Your hard-earned dollars allow you the right equipment, but many cyclists know where dynamic performance or key extras are worth spending more on on. Ritchey's Comp line-up delivers excellent components at great prices. A double-butted 6061 alloy handlebar for bikepacking and adventure use is a great place to save money and put it towards the frame bags of your dreams. The best part is, this piece has effectively been the single size VentureMax XL, but Ritchey has brought the concept and features to a full size run of handlebars, so riders of all body types can take advantage.

When the road or track gets too rough and inconsistent, maintaining stability and control of the bike is crucial. The same goes for descending in such conditions, or on a twisty, narrow trail. Gravel bars are often made wider for this reason, and the drops flare to create a wider and lower center of gravity and leverage. Ritchey offers a series of VentureMax handlebar options, the Comp VentureMax V2 is the bar for those who truly take on the roughest and most challenging tracks and don't mid hauling gear and supplies for a multi-day adventure. Tom Ritchey was taking on this type of riding long before it had a category and the Comp VentureMax V2 is a direct reflection of that experience. With its short reach, shallow drop, and purposeful flare measuring out 12.7cm beyond the sized width, the Comp VentureMax V2 offers comfort and confidence to legions of riders looking for max control and confidence from all bar sizes to have some fun on those dirty drop bar adventures.

Bikepacking adventures demand components that deliver unmatched comfort, practical features and logical design. Taking the idea of the original alloy VentureMax to the next level, or rather width, the Comp VentureMax V2 features all of the goodness of the original bar but widens it way up with a 24 degree flare. Appealing especially to the bikepacking and adventure community, the Comp VentureMax XL offers ergonomic tops for a more comfortable hand position, and the wider grip ensures more off-road control and stability when fully-loaded. Plus, there is plenty of real estate on either side of the stem for mounting accessories and bags. Additionally, the Comp VentureMax V2 also features a 4.6 flare out, 6-degree back sweep, aero-shaped 38x22.5mm tops, and drilling for a Shimano EW-RS910 junction box.

While the Comp VentureMax XL boasts a number of attributes including, great value and multiple hand positions, it’s the return of the Bio-bend to the drops that adds yet another design element that is practical and comfortable for whatever surface you choose to ride upon and for however long your adventure endures.