Easton makes possibly the best carbon riser bars on the planet and has done for a number of years. The XC riser is our current favourite because it’s lightweight, strong (due to Easton’s unique CNT construction technique) and the width and rise are spot-on. It’s by far the best choice for any boutique trail build. You could even run it on a cross-country race bike and cut it down if desired.

The EA90 stem gets the new Top-Lock faceplate, and an oversized extension tube, but while it’s debatable whether offset steerer bolts offer more clearance, the bias cut is redundant as nearly all mtb steerer tubes are aluminium.

We’ve mixed model ranges from the Easton catalogue to achieve better performance, but the three components still look coordinated and styled. The best bar on test, and a good seatpost, but this kit doesn’t get maximum marks simply because of the lack of short stem lengths.

Contact:
www.extrauk.co.uk
Overall weight: 531g

Mbr rating: 9