16 September 2022
Driven by material innovation, the PRO product designers and engineers have shaved a massive 75 grams off their previous lightest cockpit to create the all-new PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar and Stem. When combined with the new PRO Gap Cap Expander Carbon and the lightweight Vibe Computer Mount the superlight cockpit provides not only PRO’s lightest ever set-up but also a superbly functional offering. Designed to power your performance this is the new PRO Vibe Superlight.
PRO Vibe Superlight
The PRO Vibe product range was introduced in 2007 and right from the offset the benchmark in terms of weight, strength and aesthetics for discerning road cyclists. Since its inception PRO Vibe has featured prominently on SHIMANO neutral support bikes at the biggest cycling events in the world. It has also provided the cockpit of choice for Grand Tour stage and many years of general classification wins, establishing a proven reputation for best-in-class components. The PRO Vibe Superlight range was initially introduced in 2019 and the latest generation represents an evolution in terms of weight saving and performance.
PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar
The headline product in the new cockpit is the PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar. Weighing just 154 grams, for the 38-centimeter-wide model, it is the lightest road handlebar PRO has ever made. Weight was not reduced at the expense of performance however; the handlebar’s high-grade UD T1100 carbon lay-up includes Innegra™ fibers, for improved impact resistance. Road handlebars are susceptible to failure on the corners, where the bars hit the ground in crashes. By incorporating Innegra™ fibers in the carbon layup in these strategic locations the PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar is made more resistant to ride ending absolute failure. It is not just weight savings which make the new handlebars remarkable, the oversized rounded tops provide a comfortable and ergonomic hand positions too. Climbers who like to ride holding the tops will appreciate this feature in particular.
Through the use of advanced materials PRO’s product developers were able to produce a handlebar which is not only superlight but also strong and future-proof. The PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar is fully compatible with SHIMANO Di2 internal cable routing, ensuring that riders with the latest drivetrains can also boast the neatest Vibe Superlight Cockpits. Available in three widths, from 38 to 42 centimeters wide, the new PRO handlebars allow for precision bike fitment; when combined with the PRO Vibe Superlight Stem.
PRO Vibe Superlight Stem
The PRO Vibe Superlight Stem is both lightweight and stiff. Constructed from 7075 Alloy it remains compatible with other handlebars with are 31.8 millimeters in clamping diameter while being optimized for the PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar. It completes the cockpit’s seamless integration of internal cable routing, on compatible bikes, while providing different cable routing options in order to be compatible with older frames too.
It is available in 70- to 120-millimeters lengths and features a ±6 degree angle. Due to this, it can be installed in either a positive or negative orientation, to allow for a more or less aggressive cockpit set-up. As the name suggests it is super light, with the shortest version weighing just 92 grams. “We opted for a high-grade alloy construction of the Vibe Superlight Stem, rather than carbon fiber,” PRO product development Team Lead Mark Kikkert explained. “This choice was made because we could actually produce a lighter stem using 7075 Alloy than we would have been able to do with carbon.”
PRO Gap Cap Expander Carbon
Further weight savings to the new PRO Vibe Superlight cockpit are provided by the PRO Gap Cap Expander Carbon. It weighs just 24 grams, 16 grams less than PRO’s previous lightest expander, and is available in versions for 1 1/8 and 1 ¼ inch carbon steerers. For the most weight conscious of cyclists, with a true eye for detail, this saving represents a small in grams but significant in percentages improvement of 40%.
PRO Vibe Computer Mount
Completing the perfect PRO climber’s cockpit into a high performance and functional unit is the PRO Vibe Computer Mount. It is dedicated to the new Vibe Superlight and existing Vibe Carbon stems and provides an out-front mounting point for Garmin, Wahoo and Bryton head units. Thanks to its hinge it offers either an upwards or downwards adjustability of 20 degrees, as well as two fore or aft positions, 11 millimeters apart. The bolt-on design, which attaches to the faceplate of the stem, ensures that the Vibe Computer Mount is securely fastened to the bike, eliminating the risk of losing one’s cycling computer on rough terrain.
Pro Compact Carbon Clip-On
Another exciting product from PRO is the Compact Carbon Clip-On extension. Designed for ultra-endurance cyclists and short-distance triathletes, who are constantly searching for ways to improve their aerodynamic efficiency. It provides hand positions which facilitate an aerodynamic position on the bike while maintaining comfort and control of the bike. It also improves functionality, by incorporating a bike computer mount and a slot for bolting on a PRO Accessory Mount.
Constructed from UD T700 carbon the PRO Compact Carbon Clip-On weighs just 135 grams. It thus bears far less of a weight penalty than a traditional triathlon/time trial extension. However, it still provides similar aerodynamic gains telescopic extensions offer, allowing riders to bring their hands together in a position that reduces their frontal profile.
The solid, bold-on, construction coupled with the broad hand placement zone, which is covered by an anti-slip graphic, ensures control while in the extension. Though not intended for use while riding technical terrain or on descents, the Compact Carbon Clip-On is secure enough to provide control in unforeseen moments across unexpected uneven terrain, like hitting a pothole. This helps make it a more suitable alternative, especially for off-road cyclists like gravel- and mountain bikers.
PRO products carry a limited lifetime warranty; based on a 10 year expected lifetime.
Products will be available in limited markets in 2022 with global availability in 2023. Please contact your local PRO dealer for further information