Renthal Fatbar Introduction

With my riding becoming more and more gravity based, I was looking for a way to both stabilize my riding style, and give me more control. The standard 710mm Bontrager bars on my Trek Scratch 9 had a high rise and limited width, leading to a somewhat ‘twitchy’ ride. After trying out several bikes with wider bars, it was obvious a simple handlebar change would make a big difference to my bikes overall stability.

Searching the market, there were various handlebars to choose from; the classic Answer Pro Taper, Spank, Superstar, Race Face Atlas amongst others, all offering great products at a similar price. Renthal's reputation is what sold the Fatbar to me, as well as the extensive use of them throughout the Motocross, Freeride and Downhill community.

Renthal have made huge inroads into the MTB market in the last few years, with the Fatbar and the more trail orientated Fatbar light. With the likes of Sam Hill and Aaron Gwinn using the Fatbar at the highest level, you would expect a tough product. We put it to the test!

Renthal Fatbar Specification

• The Fatbar is the go-to downhill bar from well respected Motocross manufacturers, Renthal.
• Manufactured from 7050 T6 Aluminum Alloy.
• Available in 10mm/20mm/30mm and 38mm rise.
• 31.8mm width at stem.
• Shot Peened and Anodised for corrosion resistant finish.
• Laser Etched grid for bar/stem placement.
• Laser etched markings to cut down to desired width.
• Weight from 345g - 365g.
• RRP: £59.99

Design, setup and durability

• The markers at the both ends of the bar allow for easy incremental changes, if you need to hacksaw off some length.
• The Fat Bars width (780mm) allows for a lot of trimming if required.
• The amount of rise and sweep options available, make this a bar to fit most preferences.
• Renthal's white etched grid, designed to aid bar rotation adjustments, is more comprehensive than on a lot of its competitors, and easy to read.
• The Fat Bars 31.8 taper ends early, meaning there is lots of room for your controls.
• The finish has seen various crashes, and is still looking good. The laser etched logos only show minor scuffing.
• There is a good amount of stiffness, but also some built in flex right at the tip of the bars, to take the edge off repeated hits.
• Renthal products are designed, developed and manufactured in Manchester.
• The Renthal Fat Bars have been on the bike for 11 months, with rides varying from Enduro races, DH Uplifts and Welsh Trail Centers. They have been a fit and forget component.

• It only comes in one shade. Personally, this is a good thing, with one of the key elements of the Renthal brand being based around the gold colour. However, some of the more bling conscious riders may prefer a wider range of colour options.
• At 340g they are not the lightest of bars.

Test Info

• Tested – Late Summer 2012 to Summer 2013.
• Size tested – 780 mm, 10 mm rise.
• Riding – DH Uplifts/Enduro/Trail Centers.
• Riding style – Relatively smooth (sure some would disagree). Not the heaviest rider but still try and ride hard.
• Bikes Tested with – Trek Scratch 9.
• Similar products tried: Answer Pro Taper, Bontrager Big Earl, Syncros, 24Seven.