Spank Bikes Oozy Trail 780 Vibrocore Bar and Spike Race Stem 2019
Reviews / Handlebars
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At A Glance
Spank's Vibrocore makes an appearance once again, but this time in the form of handlebars (where it was first used) rather than wheels. Having tested the wheels, I was keen to see what they would do to a set of alloy bars and if the foam filled inner would have a noticeable effect on comfort.
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The bars are pretty standard from the outside, hitting some good numbers with a 780 width and 5-degree up and 7-degree back-sweep. Inside is obviously where the magic happens and the foam inner adds very little weight while aiming to reduce the vibrations transferred to your hands.
The Stem contains no Vibrocore foam but is a good match for the bars. The Spike stem, available in 35 or 50mm lengths keeps it all locked in place with a classic four bolt face plate. The stem is chunky and exudes strength with it's pronounced bolts and strong curves. At 160g it's competitive in weight and ticks all the boxes for a reliable stem.
Oozy Trail 780 Vibrocore bars
- Width- 780mm
- Rise- 15/25mm (25mm tested)
- Sweep- 5 degree up 7 degree back
- Clamp- 31.8mm
- Weight- 275g
- Material- Zirconium Doped 7-Series Alloy
Spike Race Stem
- Length- 35/50mm (35mm tested)
- Stack height- 35mm
- Clamp- 31.8mm
- Rise- 0 degrees
- Weight- 160g
- Material- 2D Forged MGR Alloy
On The Trail
Installation is straightforward with a range of markers on the bars to get the right fit. Cut down markers aid sawing the bars down from the stock 780 if needed, and the central markers help get the bars central and angled to your liking. The four bolt closure on the stem is simple and the torque ratings are clearly displayed for the ham-fisted to pay attention to. There are no other markers for brake alignment and the overall style is very understated.
On the bike, the first question is about that foam filled core. So yes, the short answer is that I did feel a difference to other alloy bars without the filling. What is achieved is a bar that feels stiff and direct, but with a calmness and reduced vibrations felt through my hands and arms. This is the sort of advantage that builds up over time, and the longer your descent, the more the Vibrocore is going to be appreciated. It's not night and day contrast, but it's there, and for very little weight gain, I'd happily take it every time. I will be keen to try the 35mm clamp bars with the Vibrocore to see if this can give even more stiffness with the same comfort.
The bar shape is also a pleaser for me, as I enjoy a bar with less rearward sweep. The 7 degrees keep it fairly straight, and with a short stem put my hands in a good place in relation to the steering axis/steerer tube. The reduced sweep also keeps my elbows from tucking in and keeps me in a strong position on the bike. It's subtle, only a degree here or there but I enjoyed these bars a lot.
The Spike stem did its job with no issues, and is a fine match for the Oozy bars, keeping it all stiff and secure with the wide bar clamp area. No creaks, no issues, it does what a good stem should and there is little to write home about other than a competitive price and burly looks.
Overall
A great bar, with great shape, made even better with the addition of the Vibrocore system to dampen trail feedback. The bar and stem, either together or as separates would make a fantastic, affordable upgrade for the hard-hitting rider.
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By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.
