Technique

On test: Deda Alanera RHM

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: Dedaelementi

Published on Wednesday, 03 March 2010 07:24

Written by Luca Salvatelli

The evolution of classical Alanera confirms a good product

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Deda has renewed its handlebar integrated Alanera, transforming it into Alanera RHM, in natural carbon or white. RHM (Handle Rapid Movement) is a new curve, with reach and drop (depth and height of the curve) of less than usual to allow a change of hand position very fast. The new reach is 75 mm, against the usual 86 millimeters, while the drop is 127 mm, against the normal 140 millimeters. A handlebar, then, more compact, with a smaller distance between high and low grip. The new design has been patented by Deda Elementi. Alanera, then, is made of 3K carbon monocoque, with internal cable, socket and port wing cyclometers integrated, but removable. Wide range of available sizes: 90x42, 100x42, 110x42, 110x44, 120x44, 130x44, 120x46, 130x46, 140x46. The declared weight is around 379 grams, we in version 100x42 detected 420 grams.

Road test

As all Deda’s products, Alanera, like the previous model, it is really well made and cured in every detail, from the beautiful bag with which it is delivered. Excellent surface finish, perfect the internal cable, the beautiful port computer. It’s not cheaper, as all the integrated curves, but at least does not regret the money spent, because one buy a product of high quality. Assembly is simple, although, as with all products in carbon, you should always pay attention to the tightening torques of the screws, to remain within the recommended values from the House. More than the experience is better to rely on a good torque wrench, which will avoid making unnecessary and costly problem. Moving immediately appreciates the advantage of a monocoque construction, which despite having some points on the handicap, it also has many points in its favour. The advantage derives from its high stiffness, combined with comfort and an ability to absorb vibrations unknown to classical coupled stem+handlebar. These two elements are the real strengths that can be integrated with the fold preference for a classic. Specifically, then, we can not but underline the excellent ergonomics of Alanera, with a high grip, comfortable and safe, and an equally suitable low grip that allows to easily reach the controls and palm and wrist tired after a long time. The low drop and reach, enable, true rapid progress from taking high or low, but especially a greater comfort when you are low on grip, because thanks to the lower depth the bust is less relaxed, there is less hyper extension of the neck and a smaller percentage of weight borne on the arms. Speaking of flaws, there are no defects in the product-specific ones known as integral curves, a higher weight (about 50 grams) and a higher cost than a similar pair stem+handlebar. Another aspect that intimidates many is whether greater fragility in the event of a fall, which leads to a break change across the crease integrated, while the classical solution is only change the bend with a significant price advantage. Nevertheless remains a viable option, not economic, but effective for its rigidity and its high comfort, as well as for aesthetics only. A product thus niche for aficionados demanding that they waive some gram, a component most exclusive and technically superior and more attractive than the classic solution stem+handlebar. The cost even higher, 487 Euro, is competitive and commensurate with the quality of the product. As just one example, the couple, stem and handlebar, Deda Zero Nero and Presa, both full carbon has a cost almost identical. The real price, then, through the online offerings is significantly lower and stands about 350 Euro.

Positive aspects

Build quality
Ergonomics
Comfort
Stiffness
Aesthetics

Negative aspects

None

To learn more:

Deda Elementi

Website: www.dedaelementi.com