First test of the PRO Vibe Evo cockpit

The PRO accessories brand launches with the Vibe Evo a one-piece carbon handlebar that offers innovative and interesting integration and ergonomics. An ideal concept for cyclists or triathletes looking to upgrade their current machine. We already have it testand for you.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr/PRO/DR

PRO offers saddles, seat posts, pilot stationstagand tools, whether for the route or off-road. The brand allows you to choose accessories with specific shapes and dimensions to optimize settings and refine the position and comfort on the bike. A customization that is often necessary at a time when most bikes from entry to high-end are sold complete, with standard peripherals. With models with aerodynamic shapes and various options for integrating brake housings or derailleur cables, many brands offer their own one-piece handlebar system, and often from a certain price level. This new PRO Vibe Evo cockpit in T700 carbon is therefore aimed primarily at those who would like to mount a first handlebar of this type after-sales, to improve the aesthetics, aerodynamics or ergonomics of their bike.. Or who would simply like to benefit from additional functionality. This high-end accessory also offers multiple compatibility options, for integrated or semi-integrated routing of cables and conduits in the pilot station.tagand in the frame.

Three lengths, three widths and an adjustable stem angle

Thanks to a system of rings between the stem clamp and the fork steerer, the PRO Vibe Evo can be positioned with an angle of +/- 2°, in order to refine the height position and above all slightly compensate for the only three lengths available for the moment (105, 115 and 125 mm, combined with widths of 38, 40 and 42 cm).

But PRO does not deny, for the future, to propose other lengths, depending on the demand for this type of accessory. Among the other dimensions to remember, The drop (handlebar height) is 132 mm and the reach (depth) is 80 mm for the nine versions available in total.. In terms of tightening on the fork, the fairly close placement of the two screws allows for adaptation if necessary on a pivot cut fairly short. Finally, in terms of weight, The Vibe Evo starts at 390 g (manufacturer data) depending on its dimensions.

Two new hand positions

With a superior shape that appears to have been hewn with a billhook, the PRO Vibe Evo makes two additional hand positions more comfortable while riding. In addition to the traditional positions with hands up, on the hoods and at the bottom of the handlebars, it promotes two additional positions, whether for climbing or for adopting an aerodynamic posture. The flat shape on the top and angular at the level of the curvature before the transition to the brake levers offers a wide and firm but relaxing grip when climbing, as we were able to experience on the ascent of a pass. The flat shape of the upper part and the perfectly adapted transition to the positioning of the handles also offer a comfortable placement of the elbows in a speed-seeking position, with the fingers placed on the hoods, and the forearms at 90 °. Note that even if it is today prohibited by the UCI, a tighter position of the elbows on the top of the cockpit is also very comfortable.

To combine comfort and aerodynamics, PRO opts for a self-adhesive rubber grip integrated into the shape of the upper part of the handlebar., who has the advantagetagand to provide grip without changing the line and without affecting air penetration with an additional layer of tape. This grip extends under the handle hoods, and can of course be changed in case of wear.

For the lower part of the handlebars, half a roll of handlebar tape is sufficient, but above all PRO promises for this fall the availability of ergonomic sleeves with a slightly ribbed texture and differentiated thicknesses for a comfortable hand position. These sleeves will simply replace the handlebar tape on the lower part of the cockpit.

Successful integration

PRO offers several integration options with the Vibe Evo, making it compatible with almost any bike on the market. Brake hoses or cables, as well as derailleur cables or electrical wires, first run from the grips to near the stem inside the handlebars, where they can come out in the case of a montage traditional. In this case, the Di2 electrical wires can continue to evolve inside the stem to then pass near the fork steerer, with a junction box placed at the end of the lower part of the handlebar.

Full integration is of course also possible, with all the cables running into the stem, for compatibility with almost all the routing systems integrated into the bicycle's steering column. In the latter case, nothing protrudes, and the two holes provided for the semi-integration described above are obstructed by a cap or by satellite gear change controls. 

To complete, a fixing is provided for the meter/GPS (and/or with camera or lighting). There are two nuts under the wide stem with a futuristic look and a firm aluminum support, in order to integrate the meter into the aerodynamic design of the pilot station.tage.

Rigid and comfortable

From a strictly dynamic point of view, the PRO Vibe Evo does not lack rigidity, and can suit all sizes without any problem. Regardless of the position of the hands, you never feel the handlebars bend when dancing or sprinting energetically. On long descents from a mountain pass, this firmness also ensures excellent trajectory control and gives you confidence, even when going up to 80 km/h.

In terms of comfort, the position with the hands at the top or on the corners is very appreciable during climbs. And it's even the most ergonomic of all the one-piece handlebars we already have. testés. The upper part is not excessively wide, so it is possible to close your hands on the handlebars, with a fairly natural grip. The palms resting on the rubber grips do not slip, even with bare hands and in full heat. And unlike a traditional handlebar tape, there is no accumulation of sweat here. By gripping the handlebars by the "corners", you feel like you are breathing better by opening your rib cage, but without having to look as far as the hoods. We should also note that the more varied choice of grips has eliminated, for us, the appearance of certain tingling sensations, which mostly occur after 2h30 or 3h of cycling. 

The other fronttagThe obvious feature of the PRO Vibe Evo is the elbows resting on the upper part, with the back flat and the forearms parallel to the ground. The position is easily maintained, while maintaining good control of the bike thanks to the grips.

We are more bytagare on the other hand with the hands down, but this is mainly due to the very concept of the one-piece handlebar. It is indeed impossible to adjust the inclination of the lower part of the handlebar, and this is dependent on the angle of the bike's steering column. The shape chosen by PRO also limits the possibilities of wedging the hands on the lower part. Finally, the dimensions of the Vibe Evo move away from the now classic compact handlebars, with a difference between the upper part and the lower part which is increased to 132 mm rather than the now usual 125 mm. A theoretical height but which can still be accentuated with a small frame and a more open steering column angle.

For the moment and in the current state of things, whether for the dimensions of the stem (only three lengths) or the shape of the lower part, The PRO Vibe Evo seems to us to be more suited to larger builds, with flexibility and large hands to reach the brake levers.. And while it seems ideal for short distance triathletes thanks to its aerodynamics and the positions it allows, note that it is not currently able to accommodate extensions.

It remains a very interesting overall concept., particularly with the integration options, the grip system on the upper part, and a shape which encourages elbow support in the speed-seeking position. As for the price, it is certainly high, but rather in the low range for this type of accessory if we compare it to the prices charged by the competition.

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