Integrated cockpits from Columbus: Handlebar-stem combinations and carbon forks for road bikes, all-road bikes and gravel bikes

Hardly any other part of the modern road bike has changed as much in recent years as the cockpit. Fully integrated handlebar-stem units are now standard on many performance bikes, promising a clean look, reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. With Columbus A truly iconic brand is now entering this segment for the first time. The Italian company is launching three integrated cockpits and three new carbon forks for road, all-road and gravel bikes, thereby significantly expanding its range of components.

Columbus is rethinking the front end

For over 100 years, Columbus has been best known for its frame tubes. Now the Milan-based brand is systematically expanding its range of components and, for the first time, is offering its own fully integrated cockpits . The three new handlebar-stem assemblies are designed for different applications:

• Spirit Racing for performance road bikes
• Futura Allroad for fast all-road bikes
• Cento Gravel for gravel and adventure riding

What all models have in common is a fully integrated design, internal cable routing and a clear focus on low weight and modern ergonomics.

Spirit Racing Integrated Cockpit

The Spirit Racing Integrated Cockpit is the sportiest model in the new range. Columbus combines an aerodynamically shaped upper handlebar with flared lower handlebars and an integrated handlebar-stem design.

For the drops, Columbus has opted for what is known as a ‘three-finger zone’. This is designed to ensure a secure grip even under heavy load. The geometry is compact, but with a reach of 75 millimetres and a drop of 115 millimetres, it is clearly tailored to sporty road cyclists.

The cockpit, with a handlebar width of 380 millimetres and a stem length of 110 millimetres, weighs 340 grams. A total of 15 combinations of handlebar width and stem length are available.

​Futura Allroad for fast all-road bikes

The Futura Allroad is designed for fast road riding and lighter gravel riding. The handlebars have a 120-millimetre drop and a reach of 70 millimetres. This results in a compact and comparatively accessible geometry.

A recess in the top handlebar is designed to make it easier to fit the handlebar tape. The tape can be guided right into the centre section, which should result in a smooth surface and a neat finish.

Weighing 357 grams, the Futura Allroad is slightly heavier than the Spirit Racing. The range comprises twelve sizes with handlebar widths between 380 and 420 millimetres.

​Cento Gravel for gravel and adventure riding

The Cento Gravel is the widest model and the one best suited to off-road riding. Columbus combines a reach of 85 millimetres with a drop of 113 millimetres. The flare is 8 degrees.

The flared lower handlebars are designed to offer greater control on rough gravel sections. At the same time, the geometry remains compact enough to ensure a comfortable riding position, even with frequent changes of grip.

The Cento Gravel weighs 340 grams with a handlebar width of 420 millimetres and a stem length of 100 millimetres. Columbus offers nine different combinations.

Columbus is also expanding its range of forks. The Futura Fast Gravel is designed for racing, whilst the Futura Divide is aimed at bikepacking and long tours. The Trefoil Allroad is intended to combine road and gravel riding.

Columbus’s new range of forks

Futura Fast Gravel Fork

The Futura Fast Gravel is the most streamlined fork in the new range. Columbus has done away with eyelets and mudguard mounts. The result is a construction that is as light and stiff as possible, designed for fast gravel races.

The tyre clearance extends up to 700 x 50 millimetres. This means that, despite its clear focus on racing, the fork remains a viable option for modern gravel racing bikes. The cables are routed internally.

Futura Divide Fork for gravel adventures and travel

The Futura Divide is designed for riders who also use their gravel bike as a touring bike. With 63 millimetres of tyre clearance, it offers space for particularly wide tyres and is therefore suitable for more challenging routes.

The 1.5-inch steerer tube is designed to provide additional stiffness. The multi-rake system allows the fork offset to be adjusted to suit the wheel size and load. This feature can have a noticeable effect on handling, particularly on a heavily laden bikepacking bike.

There are several lashing eyes available for securing luggage. The fork is also designed to accommodate internal or external cable routing. A special guide for hub dynamo cables makes it a good choice for longer tours, regardless of the charging infrastructure available.

​Trefoil Allroad – a cross between a road bike and a gravel bike

The Trefoil Allroad is designed to bridge the gap between a classic road bike and a gravel bike. It accommodates tyres up to 45 millimetres wide and features mounting points for light luggage as well as concealed mudguard mounts.

With an axle-to-crown height of 380 millimetres, the fork is designed to deliver a stable and relatively smooth ride. The internal cable routing ensures a clean, tidy look.

Futura Adventure Fork now available in 32 inches

Columbus is also revamping the Futura Adventure Fork. The new version is designed to accommodate tyres up to 32 inches in size. According to the manufacturer, this would make it the only fork in the Columbus range suitable for this wheel size.

Larger wheels can roll over obstacles more easily and provide a smoother ride on technical trails. However, whether the extra tyre clearance actually offers any advantages depends heavily on the frame design, the geometry and the intended use.

Editorial assessment

With its new cockpits, Columbus is following a trend that has long been established in road cycling and is now also gaining ground in the gravel sector. This integrated design reduces the number of visible cables and allows for a clearly defined combination of handlebars and stem. At the same time, it limits the scope for customisation compared with traditional individual components.

When it comes to the forks, the clear distinction between their intended uses is particularly striking. The Futura Fast Gravel is designed purely for maximum performance in races. The Futura Divide, on the other hand, offers the necessary mounting options for long tours. The Trefoil Allroad sits somewhere in between and is likely to appeal to riders who want to build a fast yet versatile bike.