i’d like to compile this list, so, if any of you are like me and want to ride the handlebar you want, and (this is important) you get to CHANGE the handlebar without decabling the bike, i’d like to know what bikes are out there that allow this. of course this means that you can’t run the hydraulic lines through the bar (i’m fine running the lines under the handlebar tape). please help me build this list. my list far, i think:
Race Geometry
Specialized Aethos
Cervelo R5
Cervelo Soloist
Cannondale SystemSix
Cannondale SuperSix EVO3
Cannondale SuperSix EVO4
Cannondale SuperSix EVO CX and SE
Actually gives you the option to run the cables through the stem OR externally. Your choice.
If I was buying a road bike today, that’s what I’d buy
Same! So much so, that I sold my Parlee RZ7 and did Even thought it was a “downgrade” in terms of MSRP, the Soloist is an amazing bike. Honestly I feel like it’s the bike I’d recommend for 95% of people (assuming it’s within the budget).
If I understand your requirements correctly, I think the Cannondale SuperSix fits. Both the current one and the just-revealed next generation. On the outgoing generation (which I have), nothing runs internally in the handlebar. There is a port in front of the headtube to route everything. On the new one, it looks like cables do run internally in the OEM bar, but that headtube port is still there if you want to run handlebar-taped cabling/tubing. Getting rid of the OEM handlebar would likely require some tweaking of tubing lengths, and stuff. But not a complete re-do.
Edit: Just saw the SystemSix comment, which is similar.
If I understand your requirements correctly, I think the Cannondale SuperSix fits. Both the current one and the just-revealed next generation. On the outgoing generation (which I have), nothing runs internally in the handlebar. There is a port in front of the headtube to route everything. On the new one, it looks like cables do run internally in the OEM bar, but that headtube port is still there if you want to run handlebar-taped cabling/tubing. Getting rid of the OEM handlebar would likely require some tweaking of tubing lengths, and stuff. But not a complete re-do.
Edit: Just saw the SystemSix comment, which is similar.
point of order on this. what the Knot stem system allows is to change the stem without decabling the bike. but you still have to use cannondale’s handlebar. what i’m looking for is the ability to use any handlebar that has a round 3.18mm center section. is that what the SuperSix can do?
point of order on this. what the Knot stem system allows is to change the stem without decabling the bike. but you still have to use cannondale’s handlebar. what i’m looking for is the ability to use any handlebar that has a round 3.18mm center section. is that what the SuperSix can do?
On the SuperSix you can buy right now you can use any stem and any bar without recabling. You just route all the stuff in front of the headtube, so it’s not “fully internal” and nothing goes through the stem.
On the new one, I’m a little more fuzzy. It appears to vary by spec. The HiMod 1 spec has the internal routing and you’d have to recable. Though it’s a Vision system, not in-house Knot. HiMod 2 has two-piece stem and handlebar, and I think the “3 inches” of external routing down to the headtube port. I’m like 80% confident in that.
Edit: I take back the “buy right now” maybe. The new one is apparently already close to shipping and Cannondale has already switched over their website.
Run rim brakes at it’s not a problem! I can’t think of any rim brake bikes other than the Madone where you can’t swap out bar and stem to anything you want, only restriction is whether it uses an oversized fork like Canyon or Giant.
Yes I know that rim vs disc is opening a can of worms, but just thought I’d point out how many disc brake bikes created problems which didn’t exist until 6 years ago in decades of riding bikes.
Run rim brakes at it’s not a problem! I can’t think of any rim brake bikes other than the Madone where you can’t swap out bar and stem to anything you want, only restriction is whether it uses an oversized fork like Canyon or Giant.
Yes I know that rim vs disc is opening a can of worms, but just thought I’d point out how many disc brake bikes created problems which didn’t exist until 6 years ago in decades of riding bikes.
let me rephrase. by “high end road race bikes” i’m talking about bikes that are available now, new, current model, not made of bamboo, not fillet brazed steel, not rim brake. modern high end road bikes. mostly likely bikes that are designated climbing bikes.
Cannondale really knocked it out of the park. Wow.
Yeah, Cannondale has an historical reputation for excessive use of proprietary bits that result in maintenance or upgrade hassles.
But being a first-time Cannondale owner (SuperSix) by force (I needed a quality road bike fast, and it fit and was available), danged if I’m not really impressed with it. All the little details. And it’s a dream to maintain so far.
i’d like to compile this list, so, if any of you are like me and want to ride the handlebar you want, and (this is important) you get to CHANGE the handlebar without decabling the bike
Do you mean “can change without decabling as they come stock out of the box”, or can be built so that you can change without decabling?
Seems like vast majority of bars being specced on mid range > bikes have internal routing, even on “semi integrated” front ends… but you don’t have to use it…
I can verify the following Cannondale frames let you run whatever stem and bar you like:
SystemSixSuperSix EVO3SuperSix EVO4SuperSix EVO CX & SESynapse
Some bike models sold with these frames already include bars with internal hoses, so you’d have to re-route the hoses to change the bar. Of course you’re free to take off these bars and put on your bar and stem of choice. In other words, the integrated option is optional and standard bars and stems also work.
Even thought it was a “downgrade” in terms of MSRP, the Soloist is an amazing bike. Honestly I feel like it’s the bike I’d recommend for 95% of people (assuming it’s within the budget).
