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If you’ve ever wrapped up a long off-road ride with numb fingers, sore wrists, or arm pump, you already know the real problem isn’t always the trail—it’s vibration.

That’s exactly why APE RACING Flex Handlebars are built around an elastomer bumper system. These elastomers sit at the core of the flex system and help reduce vibration and absorb impacts from rough terrain—so your hands, arms, and shoulders take less punishment. In our Flex Handlebar feature post, we shared that the elastomer system can absorb up to 90% of shocks and vibrations, helping riders stay comfortable and in control when the terrain gets brutal.

This comfort didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of over a decade of continuous refinement.

What Elastomers Do (and Why They Matter)

Elastomers are more than “rubber pieces.” They’re the tuning element that shapes how your handlebar feels on the trail. The right elastomers can help deliver:

• Less vibration reaching your hands

• A smoother feel through braking bumps, rocks, and chatter

• Better control when you’re pushing pace

• Reduced fatigue, especially on longer rides

They’re also replaceable, so riders can adjust stiffness and feel to match different riding styles and terrain. Many Flex Handlebar kits include extra elastomer pairs (commonly red/blue) so you can fine-tune your setup without buying a whole new bar.

Why We’ve Kept Improving Them for Over a Decade

A flex handlebar is only as good as the elastomers inside it.

Since the beginning, our goal has been simple: deliver a better ride experience—less harshness, more comfort, and more confidence. Every elastomer revision has been driven by real-world use, rider feedback, and ongoing testing, focusing on:

• More consistent damping

• Better durability over time

• Smoother feel across different terrain types

• More predictable response when riding aggressively

Elastomers Roadmap: 2009 → 2022

Below is our elastomer evolution timeline—from early development to the most refined generations we’ve released so far:

2009 — First Generation

Where it started: the early foundation of vibration reduction and flex tuning.

2012 — More Controlled, More Consistent

A step forward in stability and repeatability—aimed at improving predictable feel under load.

2018 — Major Refinement

A “ride-feel” upgrade focused on smoother damping characteristics for real-world off-road conditions.

2020 — Built for Long Rides

Further optimization to help reduce fatigue when the trail is nonstop chatter.

2022 — Latest Generation (So Far)

Our most refined feel at the time—designed to deliver smoother comfort and confident handling when conditions get rough, fast, or technical.

How to Choose the Right Feel

A simple way to dial in your setup:

• Prefer maximum comfort on rocks/roots/choppy trails? Try a softer feel.

• Want more precision and a firmer front-end response? Go stiffer.

• Not sure where to start? Begin with a balanced setup, then adjust after a few rides.

Because the elastomers are replaceable, you can fine-tune flex and stiffness without changing the entire handlebar system.

After 2022: We’re Still Developing

After 2022, our development didn’t stop. We’re still continuing new elastomer development—testing, refining, and improving—because the goal is always the same: achieve the best possible experience for our customers.

The Smallest Part Can Make the Biggest Difference

Elastomers may look small, but they play a huge role in how your bike or ATV feels on the trail. They’re a key reason riders choose flex bars in the first place: less vibration, less fatigue, and more control.

If you want a deeper overview of the Flex Handlebar features (materials, sizing, and why the system stands out), check our Flex Handlebar spotlight post and product details.