Bike Build Story: Our Scott Addict Gravel is slowly but surely taking shape. The secrets of the frame, drivetrain and wheels have already been revealed. Today we are going to focus on the cockpit – i.e. handlebars, stem and handlebar tape. Here we rely on Italian quality from 3T and Fizik.
Now it is extremely difficult to evaluate and describe a cockpit objectively. From the handlebars to the stem to the handlebar tape, the choice is a highly individual matter and depends on many factors. In addition to personal preferences, this naturally also includes anatomy. How wide are the shoulders? how long the arms It also depends on whether you use a special variant for Gravel and Cross or use it instead for racing bikes.
We opted for the "special handlebar" variant. In addition, the choice fell on a robust aluminum handlebar. Again, there is no right or wrong. But for us, the few grams of extra weight were bearable for a somewhat stiffer handlebar, which can also absorb one or the other impact, as it happens from time to time in cross and gravel use.
Handlebar: 3T Ergoterra Pro
The 3T Ergoterra Pro was specially designed for gravel and cyclocross use. The handlebar is made of 7075 aluminum and looks very classy due to the black anodizing. At 274 g, the handlebar is relatively light for an aluminum handlebar. The grip ends are bent outwards by 6 degrees for better control in difficult terrain. As a result, our handlebar, which is specified as 44 cm wide, has an effective width of 47 cm.
Stem: 3T Arx Team Stealth
We use the 3T Arx Team Stealth stem to match the handlebars. This also offers a classy look thanks to the black anodizing and also has a good weight of 123 g and a length of 44 mm, since the stem has also been optimized with titanium screws.
Bar Tape: Fizik bar tape
When it comes to the handlebar tape, we come back to the saddle brand. The Fizik handlebar tape offers enough comfort and grip for our crosser. In addition, the silver look fits perfectly with our structure.
