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PRODUCT REVIEWS: ON TEST: FSA PLASMA COMPACT INTEGRATED BAR
Road Bike Action
January 6, 2010
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STORY
FSA has been a leader of the carbon fiber revolution and one of their most sought after items is the Plasma one-piece carbon handlebar and stem. Largely unchanged since its debut a few years ago the Plasma received new graphics and moved to a compact bar design for 2009.
TECH
The FSA Plasma handlebar mates a carbon stem to a wing-shaped carbon handlebar and in the process creates a one-piece setup that does away with the stem/bar interface. By doing this FSA saves weight by eliminating the stem's faceplate and mounting hardware. The carbon stem is then bonded to an alloy fork clamp for added strength. The tops of the handlebar arcs back slightly from the stem to match the natural bend of the rider’s wrists. Because the top of the bar is wing-shaped a separate computer mount is sold separately and attaches under the stem. The Plasma also features a compact bend that uses a 125-millimeter drop and 80-millimeter reach along with reinforced and textured lever mounting areas. FSA finishes off the Plasma with internal cable routing. Sizes Include: L100mm x W40cm, L100mm x W42cm, L110mm x W42cm, L120mm x W42cm, L120mm x W44cm, L130mm x W44cm
RBA SAYS
The Plasma is very stylish, the one-piece bar and stem is beautiful and come in either black or white. FSA has done a great job of adding curves that not only enhance the look of the bars, but also aid in ergonomics. From the stem to the drops every curve has a purpose and for most riders it was easy to find a comfortable hand position. Some people, including a few RBA test riders, don’t like handlebars with winged shaped tops as they feel that they are uncomfortable, add weight and do nothing for aerodynamics. While the FSA Plasma has a wing shape, it’s not just for looks. By using the wing shaped bar FSA is able to create a larger interface to mate with the stem, in turn creating a stiffer bar. FSA also address the ergonomic issue by adding a curved indention under the bars that not only serves as a canal for the brake shift cables but also provides a comfortable place for the rider's fingers. The Plasma is stiff, and provides a solid connection to the front of the bike. It also does a reasonable job of absorbing road vibrations due the nature of carbon fiber, however larger impact are felt due to the bars vertical stiffness.
The biggest drawback to the FSA Plasma is the lack of adjustability. By combining the stem and bars one loses the ability to adjust the vertical rotation of the handlebars. The Plasma is designed so that the bottoms of the drops are parallel with the ground. While this is a standard setup it doesn’t work for everyone. Another drawback is if you change bikes to one with a longer or shorter top tube your Plasma will need to be replaced. The final draw back to the Plasma is that one cannot mount clip-on aero bars. This is a real hindrance if you are using one bike for time trials along with everyday riding.
At $659.99 the Plasma is not cheap, but if cost is of little concern and you have your position dialed, then there are few things that will add as much style to the front of your bike.
PRICE: $659.99 (Black) $679.00 (White)
WEIGHT: 380-grams (110-millimeter x 42-centimeter wide)
INFO: www.fullspeedahead.com
BONUS POINTS: Stiffness, style and internal cable routing |
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