Deda's RHM 02s are their entry level alloy handlebar. They're an oversize clamp (although 31.7 rather than 31.8mm) available in either 42, 44, or 46cm (44cm tested) with a gloss black or white finish. The RHM in the name is a new shape abbreviation coined by Deda for 'rapid hand movement'. Calling it a compact would have be a whole lot easier but perhaps they are trying to avoid the snobbery it carries from cycling purists. Being of a new generation I carry no such shape prejudice and have been keen to get a set of compacts on my bike for a while.
The RHM shape of the Deda's suit me well. As a lanky rider with a relatively large saddle to handle bar drop, the smooth and tightly rounded drops are still comfortably accessible. Up top, the bar has a slightly aero cross-section, creating a pleasant, chunky grip when not on the hoods; standard cable groves front and rear keep cables tidy. Used in both training and in anger during a sprint finish at the Bath City Crits, the alloy bars provide stiffness beyond lesser carbon bars. The gloss finish is something normally found on more expensive bars, adding a touch of class so you sit quietly smug in the knowledge of the pennies saved from the £28 selling price. They weigh in at 330g on our scales, certainly not record breaking but competitive at the price point.
Verdict
We can't see a whole lot wrong with the RHM 02s. If your looking for a compact alloy bar the Deda's are a great choice. The slightly winged tops provide a comfortable grip, plus, with their gloss finish they look a whole lot more premium than their price.
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Deda RHM 02 bar
Size tested: 46cm
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
31.7mm clamp, 42-44-46 width, 128mm drop, 75mm reach, slightly aero cross-section
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, I found the shape suiting to my requirements
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 22 Height: 184cm Weight: 68kg
I usually ride: Orbea Alma G10 My best bike is: Orba Alma G10
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Semi pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, club rides, mtb,
1 comments
I have some of these. I can see why they're not called compacts, to be honest: they're short, but not that short, and the drop is less, but not that much less, than full-on race bars. A good compromise.
These are really good bars, especially for the money: I prefer them to a pair of more-expensive Ritchey bars I also use. But you can save some money by buying the RM01s, which are a fiver less and just as good unless you ride on the flats a lot!
PS The 31.7 mm measurement is just from Deda rounding down, not up, a decimal point. They're actually exactly the same diameter as other bars.