Update on the integrated handlebar 2026

This process has undoubtedly been the most challenging of all the endeavors we have undertaken. From the very beginning, we recognized the necessity of creating a design that closely resembles the Atlas frame, as it is crucial to maintain the legacy and heritage that our brand represents.

The Atlas frame is not just a product; it embodies the spirit of innovation and quality that our customers have come to expect. Therefore, achieving a design that honors this legacy while incorporating modern advancements has been our primary objective.

In 2020, we were fortunate enough to collaborate with Fed Rios, a designer whose talent and vision for cycling frames are truly exceptional, we were then still called berg as a company. He brought a fresh perspective to our project, and his expertise was instrumental in developing a design that resonated with our vision. However, as the project progressed, we found ourselves in a challenging financial situation. All our available funds were tied up in the Flextial frame design process, and as production timelines tightened, we regrettably realized that we could no longer afford to continue working with him.

Despite the initial setbacks, the frame was eventually produced, and we were able to launch our initial batches, which began to sell steadily. As we moved forward, we made updates to our rim models, but soon it became evident that we also needed to refresh our hub designs to keep pace with the evolving market. Time continued to pass, and we found ourselves in a cycle of continuous improvement.

Fast forward to 2024, we had the opportunity to meet with Lulu Design, a firm that immediately grasped our requirements and aspirations. They understood the intricate balance we needed to strike between updating our original frame design with Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility and incorporating more modern geometries that would enhance performance and rider experience. In tandem with this, we also sought to refresh our integrated model from 2021, ensuring that all aspects of our product line were cohesive and up to date.

As we embarked on this new journey, we identified a new manufacturing partner that aligned with our quality standards and production needs, and everything seemed set for a fresh start. However, despite our optimism, we faced a significant hurdle. Numerous tests conducted at EFBE revealed that our handlebar could not pass the rigorous durability cycles test, which required it to endure 100,000 cycles. Dishearteningly, the handlebar repeatedly failed at the 60,000 or 70,000 cycle mark. To complicate matters further, the weight of the handlebar increased during the testing phase, pushing us further away from our original target specifications and leaving us still unable to meet the critical 100,000 cycles requirement.

After enduring the trials and tribulations of developing 22 prototypes, we made the difficult decision to pause our efforts and take a 12-month break. This break allowed us to regroup and reassess our approach. When we returned to the drawing board, we decided to reconnect with the original company that was already producing our single-unit handlebars. We presented them with the 7th revision of our new integrated handlebar, which had undergone significant refinement based on the lessons learned from our previous attempts. A new mold was crafted to accommodate the latest design, and we were thrilled to see that factory tests were eventually approved, signifying a breakthrough in our development process. Following this, the first prototypes were produced and sent off for professional photoshoots, marking a pivotal moment in our journey.

As we stand now at the final stages of this extensive process, we are focused on gathering essential rider feedback, analyzing the last test results from EFBE, and reviewing the outcomes of our photoshoot. Each of these elements is critical in ensuring that we deliver a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our dedicated customer base. The culmination of years of hard work, innovation, and perseverance is within reach, and we are excited to see how our latest designs will resonate with the cycling community.