Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
The fourth generation of the PNW Range handlebar comes with a fresh look, new sizes, a wider clamp area, and a new 50mm rise option for riders searching for a more upright position. Find our first look and all the details on the PNW Range Handlebar Gen 4 here…
PNW Components released their original Range handlebar in 2019, which quickly became a popular option among mountain bikers for its durability, comfort, and relaxed stance. The Range handlebar also marked PNW’s entry to the cockpit component category, expanding beyond dropper posts. And at $69, the aluminum Range bar made for a promising replacement or cheap upgrade for any mountain bike.
The Range handlebar was updated in 2021 with a wider stock width (800mm instead of 780mm) and both 31.8mm and 35mm clamp options to match the Range stem that was released at the same time. It was also updated to a 2014-series alloy construction from 7075 alloy because, according to PNW, 2014 alloy is “a trail-friendly material resembling carbon’s chatter—absorbing qualities in a more cost-conscious and durable package.” Since 2019, the Range handlebar has maintained a 10° backsweep, 5° upsweep, and a 30mm rise. Anecdotally, I’ve only heard good things about the PNW Range handlebar series.
The PNW Components Range Gen 4 doesn’t stray from its beginnings. It’s still made from 2014 series aluminum alloy, it has a 10° backsweep and 5° upsweep, and it’s available in 31.8mm and 35mm clamp options. Range bar converts will be happy to see more rise options than ever before, which was a common request from their customers. The Range Gen 4 bar comes in three rise options: 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm. PNW sent over the 31.8mm x 50mm version, and that’s what’s pictured here. The latest Range Handlebar also features a wider 70mm clamp area, leaving more room for lights and other gadgets, and it can be customized with decals in all of PNW’s funky colors.
While I didn’t have time to get any real riding in on the new Range bar, I managed to snap some photos and install it with their new Loam stem. I like the subdued, stealthy black decals on the “cement grey” version, and the different alignment markings that make centering the handlebar refreshingly simple. The Loam stem has a nice vertical line that aligns with the bar, eliminating any guesswork from the install.
The 50mm rise option I have doesn’t have as much handlebar bag real estate as something like the Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, which might make running certain handlebar bags awkward, but the wider clamp area should allow almost any cradle system to mount up without any problems. It has a high-quality finish that looks good considering its $69 price tag.
The PNW Range Handlebar Gen 4 weighs between 313 and 324 grams, depending on the clamp/rise chosen, and there are eight optional decal colors to pick from that match up with PNW’s other components. Check it out and snag one for yourself at PNWComponents.com
Further Reading
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