TruVativ Updates Descendant Carbon Handlebar - More Compliance, Better Rider Position

Not too long ago we did a carbon handlebar shootout, as carbon bars are starting to change from being the stiffest option out there to fine-tuning the carbon layup to increase rider comfort. One of the bars featured in that test was the Truvativ Descendant Carbon handlebars, and Jeff, the founder and CEO of Worldwide Cyclery actually picked those as the best of compliance and all-around trail feel. The Descendant bars were not the most compliant but also far from the stiffest in the test. Truvativ decided to take this Descendant bar to the next level and improve the carbon layup even further, taking more time to look at the tune the flex, rider position/fatigue, and trail buzz. 

Truvativ took input from both their engineers as well as their pro riders to see how they could improve the Descendant bar by putting the rider experience first in helping with trail noise, rider and arm fatigue to make those long days on the bike more enjoyable. Not only did the carbon layup get refined to increase all things mentioned above, but the two 800mm versions got a bump up in rise, now at 25mm from the previous 20mm rise.

Specs:

There are two 800mm handlebars, a 25mm rise Descendant Carbon DH riser bar with 35mm clamp diameter as well as a 25mm Descendant Carbon riser bar in 31.8mm diameter. There are also two 760mm versions with a 20mm rise, a 35mm & 31.8mm diameter clamp. 

Truvativ Descendant 35mm Carbon Riser

• 760mm Wide x 20mm Rise
• Trimmable by 40mm (20mm each side)
• Tuned Carbon Laminate to improve ride quality
• $180 USD

Truvativ Descendant 35mm Carbon DH Riser

• 800mm Wide x 25mm Rise
• Trimmable by 40mm (20mm each side)
• Tuned Carbon Laminate to improve ride quality
• $180 USD

Truvativ Descendant 31.8mm Carbon Riser

• Two Models: 
• 800mm Wide x 25mm Rise
• 760mm Wide x 20mm Rise
• Trimmable by 40mm (20mm each side)
• Tuned Carbon Laminate to improve ride quality
• $180 USD

Final Thoughts:

Given that Jeff already liked the Truvativ Descendant Carbon handlebar, I think the new improvements will make the bar that much better! A slightly taller rise and an improved carbon layup could make your ride better and farther than your current handlebar. Even though this is a small change to Truvativ’s existing handlebar, we always love seeing good products get just that little much better. Over time lots of small improvements can lead to big improvements and more comfort on the bike.