Race Face Cadence Handlebar and Revolution Stem Product Review
By Mike Tettleton

10/9/07 - Race Face is a Canadian components manufacturer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is known for its rock-solid mountain bike parts.  This year marks their first foray into road componentry.  I’ve been running the Cadence handlebars and Revolution stem with great results.  Here are the specifics:  the bar is made with  6061 aluminum with internal butting, has an anatomic shape for comfort, and a standard 31.8mm handlebar clamp.  The stem is made of 7050 aluminum with a 2014 aluminum, 31.8mm clamp.  Both are shot peened for fatigue resistance.  The bar weighs in at a 280g while the stem is at 140g. 

Installation was a breeze, just standard procedure like any other bar and stem combo.  The faceplate is a four-bolt, two-piece unit that has an interlocking u-shape that is aimed at eliminating stress risers in the handlebar.   The bar has cable grooves on the front and rear of the bar for compatibility of Campagnolo and, in our case, SRAM drivetrains. 

On the road, this bar/stem combo is as stiff and comfortable as they come.  I’m running a 44cm bar and a long 130mm stem and can’t find a hint of flex when sprinting to the finish line or up short hills.  The shape of the bar offers comfortable hand position when sprinting, climbing, or hammering along.  If you’re in the market for a new cockpit, put Race Face at the top of the list.