MILAN – The new Deda Alanera RS It was also born thanks to the technological contribution of one of the excellences that the world envies us, namely the Politecnico di Milano and its wind tunnel. The wind tunnel of the Polytechnic It is a tool that over the years has seen many bicycles, cyclists and components pass by, a constant witness to the evolution of cycling.
It was exciting to be able to enter the wind tunnel and see the new Deda handlebars, an integrated cockpit that It has changed the rules of the game since the first version (and performances) in this category of products, which have now become a sort of standard. But Alanera remains unique, one of those very few super performing dumbbells able to change the character of a bicycle. Let's go into detail.
Deda Alanera RS, everything changes
Comparable to the previous version? Only for some details that made the "old" Alanera famous, for example the central rib of the stem and for the fact that it is a integrated carbon handlebar, nothing more. The new Deda Alanera RS is a real carbon monocoque, which does not include any sections glued at a later time. It is not a simple detail and it is not a solution adopted by manyThe method requires the use of special molds with some margins of error that are extremely small. To build a single Alanera RS I am over 180 carbon sheets needed with relative stratifications of the skins. They are used two types of fabrics, the 3D and the one with 3K finish.
Even the orientations (with four different angles for each handlebar) of the fiber have been the subject of in-depth studies and research, so that each single layer of carbon can perform at its best.
Lighter and stiffer
Deda Alanera RS is 6% lighter (the declared weight for the 110x42 size is 340 grams), when compared with the older version (for the same size), although precise comparison between measurements is difficult. Why? The pleat has a flare (an outward opening or flare) of 6°, with a difference between the upper support and the end of the fold of 2,5 centimetres. It is perfectly in line with the new UCI regulations and with the new trends that foresee a sort of offset of the levers with respect to the vertical line of the handlebars.
To delve into the details and consider the three available widths, a 40 cm upper corresponds to a 42,5 cm lower, a 42 cm to a 44,5 cm lower, and a 44 cm width corresponds to a 46,5 cm lower bend. Stem lengths range from 80 to 130 mm (140 mm on request).
The details that make the difference
Starting from the rear section. The cap that covers the top of the fork stem is fully integrated and in line with the surface of the handlebar stem. Its integration still leaves room for any 5 millimeters of stem protrusion.
The lower edge of the stem, the one that rests on the shims, is equipped with teeth that anchor the same thicknesses (with DCR and dedicated design). The risk of the latter rotating on themselves is eliminated. The compatibility (considering the bikes on the market) offered by Deda is very broad. The collar closure is structured thanks to two screws (titanium) an Allen key and a metal cylinder, hidden on the opposite side. A TPU cover closes the space for the Allen keys.
The internal passage of the sheaths and any cables has been increased, despite a external volume of the handlebar which has been reduced. In fact, the frontal section becomes 17 millimetres for the RS, compared to 22 of the previous version, while the support surface has increased by 2 millimetres (46 compared to 44). Even from an aesthetic point of view, the new Deda integrated is more rounded, sinuous and less angular than in the past. This also means higher aerodynamic efficiency.
The angle of attack is 82°Deda is the only company to adopt this approach, a solution that comes from the past and that becomes more relevant than ever with extreme research into aerodynamics. A stem with this angle will always be perfectly in line with the horizonFinally, there is the specific front mount. It is made of 6061 aluminum and is also compatible with the Garmin Edge 1000 series. Each Alanera is equipped with an NFC label to activate the warranty and to verify the originality of the handlebars.
Extreme in performance and ergonomic
The shape is based on Deda's RHM Evo concept. Means that the wrist can take advantage of complete support which comes from the gear shift lever/handlebar combination. The empty spaces that were present on the previous generation Alanera have been eliminated. The curve has a height (drop) of 120 millimeters and a depth (reach) of 75, values common to all sizes. The list price is 795 euros, it's not a small thing, but it's perfectly in line with a category of hors categorie integrated cockpits.
