Joystick Bicycle Components Analog Carbon 2017
Reviews / Handlebars
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At A Glance
The Analog Carbon bars from Joystick continue the brand's strong and stylish design approach to the mountain bike market. The tidy looking graphics, with a strong space-invaders, vibe to them, not only look the part but provide an array of markers for the perfect set up and alignment. The Joystick digi-skull also peeks through the open face plate when teamed up with the Joystick builder stem.
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On The Trail
There’s nothing too revolutionary in the spec sheet, in terms of numbers. I was running the 31.8mm clamp, 20mm rise bar, which sports 9-degree bend and a 6-degree upsweep. The development and science comes in with the Joystick Carbon technology. Using composites designed specifically for them, in custom moulds, the bars also feature reinforced clamping zones throughout the bar for all points of contact. Joystick claim the bar “challenges the misconceptions about the durability of carbon handlebars.” I would have to agree; I had zero issues with these bars longevity and strength, and had not so much as a creak or groan from them. It put my mind at ease to know that kind of technology and thought has been put into a product that's holding you up, and at speed. Joystick also regularly carry out stringent tests on and off the bike to ensure the manufacturing quality is maintained. Exactly what you want to hear when committing into that steep shoot, or flat out corner.
Being carbon throughout, the Analog is impressively stiff, and provides pinpoint feedback from the front wheel, and the bike in general. At the same time, the material takes a substantial amount of the trail vibrations out. When I first put them on the bike I noticed the stiffness right away, but was pleasantly surprised in the comfort of the ride.
Overall
The Joystick Analog Carbon are not the cheapest handlebar on the market, but they’re definitely one of the best looking. Their efforts to challenge the misconceptions of carbon handlebars include Red Bull Rampage runs, World Cup downhill racers and a continuously hard life in Sheffield. All of this gives me all the confidence I need in a product. That, combined with the destructive testing, OCD soothing fitment markers and a weight of just 223g for the 31.8mm clamp, and I am sold.
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By Ben Gerrish
Ben Gerrish is a passionate photographer and videographer with a profound love of all things two wheeled. Whether it is riding a BMX around town or rallying an enduro bike down a steep chute in the Lake District he'll always have a smile on his face!
