Component company Aerozine have only the one set of road bars in their catalogue but the XB1.2 bars are a good quality compact option for those not wanting a full drop.
They are made from 7050-T6 grade alloy which is used a lot in the bike industry for its high strength, ideal then for a pair of bars that are likely to see plenty of stresses past through them on every ride.
The central section is oversized with a diameter of 31.8mm and some room to fit lights and computers before it tapers down for the bar tape. The tops have a slightly wider wing type profile to give a bit more surface area to rest your hands on which does make them much more comfortable over longer rides. The come in width options of 42 or 44cm with ours weighing 294g, not superlight but pretty good for the price.
Traditional bars have a perfect curve for the drop but the Aerozines have a more defined 'anatomic' flat section in the middle of the drops, often referred to as a pistol grip. I find it works best on compact bars like these as there is less chance of catching your wrist on the tops when you're tucked down in the drops.
So what's a compact bar then? Well basically the reach and drop dimensions are less than a more traditional drop so the reach to the hoods and down to the drops isn't as great. The XB1.2's have a drop of 125mm (about 15mm less than normal) but a very short reach of just 65mm though this is mostly caused by that pistol grip shape. All this means that the change in position from tops to drops is very small but its enough to get your head down a bit to sprint or get out of the wind.
The black version we've been testing has a hard-wearing finish and the brake levers gripped well with no slippage whatsoever. The cables run neatly in the channel underneath to.
The XB1.2's spent most of the time attached to my fixed, so saw plenty of pulling and pushing from climbing and starting efforts but there was barely any noticeable flex. The downside of that is they can be a little on the harsh side especially if you are riding an already stiff frameset.
Overall the XB1.2's perform well with a decent enough compromise of stiffness and comfort. They offer plenty of hand positions as well and thanks to the compact dimensions they are all accessible to pretty much every rider.
Verdict
Well priced multi position handlebar, a bit of padded tape might be required for long trips.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Aerozine XB1.2 Black Compact Road Bars
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
A compact road bar that offers plenty of hand positions allowing you to make more use of the drops.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
*Wider Tops for comfort while climbing
*Designed for Road Racing
*Groove underneath for smooth cable routing
*Compact bend
Material AL-7050T6
Barbore 31.8mm
Width 420mm, 440mm
Weight 278g (420mm)
Finish Black, White
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Aerozine's are a good quality bar for the money which provide plenty of hand positions and a back friendly drop.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The drop shape.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Slightly stiff on long rides.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 35 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Whatever needs testing or Genesis Flyer, fixed of course! My best bike is: Kinesis T2 with full Centaur Red
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
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