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ADV ProductsADV Bike AccessoriesFasst Company Flexx Handlebars Review

Fasst Company Flexx Handlebars Review

Shock absorbers for your wrists that let you ride harder and longer on the trail.

Published on 04.25.2016

Riding off-road can be punishing on your body. Rocks, ruts, bumps and constant vibration take their toll on longer rides. Once fatigue sets in, your technique starts to go and you can begin making mistakes that may lead to injury.

One way you can combat fatigue is to get a set of Flexx Handlebars. Flexx bars are like shock absorbers for your wrists that take the sting out of all the bumps in the trail, helping you preserve your energy longer.

The 7000 series aluminum, CNC machined articulating handlebars utilize elastomers to absorb shock and vibration in both the compression and rebound stroke. The Flexx handlebar kit also comes with multiple sets of elastomers that allow you to tune the stiffness of the flex to your liking.


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Flexx Handlebars

Flexx Handlebars also provide performance benefits. By smoothing out the sharpness in the bumps, the front end tracks better and you are able to charge through rougher terrain with better balance. A smoother ride means you can focus more on line selection, rather than just holding on.

How They Performed

Flexx bars come in multiple bends and the Fasst Company is keen to make recommendations to their customers to ensure they get the right bar for their needs. Just provide them with your bike model, weight, height and riding style and they’ll get you set up.

We opted for the Adventure Bend on our KTM 990 Adventure R test bike. The Adventure Bend offers a straighter bar sweep and taller height than stock, giving the bike a more aggressive enduro feel. The 2.5-inch longer Flexx bars also offer more leverage to manhandle the big KTM in the dirt and ample space for mounting controls and gadgets. Installation was no different than any other handlebar and we had no problems routing cables.

Fasst company Flexx Handlebars

Our first concern before trying the Flexx bars was that we might notice the handlebars moving around or steering input would be vague. However, the movement in the bars is imperceptible and what we experienced is a front end that feels more connected to the trail. There is a general smoothness at the bars and noticeably less shock is transferred to the body. The bike is able to ride over sharp-edged rocks and big hits without getting upset, and fatigue is less of a factor at the end of the day.

The Flexx bars also have a secondary benefit of damping vibrations on the highway. The elastomers help stop road and engine vibrations from reaching your body that can wear you down on long highway rides.

Who Are They For?

The primary customer are performance-oriented Adventure Riders that like to go hard off-road and push their limits. But anyone that wants to improve their off-road riding and extend the amount of hours they can ride in a day will benefit from installing a set of Flexx bars.

Our Verdict

At $360, the Flexx bars don’t come cheap. For those riders that just want to reduce vibration on the highway, there are other less expensive solutions, like Fasst Company’s handlebar anti-vibration inserts.

Fasst Company handlebar vibration inserts
Fasst Company’s handlebar anti-vibration inserts are a more cost-effective option ($55) for those that just want to reduce vibration on the highway. Flexx bars and the anti-vibration inserts can also be used together.

It’s rare that you can improve speed, endurance, control and safety all with a single product. If you take off-road riding seriously, it’s worth it to start saving your pennies for a set of Flexx bars!

What We Liked

  • Improved rider performance in rough terrain.
  • Less fatigue at the end of a long hard day.
  • A more plush, smoother, comfortable ride.
  • Different elastomers let you dial-in flex characteristics.
What Could Be Improved

  • Pricey for a handlebar.
  • Weighs more than a traditional handlebar.

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Shopping Options

Fasst Company

 
For more information on Fasst Company Flexx Handlebars go to www.fasstco.com.

Photos by Stephen Gregory

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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Fasst Co. Launches New Vibration Damping Adventure Footpegs - ADV Pulse
December 22, 2016 10:52 am

[…] Company, the maker of Flexx Handlebars, has a clever new footpeg design for adventure bikes that gives you the performance of an off-road […]

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