QUICK HITS
• Aluminum Alloy
• 38mm or 50mm Rise Options
• 35mm Clamp Only
• 800mm Width
• 9° Backsweep, 5° Upsweep
WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE BURGTEC RIDE HIGH HANDLEBARS
Burgtec’s Ride High handlebars have been on the market a while now, first developed with legend Josh Bryceland to give him the higher cockpit he desired for his riding style. Originally developed and released in a 38mm rise, Burgtec eventually released a 50mm option following Josh’s requests for a higher setup.
The Burgtec Ride High Josh Bryceland Signature Alloy Handlebar is made from an aluminum alloy, giving the durability and crash resistance that is demanded. The bars feature the familiar 9° backsweep and 5° upsweep to give a comfortable geometry.
Burgtec provides the bar at a full 800mm width, with markings to cut down accurately. There’s only a 35mm clamp option, with the choice of 38mm rise or the 50mm version tested. These are claimed to weigh 346g and 391g, respectively.
Available only in the black colorway tested, the Burgtec Ride High bars retail for $109 / £84.99.
THE DIRT
We originally requested the Ride High 50mm bars to be fitted to the Zerode Katipo test bike, since it had a low stack height and low-rise bar as standard. Since then, these Burgtec handlebars have been in rotation across a range of other test bikes, providing comfortable geometry and the desired higher front end that feels great in steeper terrain.
By fitting a higher handlebar, the rider can be more relaxed and upright on the bike. It produces a slight rearward weight shift, and helps to reduce the feeling of falling forward that can occur in steeper terrain. It doesn’t come without drawbacks, with less weight naturally on the front wheel. But for many riders, it’s likely to offer improved comfort and confidence.
The Burgtec Ride High Josh Bryceland Signature Alloy Handlebars are a stellar offering in terms of their geometry and overall comfort. They sit in the middle of the pack when it comes to stiffness, likely to please most riders and avoid any strange sensations or harshness. Aside from their high rise, they blend into the background, which is a complement in the world of ultra-stiff 35mm clamp bars.
The price is in line with the premium competition, and the only notable drawback is the increased weight. When you make a wide, high and tough bar, this is a natural consequence, of course. Riders who are considering the switch are unlikely to be phased, and I’m personally happy to take that small weight penalty in order to reap the rewards of the comfortable position, especially on bikes with a lower front end.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Burgtec Ride High Josh Bryceland Signature Alloy bars are likely to give riders seeking a higher cockpit exactly what they are seeking. With comfortable geometry and a well balanced construction that’s tough without being uncomfortable, they’re a stellar high rise alloy bar offering. 
Price: $109 / £84.99
Website: Burgtec.co.uk
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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