Schmolke TLO Handlebar - Gravel | 31.8 | UD Carbon - Black Edition

Schmolke uses only the best prepreg fibers for the components of the "The Lightest One" series. For the TLO Gravel handlebar, these are wound by hand, whereby the wealth of experience in carbon processing of more than 30 years has resulted in a further refinement in the layer structure. The combination of up to 18 layers in the highly stressed middle section and only 6 layers in the less stressed lower curve enables an incredibly low weight without compromising the well-known stiffness and durability.

When designing the handlebar, which is also suitable for smaller hands, particular attention was paid to an ergonomic grip position in the brake lever and lower handlebar area. While the large Flare in the lower handlebar area ensures maximum control for off-road use, the rider adopts a comfortable and not too stretched riding position on the road thanks to the short Reach when holding the brake levers. The flattened top bar shape also benefits an anatomical and comfortable grip, without being too flat and thus negatively affecting stiffness and weight.

By dispensing with a paint finish, the handlebar saves even more weight without compromising on durability. The epoxy surface is much more resistant than any paint finish anyway.

Technical details of the Schmolke Carbon TLO Gravel handlebar

• range of use: Gravel, Cyclocross
• material: full carbon (UD finish)
• clamp diameter: 31.8 mm
• Drop: 120 mm
• Reach: 70 mm (51 cm width) / 74 mm (53 cm width) / 75 mm (55 cm width)
• Drop Flare: 20°
• Flare Out: 6°
• weight: approx. 170 / 172 / 174 g (51 / 53 / 55 cm width; manufacturer's specification)

1K, 3K, 12K & UD

While the "K" fabrics are characterized by the classic carbon look, UD fabrics look uniformly black and almost painted. The reason for this is the direction of the fibers. While all the fibers in UD carbon run in one direction (unidirectional arrangement), the "K" fabrics feature a crossover (biaxial arrangement). The "K" in turn denotes the number of tiny carbon fibers (filaments) that are combined in a bundle (roving): 1K stands for 1000 filaments, 3K for 3000 filaments, etc.

The differences between the fabric types are mainly of optical significance, but there are mechanical distinctions. The carbon fibers in woven fabrics are slightly bent due to the manufacturing process, which slightly reduces the tensile and flexural strength. The correspondingly slightly higher load-bearing capacity of the UD fabrics is in turn offset by the absence of the net-like bond, which counteracts crack propagation in the event of breakage. For this reason, Schmolke always uses a fabric component on the inside of safety-relevant components.

Note: The handlebar can be shortened by 10 mm at the ends. However, it is not suitable for mounting time trial or triathlon aerobars as it does not have the necessary reinforcements.