Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1456806
February 2022 271 Twisted Engineering Composi FLEX Handlebars Some have a hard me wrapping their head around why an off-road rider would run composite handlebars. Naysayers typically remark about the possibility of breakage. Well, as one who's been running Twisted bars for the last five seasons on two different bikes, our Twisted Engineering bars have not only withstood the test of me enduring a few nasty get-offs, but also have done an amazing job of cancelling vibra ons while greatly reducing fa gue. Riding with composite handlebars is an interes ng feeling. In recent years, KTM and Beta have added counterbalancing to their larger bore 2-strokes, in effect reducing vibra ons transferred to the rider's hands. For those running older bikes, the difference is night and day. So no ceable in fact, it's almost like riding the bike with the engine off. Some mes we don't no ce an issue un l it's eliminated. Those with red hands will appreciate Twisted Engineering's bars t. Visit twistedengineer- ing.com for more info. Sco s Performance Steering Damper It's no secret that we're huge fans of the Sco s Steering Damper. Having run Sco s dampers on countless bikes since its introduc on in the mid- 90s, there's no telling how much pain and suffering the Sco s dampers have saved this guy. Now some might say their new bike is so superior that there's no need for a steering damper. Some claim they wear you out. First and foremost, we like them for the safety factor. There's always a sharp-edged rock or root lurking, ready to rip the bars out of the rider's hands sending one to the forest floor. We know that's no fun and can easily be a trip to the hospital, along with a s nt out of work. As for the comment of possibly wearing the rider out, we've found riding with the low-speed valving backed all the way out eliminates sweep drag. We rely on the high-speed valving to handle the sharp, hid- den hits. Once the rider learns to trust the Sco s damper, you can ride with a much lighter grip to the bars, elimina ng arm pump and fa gue.