Bontrager Drop Line stem, bars, pedals and dropper post
The new Bontrager dropper is actuated via an ergonomically designed under-the-bar lever. A universal on-bar lever assembly will be sold separately (click to enlarge).
The Bontrager brand has seriously stepped up its component game over the past couple years. That trend continues with its new Line range, which includes a dropper post, 35mm bar/stem combo, and flat pedals. (They’ve also launched an array of high-end made-in-the-USA carbon wheels and several new tires, which we’ll cover soon in a separate post.)
The new Drop Line seatpost uses a cable actuated hydraulic cartridge for infinite adjustability. Other features include an internally keyed chassis to prevent side-to-side rotation and novel cable routing to simplify installation. Rather than place the cable end at the seatpost, the Drop Line catches the cable end at the lever. Should your cable break mid ride, the post can also be manually extended to help get you home.
Our favorite feature, though, is how easily serviceable the new post is. It only takes three Allen keys to pull the Drop Line apart, and the most you’ll probably need to do is clean or replace the keyway or two internal bushings to make the post feel brand new. The Drop Line will be available starting June 1. Retail is $299 and will be available in a 31.6mm diameter in three lengths: 100 (350mm long, weighs 565g), 125 (395mm long, weighs 599g), and 150mm (440m, weighs 624g).
Stronger, not stiffer. That’s the key advantage behind the new 35mm bar standard (click to enlarge).
Bontrager is also launching a 35mm oversized bar and stem, which they felt better matched the aesthetics and proportions of today’s larger fork stanchions, wheels, and tires. Of course, this new standard also allows Bontrager to make the bars significantly stronger, while also reducing weight, without having to make the bar any stiffer. There are also brake and shifter lever position lines for easy setup and 40mm of cut marks for customization. Buyers can choose from 15 to 27.5mm rise bars in either 750 or 820mm width. Retail for the carbon OCLV Line Pro Bar is $180, the polished aluminum stem costs $100, while the aluminum bar runs $80. The stem has a 0 degree rise and is available in 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, and 80mm lengths.
The Line Pro Pedals will be available in black, as well as a limited edition orange (click to enlarge).
The final piece is the new Line Pro flat pedals, which were engineered with input from the C3 slopestyle team that includes Brandon Semenuk and Cam McCaul. The concave pedal body is made from 6061 alloy, spins on dual sealed cartridge bearings, and has replaceable pins that are height adjustable. They weigh 420g a set and will set you back $100. For more info, visit www.trekbikes.com.
Kurt Gensheimer contributed to this report.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2016 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. For more from Sea Otter CLICK HERE.
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