The Ultimate Guide to Integrated Cockpits: Specs, Fit Hacks, and Top Picks
The integrated cockpit— a handlebar and stem fused into a single unit, is arguably the best upgrade you can make to a road bike.
It’s not just about looks (though they do look incredible). It’s about aerodynamics, weight savings, and refining your fit. The handlebar is the first part of your bike to hit the wind; moving from a round bar and stem to an aero-profiled integrated cockpit is a legitimate watt-saving upgrade.
However, moving to an integrated system removes adjustability. You can’t just swap a stem if the reach is wrong. You have to get it right the first time.
In this guide, we break down exactly what to look for regarding stiffness, geometry, and compatibility, and then we put 10 of the most popular handlebars on the market head-to-head to see which one belongs on your build.
Part 1: What Matters (and What Doesn’t)
1. Stiffness vs. Compliance
There is a misconception that “stiffer is always better.” While you don’t want a wet noodle when you’re sprinting at 1200 watts, a bar that is too stiff transmits every vibration from the road straight into your hands.
The “Ruler” Physics: Stiffness comes primarily from tube shape, not just the carbon modulus.
- Vertical Stiffness: Look at the stem profile from the side. A tall, blocky stem resists up-and-down flex (like a ruler turned on its edge).
- Torsional Stiffness: Look at the stem width. A wide junction resists twisting during a sprint.
The Verdict: Unless you are a World Tour sprinter, modern lightweight bars (approx. 280g–320g) are stiff enough. The psychological confidence of a rock-solid bar is real, but don’t sacrifice comfort unnecessarily.
2. Geometry: Reach, Drop, and Flare
This is where modern trends are shifting.
- Reach: The distance from the center of the bar top to the furthest point of the bend. Trend: Shorter reach (70mm) is popular to compensate for longer modern road frames.
- Drop: The vertical distance from top to bottom. Trend: Shallower drops (125mm or less) allow you to stay in the drops longer without back pain.
- Flare: The angle at which the drops widen. Trend: “Aero hoods, stable drops.” Riders are choosing bars that are narrow at the hoods (for aero efficiency) but flare out at the drops (for stability in corners/sprints).
3. The Compatibility Minefield
Before buying, check these three things:
- Steerer Tube Diameter: Most bikes are OD1 (1 1/8″). Giant and some others use OD2 (1 1/4″). Most OD2 bars come with a shim to fit OD1 bikes, but an OD1 bar cannot fit an OD2 bike.
- Cable Routing: Does your bike route cables internally through the headset (fully integrated) or do they enter the frame via the downtube (semi-integrated)?
Headset Spacers: The interface between the integrated stem and your frame is critical. You may need a specific transition spacer (bearing cover) to match your bike’s headtube shape (e.g., specialized spacers for a Tarmac SL8 vs. a Cannondale SuperSix Evo).
Part 2: Sizing & Fit Strategy
Buying an integrated cockpit is a commitment. Since you cannot adjust the stem length later, you need to dial in your fit metrics before you order.
Here are the advanced strategies we use at Panda Podium.
1. The “1cm Rule” for Width
Modern trends are moving narrower for aerodynamic gains. A solid rule of thumb used by our team is to measure your bi-acromial distance (shoulder bone to shoulder bone).
- The Rule: Choose a handlebar width that is 1cm narrower than your shoulder width.
- Example: If your shoulders measure 35cm, a 34cm bar (like the CRW or Quick Zephyr) will offer a locked-in, aero position that is still breathable.
- Note: If you are broad-shouldered, don’t force yourself into a 34cm bar. Comfort is still king.
2. The Stem Length Trap (Angle vs. Flat)
Not all “100mm” stems are created equal.
- Standard Measurement: Most brands measure along the length of the stem itself.
- Horizontal Measurement: Some brands (like Tavelo) measure parallel to the ground.
- The Result: Because of the angle/hypotenuse, a stem measured “flat” will physically be longer than one measured along the angle. A 100mm Tavelo stem often fits like a 110mm standard stem. Check the geometry charts carefully!
3. Dialing in Stack Height
If you aren’t flexible and need a higher front end (more stack), you have three options to achieve it with an integrated bar:
- Spacers: The standard solution. You can usually stack 20–40mm safely, though it increases frontal area (drag) and can look clunky.
- Stem Angle: Most Asian bars are aggressive (-10°), but some (like the SP AD) are -7°. Switching to -7° buys you a few millimeters of height without adding spacers.
- Riser Bars: A new trend (seen on the upcoming Tavelo Gen 2) builds the rise into the handlebar shape itself. This allows you to remove spacers from under the stem for a cleaner, more aero look while keeping your hands high.
4. The “External Cable” Hack
If your frame is not fully integrated (cables enter the downtube/headtube externally), you typically need a bar with exit holes underneath the stem.
- The Hack: If you fall in love with a bar that lacks these holes (like the Ganna Angle or CRW HB01), you can still run it. Simply route the housings along the underside of the bar and wrap them inside the bar tape, exiting them near the stem clamp. It’s an old-school mechanic’s trick, but it works perfectly.
5. Validate with MyVeloFit
If you don’t have a professional bike fitter nearby, we recommend using the MyVeloFit app. You upload a video of yourself riding, and the AI analyzes your joint angles.
- If it says “Reach is too long,” buy a shorter stem.
- If it says “Torso angle is too high,” buy a longer stem or slam the stack.
- etc.
Part 3: The Contenders
We tested and weighed 10 of the most popular bars available. Here is how they stack up.
| Brand | Farsports | Farsports | Tavelo | Quick | CRW | GANNA | EXS | Quick | SPAD | Kreuza | Vision |
| Model | F1X | F1S | Avro | Zephyr SSL | HB-01 | Angle | Aerover | Aelous | SRX | Apex | Metron 5D EVO |
| Price | 499 | 399 | 300 | 350 | 399 | 420 | 450 | 350 | 300 | 330 | 668 |
| Weight | 290 | 325 | 330 | 280 | 280 | 316 | 290 | 289 | 329 | 305 | 355 |
| (size of weight) | 400×100 | 400×100 | 400×110 | 380×90 | 360×100 | 380×100 | 360×90 | 400×80 | 370×110 | 380×110 | 400×100 |
| Narrowest bar | 360 | 360 | 360 | 340 | 340 | 360 | 360 | 380 | 370 | 360 | 360 |
| Widest bar | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 380 | 420 | 420 | 440 | 390 | 420 | 440 |
| Shortest Stem | 80 | 80 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 90 |
| Longest Stem | 140 | 140 | 140 | 140 | 150 | 140 | 140 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 140 |
| Reach | 75 | 75 | 77 | 75 | 70 | 71 | 70 | 75 | 75 | 80 | 80 |
| Drop | 127 | 127 | 130 | 125 | 115 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 130 | 128 | 125 |
| Stem Angle | -10 | -10 | -10 | -8 | -10 | -10 | -10 | -8 | -7 | -6 | -6 |
| Flare Angle | 0 | 0 | 2.6 | 6.1 | 9 | 5.7 | 3.8 | 20 | 9 | 6.6 | 2.3 |
| Flare MM | 0 | 0 | 10 | 13.3* | 18* | 15* | 10 | 43* | 20 | 14* | 5 |
| OD2 compatible? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Custom Spacer Included? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Exit Holes for Ext routing? | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 314.93 | – | 352.45 | 284.77 | 301.24 | 326.16 | 316.99 | 308.62 | 328.24 | 314 | 359.62 |
| Weight size | 140×360 | – | 110×360 | 120×340 | 130×340 | 110×360 | 120×360 | 100×380 | 110×370 | 120×360 | 100×400 |
| GPS mount weight | 30.69 | – | 33.31 | 32.97 | 33.8 | 36.46 | 50 | 34.76 | 33.6 | 30.22 | 42.27 |
1. The Benchmark: Vision Metron 5D ACR (3K Weave)
- The Vibe: The western standard. High brand recognition, but heavy.
- Weight: ~360g + 42g mount.
- Price: ~$660 USD.
- Notes: Features a “forward sweep” which effectively shortens the stem length. If you buy a 100mm, it measures more like 90mm effective. Expensive for the weight.
2. EXS Aerover
- The Vibe: The “OG” of high-end Chinese manufacturing. The gold standard for finish quality.
- Specs: 71mm Reach / 125mm Drop / -10° Stem.
- Weight: ~317g (size 110×36).
- The Scoop: A perfectly balanced bar. Stiff, reliable, and looks at home on a $15,000 superbike. The mount is heavy (50g), but the bar is bombproof.
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
3. S.P.A.D (The Budget King)
- The Vibe: Incredible value for money.
- Specs: 75mm Reach / 130mm Drop / -7° Stem.
- Weight: ~328g.
- Price: ~$300 USD.
- The Scoop: Versatile with ports for both internal and external routing. The drop is deep (130mm), so ensure you have the flexibility for it. Accurate stem measurement.
4. Quick (Canwin) Zephyr SSL
- The Vibe: The Weight Weenie’s choice.
- Specs: 75mm Reach / 125mm Drop / -8° Stem.
- Weight: 284g (size 120×34).
- The Scoop: Available in “SL” (Stiff) and “SSL” (Super Super Light). Progressive sizing down to 34cm width. No external cable ports and OD1 only. If you want to drop 150g off your stock bike, this is the one.
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
5. CRW HB01 (The Modern Favorite)
- The Vibe: Aggressive, aero, and ergonomic. Our best-seller for a reason.
- Specs: 70mm Reach / 115mm Drop / -10° Stem / Aggressive Flare.
- Weight: ~301g.
- The Scoop: Designed for the modern “aero hoods” position. It features a wrist-rest area for comfortable cruising on the hoods and significant flare for stability in the drops. Short reach and shallow drop make it easy to live with.
6. GANNA Angle
- The Vibe: Premium aesthetics and attention to detail.
- Specs: 71mm Reach / 125mm Drop / -10° Stem.
- Weight: ~326g.
- The Scoop: The unboxing experience is unmatched—titanium hardware, high-quality lightweight bar tape included, and a plethora of spacers. A timeless design that balances stiffness and style.
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7. Farsports F1 X
- The Vibe: The stiffness monster.
- Specs: 75mm Reach / 127mm Drop / -10° Stem / Zero Flare.
- Weight: ~314g.
- The Scoop: Big, blocky, square stem profile provides massive stiffness. Zero flare makes it feel “old school” but very direct. The mount is the lightest of the bunch (~30g).
8. TAVELO Avro Gen 1
- The Vibe: Reliable budget performer.
- Specs: 77mm Reach / 130mm Drop.
- Weight: ~352g.
- The Scoop: A bit heavier and deeper/longer than others. Note on sizing: Tavelo measures stem length parallel to the ground. A “100mm” Tavelo stem rides like a 110mm standard stem. Size down if you are unsure.
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
9. evolve KRUEZA Apex
- The Vibe: Clean routing, long reach.
- Specs: 80mm Reach / 128mm Drop.
- Weight: ~314g.
- The Scoop: The massive 80mm reach is due to the internal routing design which keeps cables hidden and smooth. Great for the Evolve frameset, but do your math on the reach before buying.
10. Quick (Canwin) AEOLUS (Gravel)
- The Vibe: The lightweight gravel specialist.
- Specs: 70mm Reach / 20° Flare.
- Weight: ~308g.
- The Scoop: A 20-degree flare gives you massive leverage on loose terrain. Surprisingly light for a gravel bar.
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Part 4: Bottom Line: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are overwhelmed by the choices, here are our direct recommendations based on rider type:
- The Modern Racer (Our Top Pick): Go for the [CRW HB01]. The ergonomics are unmatched. The narrow hoods allow for high-speed cruising, while the flared drops provide stability. The short reach and shallow drop make it easy to get a “pro” look without needing a chiropractor.
- The Weight Weenie: Choose the [Quick Zephyr SSL]. Sub-290g for an integrated cockpit is elite territory. It’s light, stiff enough for non-sprinters, and comes in progressive widths (down to 34cm).
- The Budget Conscious: The [SP AD] or [Tavelo Avro] are fantastic entry points. You get the carbon look and aero gains for nearly half the price of western brands.
- The Sprinter: If you hate flex and want a rock-solid platform, the [Farsports F1 X] or the standard Quick Zephyr SL (not SSL) will handle your power output.
Need help with sizing?
Determining the right stem length and bar width can be tricky. If you have questions about compatibility with your specific bike frame, or need help doing the “stack and reach” math, contact the Panda Podium team. We ride these bars, we test them, and we can ensure you get the right fit for your build.
Ride safe, and ride fast.
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