3T has offered the Stealth finish (a dominant UD matte black with gloss black logos) scheme on several products over the years, and cyclists are drawn to the "goes with anything" subtle black effects. The LTD series of carbon components feature a higher grade high modulus carbon fiber that results in lighter, stiffer versions of their outstanding designs, and 3T has opted to give the Ergonova LTD Stealth treatment.

The Ergonova handlebar design is 3T's most popular, and the LTD is the top-level, road only version of it. With the Ergonova, 3T's designers refer to the flat profile on the tops as egg-shaped because it is a cross between round and oval. An interesting observation on the egg profile is that it is not centered like most flat top bars, but directed forward. Meaning, the rear of the tops of the bars are in the same place as a standard round bar while the egg-shaped profile extends forward. The heel of your palm contacts the bar at the same distance as a round bar, but the hand support and fit is forward. You don't sacrifice your ideal distances for ergonomics. It is a very clever way of designing an optimal set-up. Unlike it's Team and Pro siblings, the LTD is not compatible with clip-on aero bars.

Beyond that, the shape just feels right. It is extremely comfortable and a natural fit to your hands. The tops have longer radius angle where the bar bends forward towards the brake/shift levers to provide more room on the tops and a smoother transition to the controls. The drops are 123mm deep and feature the popular compact bend. Compact bends have an increasing radius and are combined with a shallow drop. It gives a bar an anatomical feel without anatomical bends. Hand placement and movement feels automatic, as if the bar was knows where you want your hands at all times. Brilliant actually. It's clear that 3T did their homework when designing the ergonomics of the Ergonova.

The transition of the top of the radius works well for setting up all current shifter designs. You can easily get a nice flat transition out to the shifter extension. This helps maintain a healthier wrist angle. The constant thickness HM carbon construction is super stiff and durable. A gloss coating and crisp graphics add a distinctive flair. A sandpaper like texture applied to the fixing areas of the stem and brake/shifters. This feature pretty much guarantees no slippage when everything is installed properly, but 3T still recommends the use of friction paste for ultimate safety. The true value of this bar is found with the stiffness under duress, especially noticeable despite the super light weight.

It's important to note that the bars are measured center to center at the ends of the drop. Each end flares out by 6°, just less than one centimeter each. This effectively means that the bars are 16mm narrower at the hoods. For example, size 44cm measures 440mm c-c at the drop ends, while the c-c measurement at the hoods is actually 424mm. The Ergonova LTD Stealth is available in 40cm-44cm widths and offered in 31.8mm bar clamp diameter only.

Return to Top