Spank Oozy Handlebars
Spank have been pumping out some impressive looking kit over the last few years, and things such as their OohBah rim profile clearly show that they’re not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to working with aluminium. Applying that same lateral thinking to the humble aluminium handlebar has resulted in what Spank call ‘Vibrocore’; an aluminium bar filled with vibration damping foam.
The problem with traditional alloy handlebars is that they’re generally so stiff that they transmit high-frequency vibration to the rider’s hands, resulting in hand and wrist fatigue, or even numbness. Previously you’d have to spring for a carbon handlebar to get decent vibration damping, and although carbon bars are also lighter, the price can be prohibitive for many riders. The aim with Vibrocore is to provide some of the ride feel that carbon is known for, but at a substantially reduced price. In order to put these claims to the test, we picked up a set of standard alloy Spank bars and a set of Vibrocore ones; we then rode them back to back.
Spank’s Oozy range is designed for XC to all-mountain riding; they’re not recommended for aggressive DH, enduro or freeride use. We chose a 760mm wide bar with 15mm rise as it’s what I’d normally ride, but other rises are available, and you can trim the bars down as far as 730mm if you want. Both variants feature a four degree up and six degree back sweep; a shape that many riders will be familiar with.
The basic alloy bar weighed 301g and retails for around $120, whilst the Vibrocore version weighed 271g and sells for around $145. Both are available in a variety of anodised colours. The difference in weight comes down to the stronger 7,000 series alloy used on the Vibrocore bar versus the 6,000 series in the regular model.
Both feature Spank’s XGT (Xtreme Gradual Taper) construction. It’s said to produce an optimal strength to weight ratio without any rapid changes in the wall thickness (something that can lead to stress risers). Both bars are also made using CNC bending which gives a very precise and consistent 3D shape to each handlebar. There are clear alignment and cut marks etched into the bars and overall I think the construction quality is genuinely impressive; either of the Oozy bars wouldn’t look out of place on a high-end bike build.
Feel the Vibe
Now onto the testing… After 30-odd years of speed skating (hey, it was the 80s), skateboarding and mountain biking, my wrists are not in great shape and are particularly sensitive to trail noise. I decided to do test runs down one of our local trails with an almost non-stop supply of small embedded rocks and roots, as well as plenty of tight and twisty turns; it’s about four minutes down and 12-15 minutes back up. The first run was with the standard Oozy bar, and as I expected by the bottom of the descent my outer palms were starting to feel noticeably sore and fatigued with the first hints of tingly numbness. My centre palm was also starting to ache a little. By the time I climbed back to the top, the tingling had gone and my outer palms weren’t quite as fatigued. My centre and inner palm were still not happy (they may have been a little worse).
After a quick trail-side swap I did the second run down with the Vibrocore bar. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to feel the difference; if anything you’d think the second run would be less comfortable due to my hands already being a little fatigued. However, at the end of the descent there was no inner or centre palm discomfort, and only a hint of the outer palm soreness that I had on my first run (there was no tingling though). By the time I made it back up the hill, my hands felt completely fine. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting the difference to be so noticeable. The Vibrocore bar was clearly more comfortable even after only a short period of time; I can imagine that after two hours they’d feel like chalk and cheese.
Spank is definitely on to something here. Whilst they’re not quite as light or comfortable as a good carbon handlebar, the aluminium Vibrocore bar offers a lot of the benefits of carbon, and will leave an extra $100 or more in your wallet. The $25 upcharge from standard alloy is a no-brainer in my mind. As long as the shape works for you, these are a great handlebar for those who suffer from hand issues but can’t afford to spend megabucks.
Pushie Enterprises / (02) 9560 7841 / www.pushie.com.au
Win!
Second prize in our Ultimate Garage Giveaway is a Niner Jet RDO which will be fitted out with a Spank cockpit including the Oozy Vibrocore handlebar and matching Oozy stem (as well as a swag of other gear). Click here to get one free entry or subscribe for an even better chance of winning!
