The Sculpture Handlebar marks a significant leap in design for Polymer Workshop®. Developed over 10 months, it reflects our obsession with creating progressive components for riders worldwide. The design process involved collaboration with professional riders and engineers to achieve an innovative one-piece handlebar. This handlebar is optimized for aerodynamic positions, control, and a sleek minimalist aesthetic. It features internal cable routing and grip details that add both comfort and visual appeal.

Background

The project aimed to fill a market gap for a race-ready handlebar that combines progressive ergonomics with elegant aesthetics. Existing options were often bulky or incompatible with many bike frames. Our goal was to create a narrow, streamlined handlebar with an integrated stem, adaptable to various bike models. Through extensive consultations with local and international riders, we discovered that mass-market designs weren't meeting modern cyclists' needs—especially those seeking a lightweight, aerodynamic option with a longer reach.

Development

Research for the Sculpture Handlebar drew on global cyclist input, with surveys and interviews conducted from our Copenhagen headquarters. The development process involved collaborating with mechanics, aerodynamics experts, and engineers. After several design iterations and 3D-printed prototypes, our team finalized the handlebar's geometry and structure. We tested and refined more than three prototypes before reaching the final product, ensuring it met our internal standards.

Ergonomics

The Sculpture Handlebar is designed around the concept of "Narrow and Aero." The first flagship edition is exclusively made with a 36cm width (center-to-center at the hoods) and flares out to 40cm (center-to-center at the drops) to offer more space for sprints and explosive accelerations.

Furthermore we've added a longer reach to provide necessary support for maintaining an aerodynamic position ("Sphinx") for extended periods while riding on the hoods with forearms parallel to the ground. This extended reach shifts support towards the forearm, reducing strain on the upper core.

Design & Aesthetics

The Sculpture Handlebar blends race-focused performance with a sleek, organic aesthetic. Attention was given to its streamlined design, ensuring seamless integration across various bike brands and models. The narrow, organically shaped stem allows for a refined appearance that adapts and merges harmoniously with different bike frames. Additionally, the handlebar is designed with flattened tops to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Its furthermore, engineered to facilitate an aggressive riding position resulting in a distinct drop-shape profile.

Compatibility

We have designed our cable routing to be as convenient as possible for most frame manufacturers to incorporate into their own systems. It features an open cable hole that works for most steerer tube shapes (round, D-shape, C-shape). Additionally, we are developing our own adapters to create a seamless integration from frame to handlebar.

The handlebar is continually updated for compatibility, including the development of new headsets, adapters, and spacers for both new and existing bikes.

All spacers are being developed and produced in Copenhagen, Denmark.

If you have any questions regarding sizing, compatibility, or other aspects, please reach out to us at info@polymerworkshop.com.