CONTROLTECH Cougar Carbon Aero Handlebar 31.8X400MM, RA522UD, ST1937-Q

I got these bars after a long search and had pretty much settled on the Prime Primaveras until i read somewhere that Prime had borrowed heavily from these Controltech bars in the design of theirs so i figured i would take a look and ultimately decided to try these out. I have been very happy with these bars so far. Logged about 12,000k on them to date and raced with them for the whole 2022 season, so from my perspective they've been put through the wringer. I cannot comment on aero gains since i have no way of testing any of that, but these certainly look aero so that's gotta be worth a few watts, right? What i really like about these are a few big things:1. Comfort and control. The tops may take a little getting used to if you are acclimated to round bars that you can wrap your fingers around completely. The leading edge on these is borderline sharp so i have adjusted to getting my fingers around that front edge at the 2nd joint and just resting my palms on the big flat surface which is very comfortable. But the real comfort is on the scalloped section of the outer bend where I spend time on climbs or just spinning around. I was skeptical of this when i first saw it but was an immediate convert after the very first ride. I dont know why other manufacturers havent done this. Its fantastic: zero nerve pressure in hands when sitting up with fingers on hoods. And lastly is the flare in the drops. I prefer my bars on the narrow side for aero benefits but having that slight flare makes the drops more comfortable when in a long battle with headwinds and that extra bit of leverage and control when in an all out sprint.2. The BIG openings for the internal cable routing. After having several other bars with smaller openings and wrestling hydraulic cable and Di2 wires through them, these big openings were a huge convenience during setup. I even had enough space on the right side to tuck the Di2 wireless control transmitter (WU111) inside the bar (nice and close to computer and shifter buttons) with some wrap to prevent rattling. Again, why other manufacturers dont do this is beyond me. Mechanics all over will appreciate this.3. The extra space by the stem clamp. Lets face it, there's another big huge bike company that makes pretty popular aero profile bars like this that end with "fly". Those are certainly very nice but if you want to use a 3rd party computer clamp, light, gopro mount or anything else: good luck finding room between the stem clamp and the aero profile section of the bar. These Controltechs have just enough room to add a light or other mount to the bar while still maximizing the aero profile section. Good thinking Controltech! Another well thought out design feature.My one gripe, which isnt much, is this: the tops can be pretty slick, especially with sweaty hands. These bars are really only meant to have bar wrap extend to the scallop section, if even that far. The tops are suppposed to be left exposed for the aero benefit. This lack of grip is easily resolved with a small strip of hockey tape or some other grip tape on the tops which is why i can't say this is a real gripe, just a little fix i would recommend for added comfort and security.Overall these bars are a killer value for what you get in a full aero carbon bar and the features here set them apart in my opinion and make them even better. Controltech is no slouch brand or knockoff either: these are theor own design and they have been making bike components for a long time so I have that level of trust that these are strong well made bars meant to hold up to the rigors and stresses of racing and very hard riding. I have tested them pretty thoroughly in this regard and they are staying on my race rig for the 2023 season. If you are looking at these bars, i would unequivocally say go for it and give them a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and what you get!

Love how stiff, aerodynamics, light, lots of places for your hands and palms.

Reach is short and comfortable, the drop is a tiny bit lower than a compact but it’s in the ball park. The tops are nice to grab and they look aggressive and aero.Material and finishing looks top level. The routing ports are big and easy to use. No unwanted flexing , I’m 160 lbs and they feel solid even on sprints.The groves that are just by the shifter area force your hand to always go in the right position to grab the hoods, limiting your movement and locking your hands in the ideal position, if you are racing they feel great and I love them, those same groves make your wrist pressure free and take away the numbness in the hands, but I can picture some folks preferring to move their hands around even if that movement takes them away from a good position .I really love this handlebar and I can recommend them for your next bike.

installed the bars in June 2021. I have put on 1062 miles (1709 kilometers). The bars are rock solid. I would highly recommend these bars. The price point was perfect for me. The quality and construction of the bars is excellent.Update: 12months later with a lot of riding in. I am fully pleased with the handlebars. No issues what so ever. Best bang for buck

Great product, light and strong!