970biking's Product Reviews

Tested: Spank Bearclaw Signature Series Bar & Stem

Rating:

The Good:

The Bad:

Overall:

Reviewed by Andy Holloway

Where to begin with the Spank Bearclaw Signature Series? How about one word: precision. Spank took the popular Spike 777 EVO handlebars and Spike Race Stem and sprinkled some of the Claw's magic into his Signature Series of Spank components.

Bearclaw Signature Series 777FR Handlebar Highlights

• 31.8mm diameter
• 15 or 30mm rise
• 777mm (30.6-inches) width, perfect for that aggressive stance and confidence inspiring at speed.
• 8-degree backsweep and 4-degree upsweep, placing the bars pretty similar to other big brand’s dimensions.
• Dual XGT (Extreme Gradual Taper) allows for more material around high stress points while keeping low stress areas thin and light.
• Special proprietary CNC tooling and 3-axis CNC bending allows for extreme precision and consistency not previously achievable.
• Building on insight from the 777EVO bars, the Bearclaw Edition incorporates all new MGR 2-Series Alloy material composition, reinforced clamping zones and butted 7 times – all without compromising weight.
• Impact Ends reduce the chance of collapse in areas where the wall is thinner and in heavy impacts. Doubles as added support for bar ends.
• Extra steps to ensure that the clamp area of the bar is uniformly cylindrical and as true as possible, improving bar-stem interface.
• 310g weight which is almost hard to believe after you feel how stiff these bars are.
• Colors: Black/Sky Blue or Black/White

Bearclaw Signature Series Spike Race Stem Highlights

• Based off the already established Spike Race stem
• 2D Forged~CNC Optimized Construction
• 31.8mm bar diameter
• 0-degree rise
• 55mm wide chamfered bar clamp
• 35mm stack height
• "Snap fit" sealed top cap
• 35mm/50mm lengths
• Weight: 145g/160g
• Color: Black/Sky Blue

On The Trail & In The Park

Right off the bat, the 4-degree upsweep and 8-degree backsweep felt very natural. This made for a super comfortable transition from my previous setup that hardly took anytime at all to get accustomed to.

Where the bars really shine is their amazing stiffness, especially at 777mm wide. That's a whole lot of leverage. Between bombing rock gardens and hard skatepark landings, I can honestly say that I didn't feel these bars flex. Really. And while I know they are to some minute degree, the perceived stiffness provides additional bike and terrain feedback, making you feel totally confident and in control. I hadn't realized how much my previous bars flexed until getting on the Bearclaw Signature Series 777FR bars, and I have to admit that I like the additional feedback through the grips.

The Bearclaw Signature Series Spike Race stem also follows in the steps of the 777FR bars - lighter than you'd expect with a solid feel. An added plus is that it comes with a nifty "snap fit" sealed top cap to keep the grime out. Plus, the stem just looks amazing. Between the shapely figure and touch of sky blue bling you're sure to get curious comments.

Things That Could Be Improved

The only complaint I could muster was with the stem. The Bearclaw Signature Series Stem is based off of their already popular Spike Race design, which includes the previously mentioned "snap fit" top cap. As I was installing these, I noticed that you couldn’t place any spacers above the stem because of a very slight concave curvature to the top face of the stem. Placing spacers on top of the stem creates a slight gap on the left and right side. Did I ride it anyhow with spacers on top? Yes, but I ended up cutting my steer tube to accommodate the snap fit cap. While I wouldn't deem it unsafe, if you're one of those riders who likes to keep your fork's steerer tube longer for eventual re-sale, this is certainly a factor to consider.

Update: Spank does have a custom ultralight 7-series spacer ring that will allow standard spacers to be used on top of the stem. It's normally included, but was missing from our test package. Problem solved!

Long Term Durability

I’ve already tumbled down the side of the mountain, doing my best to scrape the bars up in the process. They took it quite well, with very few visible scratches in the finish. Given their durability and incredible stiffness I’d have no concerns running these components long term.

What's The Bottom Line?

Overall, it's hard to believe components so light can perform so well, which is positive proof that Spank's investment in high-end manufacturing techniques really paid off. The Spank Bearclaw Signature Series Bar and Stem make an excellent addition to any aggressive rider's bike, especially those looking for some serious stiffness and a little blue bling without compromising weight. Coming in at $89 MSRP for the bars and $75 for the stem, you’re getting some advanced components at a competitive price.

As a side note, while the bars may be intended for downhill and aggressive freeride applications, they also felt great in a whole new realm - in the skatepark on a hardtail. If you're into wide, low-rise bars for your hardtail, Claw's line is certainly worth checking out.

For more info, cruise over to www.spank-ind.com.

About The Reviewer

Andy Holloway has been riding bikes ever since seeing New World Disorder 3 back in 2003. Inspired, he immediately began sculpting dirt jumps and pump tracks that have a unique and technical style while keeping it flowy. After competing in a handful of professional level slopestyle events and a blown up knee in 2007, he decided to switch gears and focus on having fun while being the behind-the-scenes guy sculpting dirt and covering the Colorado scene over at 970Biking.com. Dirt sculpting highlights include the construction of Boulder's Valmont Bike Park, Rhyolite Bike Park and a host of private pump tracks. Recently, he has discovered the adventure and sense of accomplishment from trail riding and is one of those riders who will choose the jump-transfer over the faster line - after all, it's all about keeping it fun. Nowadays he works as a contributor for Vital MTB and New Media Manager at Winter Park/Trestle Bike Park.

Tested: Spank Spoon One2One - Downright Fun

Rating:

The Good:

The Bad:

Overall:

Editor's Note: About a week ago we launched a contest to win this pimped-out Spank Spoon One2One complete. Truth be told, we were a little bit jealous that we don't get to keep it, so we had our resident dirt jump aficionado give it a good testing. You know, just to make sure you're in the running to win something awesome. If you haven't entered the contest yet, you'll want to do just that after reading this review…

Words and schralping by Andy Holloway // Photos by Seth Beckton

This bike is one heck of a creation. Forget the toxic green color, I'm talking geometry.

I've always been one of those people who can't ride other people's bikes. It just doesn't work out and it never has. Sure I can ride okay, but I can never get comfortably aggressive. Having said that, when I showed up at the local skate park with this Spoon One2One decked out with the entire Spank collection of components, I was a bit intimidated. Why? The super short chainstays and less than one-inch rise handlebars were new to me. I've ridden short bikes before and it was never my thing. However, when I started riding I was pleasantly surprised. It took no time at all to feel confident on the One2One. I believe the key was in the frame's overall geometry.

Spank Spoon One2One Highlights

The 15.35-inch chainstays made small skatepark transitions feel good. They were no longer semi-awkward for big wheels, as is so often the case. An additional perk of the short chainstays was that it also made the bike feel amazingly flickable - yet controllable in the park.

The 22.6-inch actual top tube length added to the stable feel of the bike. It also provided just enough foot clearance for spinning the bars. After riding the bike for a short period of time, you can feel that a lot of thought has gone into this frame's numbers.

Taking It To Dirt

Having been immediately comfortable with the bike on concrete, it was time to check out the dirt jumps and slopestyle course at Valmont Bike Park. I was curious to see how the One2One would handle higher speeds and larger transitions. Turns out the dirt jumps went just like the skatepark - flickable yet stable, and all the while confidence inspiring. In fact, the local BMX riders all took some runs on it and agreed that it was the best feeling MTB they had ridden. It really does come surprisingly close to that BMX feel. While I was watching other riders take flight on the bike, I tired to put my finger on exactly what feels so good about this frame. I think it's the combination of a short rear end that is balanced out by a slightly stretched out front end. Whatever it is, the consensus was this bike is a blast to ride.

Solid Build

The Manitou Circus fork works perfectly for this style of setup, offering eight clicks of compression adjustment from soft to what felt almost locked out, which I prefer. At full lock out it manages to stay stiff on transitions so you don't lose pump, but thanks to a firm blow off valve, it gives some when you mess up and overshoot, for example. I had some Manitou issues back in the Gold Label days, but they seem to have come a long ways since then, all while keeping the fork surprisingly light. Between the fork and 5.5 pound frame, this bike feels and rides light.

Component wise, the bike came decked with the entire Spank line - all but cranks, brakes and tires. Everything was super solid, especially the Spank Tweet 28 EVO rims with Oohbah profile. What? Yeah, thats what I said too. According to Spank, "Our unique patented Oohbah™ profile with inverted tube well increases rigidity immensely compared with rims currently available." While I can't say I felt anything wild, it certainly felt solid after landing sideways and putting a fair amount of stress on the rims. The rim's shape is also supposed to cut back on pinch flats, which have left me walking home from the skate park on many occasions, so I'm stoked on that feature.

My biggest concern next to the frame's short end was the relatively short rise of the handlebars. See, I prefer somewhere around a 2-inch rise, and that's what I've ridden for several years. Coming in at just 20mm, these were the first low-rise bars that I've enjoyed. I felt like I could get that "pop" from the front of the bike when pulling up hard, and the 5-degree up-sweep and 8.5-degree back-sweep kept it feeling very similar to the bars I prefer most.

The Spank Spike pedals sure lived up to their name. The burly pins hold your shoe tight, but not so much that you can't readjust your position while riding. One thing I did notice was the cambered edges along the outsides of the pedal. A lot of companies seem to be jumping onboard with this idea. Spank claims it reduces impact forces as they are able to glance off of objects easier instead of getting hung up. That's hardly an issue when dirt jumping or at the skatepark. However, what I really noticed about the cambered edges was that it sheds dirt ridiculously well. On a somewhat muddy day, not once did I go searching for a flat shovel to scrape off my shoes. The pedals seemed to take care of that me.

Also, it should be mentioned that the lower half of me enjoyed the Spank Tweet Tweet saddle. It has a nice amount of padding for when you miss the pedals and come down hard on the seat. I don't know where this whole mini hard seat trend came from, but if you're learning tricks it and pushing your boundaries, it makes a world of difference to land on something with a little padding.

What's The Bottom Line?

Basically what it comes down to it that the Spank One2One is downright fun to ride. Not only is it fun, but it inspires confidence and just begs to be whipped around. You won't spend much time getting used to the bike - it's very predictable and more importantly, comfortable, right away. After having gone though some revisions over the years, the entire Spoon line now seems dialed and I can't complain about much - and I tried to find things to hate on. The only downside I could muster is that it does feel a little twitchy and small for bigger, burlier slopestyle features at high speed. However, plenty of the top riders have similar builds and shred it all the same. I think it comes down to rider preference - if you like the smaller frame feel then you can make it work for you. I'm accustomed to a little longer rear end and larger wheelbase, so I found myself wanting a bit more of a classic MTB feel, especially when I took some runs down the dual slalom course. But like I said, it comes down to personal preference and what works with your style of riding. The One2One was a blast on the tighter transitions in the park and the dirt jumps.

If you're considering a park and dirt jump shred machine that is super light and flickable, or if you just need some fresh eye candy components, I can confidently say that Spank is a great choice. Plus, the color scheme strikes up a conversation everywhere you go...

WIN This Bike!

Now that I've reviewed it, it's your chance to win it. Don't worry, she's still in great shape. Be sure to submit your entry to the "How I Spank'd My Summer Photo Contest" asap! The contest ends on November 5th.

Great addition to the dirt jumper....

Rating:

The Good: I've always run Deity handlebars on my dirt jumper and these are my favorite iteration so far. Nice and wide at 29'' with the nice rise and sweep that I've come to love.

The Bad: Haven't had a complaint yet!

Overall: Great bars for your DJ! I have been abusing them at our local step up for the last few months and they seem super strong!

These bars fundamentally changed me as a rider...

Rating:

The Good: After a few rides with the 30'' you'll never go back. Seriously. They made me such a more confident, controlled rider. Now when I hop on a friends bike, the typical 26-28'' bars feel like a wobbly unstable mess.

The Bad: Nothing! The older generation had powder coating that scuffed up quickly, but that was fixed with the new ones!

Overall: If there is any product I'm adamant about, these bars are it. Like I said, it changed me as a rider. If your running anything less than 30'' on your xc/trail/DH bike, do yourself a favor and try these out!

Amazingly grippy, Strong and Light!

Rating:

The Good: Very light, super low profile... yet very strong and grippy.

The Bad: I haven't had a single complaint yet!

Overall: Great pedals from a great company. I have these on my dirt jumper and trail bike... and I'll probably never run anything else ever again!