplines do not have such a strong upper body and need a longer lever arm on the handlebars to be able to generate high wattages (>1000 watts).
Aerodynamic tests prove that gripping the handlebars with horizontal forearms reduces air resistance. That's why most cyclists ride in this position (left image).
.jpg)
A further reduction in resistance is achieved by using a narrow handlebar in this position. The 40cm Cross-Wing handlebar has a width of 32cm in this grip position (see image below).
This allows for a significant reduction in air resistance at the high speeds of over 50 km/h on the velodrome.
The Cross-Wing road bike handlebar combines a narrow aero position on the tops for track cyclists in mass participation disciplines with sufficient width for sprinting in the drops.
