To rize or not to rize. The debate rages here, as it does elsewhere. One side says it seems to add complications to a handlebar that increase weight and design complexity while the other side says they fit better, and the hand position is more natural. We give rizers their due as they can be used as part of the fit equation to come up with a well-balanced bike and rider.

The Ritchey WCS Carbon Low Rizer Bar is about as minimal a rise as you can find -- 15mm. What might be more critical is the rearward sweep, which is 9 degrees, as opposed to Ritchey's flat bar 5 degrees. The extra curve can put your hands in a position such that more arm muscles are used when climbing out of the saddle, thus potentially negating the need for bar ends. And this being Ritchey, the bars are tuned to provide high torsional strength at a low weight, and vibration damping to help minimize the stress on the hands and arms.

The Ritchey WCS Carbon Low Rizer Bar comes in 31.8mm handlebar diameter only. Ritchey designed this as a cross-country component. It is 660mm wide, has a 9 degree sweep, a 6 degree bend and 15mm rise. The center of the bar is textured for better gription by the handlebar clamp. Ritchey recommends using only Ritchey or Syncros stems with this bar, as others will void the warranty. The ends are reinforced with thin alloy inserts for insurance when clamping shifters, brakes, and bar ends. The color is clear coat over carbon. 175g.