Description
Enve SES AR One-Piece Barstem - A Marvel in Cycling Products
There aren’t many things in cycling products that are more beautiful than an Enve carbon handlebar. The precision of the layup is always impressive, never more so than with the Enve SES AR One-Piece barstem designed to enhance the comfort, ride quality, and aerodynamics of Enve IN-Route system compatible frames.
Previously available only when spec’d on the Enve custom road frames the SES AR One-Piece is now available to purchase for custom builds on compatible frames. Enve is quick to point out that the barstem will only work with their frames or frames that feature the Enve IN-Route System. That means that the cable routing runs through the stem with the cables guided down the front of the headtube before splitting off towards the front brakes, rear brakes, front derailleur, and rear derailleur. Not every manufacturer designs their internal cable routing to run like that, though Wrench Science friends like Mosaic Bikes are among those brands that do.
Advancements in Compatibility on the SES AR One-Piece Barstem
Enve recommend you check very closely whether the frame you want will be among those that are compatible, but they also point out that as a result of their sponsorship deal with UAE Team Emirates, they have developed a custom top bearing cover that allows the Colnago V4Rs to integrate with IN-Route components. That cover is not yet available to the aftermarket customer, but it is a clear indication that Enve are working hard to increase the level of general compatibility between their gorgeous SES AR One-Piece barstem and a wider group of frame manufacturers. So watch this space.
If you read any early reviews about this barstem, you’ll know the elephant in the room is just how pricey they are. Though not too much more expensive perhaps than the MOST Talon Ultra, for instance, one thing that the reviews failed to highlight is that the Enve SES AR One-Piece is handmade at the Enve headquarters in Ogden, Utah. US-made for Enve is not only about marketing, but about getting the process right and ensuring the highest quality available. It also means that they can guarantee their employees are getting proper training, proper treatment, and proper pay. It’s a great way, too, to help reduce the carbon footprint of their carbon products.
The Enve SES AR One-Piece weighs 380g in size 120x42, which is a highly competitive weight for a barstem. It comes in a variety of size combinations with stem options ranging from 90 to 130 mm and bar width options between 38 and 46 cm. There is an 18° flare which means that the drops are 5 cm wider than the hoods. This design not only accommodates the current movement for narrowing frontal space at the hoods when road riding, but also accommodates the needs of gravel riders who like to have a wider position on the drops to increase control.
Included in the package are a K-EDGE Computer Mount, Shimano Junction Box Carrier and 40mm Spacers (2 x 5mm) (3 x 10mm) (1 x 10mm External Bypass Spacer). The Enve SES AR One-Piece carbon barstem can be the crowning piece of kit for your dream racing road bike or gravel bike.