HANDS ON Vol. 01: Connor Sens | Redefining the Ride with Coefficient

Welcome to Hands On, a new series from Coefficient where we step away from the wind tunnel and into the lives of the people who actually move the pedals. Your handlebars are more than just a piece of carbon; they are your primary command center and the most intimate touchpoint between you and the road. We’re kicking things off with Connor Sens—a rider who knows that when the miles get long, the right setup makes all the difference.

The Introduction: A Coffee Shop Meet-up

If we ran into each other at a pre-ride coffee stop or a mid-ride regroup, how would you introduce yourself and the kind of riding you live for?

If we run into each other at a coffee shop I would definitely say hey and introduce myself. I love nice bikes, cool tech and components, so that’s how I normally spark up a conversation with someone new, by complementing their setup! I have quite a racey and customised gravel bike with a logos on it, so it’s a bit of a give away what type of riding/racing I do! I love just telling and hearing stories though.

The Spark: Envelopes of Cash in Belgium

What was the specific ride or moment where you realised cycling had gone from 'just exercise' to a genuine passion?

In June 2016 my family decided to go on a 6 week European holiday. We stayed in Oudenaarde, Belgium and I raced 3-4 times a week along with my sister. I was going for every breakaway possible. I never made the podium but was regularly inside the top 10. Sometimes I would walk away with 5-10 envelopes of cash from sprint primes—it was probably only 50 euro in total but I was absolutely stoked! Belgium has such a great cycling scene and so much history, that when I really got obsessed with cycling.

The Legendary Ride: 267km of Fire in the Belly

The legendary ride: If you could relive one single day on the bike for the rest of your life, which ride would it be?

Getting second in the Melbourne to Warrnambool was so special to me. The race is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious race at 267km long. My dad always used to compete when I was a young child and we always watched. He was always in so much pain and had so many war stories, but those races is what excites me.

In 2024 I had an incredible day at the Warrny, making all the right moves until we got down to 7 riders at the front. 9km to go I attacked and was solo, Mark O’Brien bridged across, then dropped me with 4km to go. But to be so close to winning Australia’s biggest race with everyone watching on TV at home is pretty special. It also adds fire in the belly to come back, which I love.

The 'Hands On' Moment: Falling for the 'Swope'

Coefficient bars have a very distinct silhouette. What was it about that unique shape that made you want to give them a shot, and what was the first thing you noticed once you actually hit the road?

I actually used to save Coefficients posts on instagram years ago, I thought the swope design was wild, whilst also serving a purpose being aerodynamic and comfortable. I’ve been riding them for 2 years now and I honestly don’t think I would every swap to a different handlebar for gravel. I love their thumb grip in the drops, the flare is perfect for me and the swope of the bars allow me to get into an aero position I can maintain for ages. Plus the aesthetics are sick.

The Philosophy: Minimalist vs. Dashboard

How do you organise your cockpit? Are you a minimalist, or is your bar a dashboard for adventure?

Im for sure a minimalist, Clean cockpits just look to much better! I think because I grew up racing on the road and TT’s, aerodynamics are so important. I think some gadgets are really cool and interesting but for training and racing all you need is a small cycling computer.

"We generally stop and get a brew at Bayleaf Cafe—which is actually where I met my girlfriend while she was a waitress."

The Local Loop: The 7’s & Hot & Crusty’s

If we were coming to your hometown for one 'must-ride' route, where are you taking us?

110% were going on the 7’s bunch ride and then extras to Hot & Crusty’s. Its pretty simple, the bunch leaves at 7am, rolls out 20km and then chops off for an hour or so. After the bunch ride we generally stop and get a brew at Bayleaf Cafe. Then we go for extras, a 90km loop to Hot and Crusty bakery in the middle of Castlemaine. This has to be my favourite country bakery. At the end of the day you have a really solid 165km in the legs.

Community Inspiration: Pat Eddy

Who is a rider or a creator in the community that inspires you right now, and why?

Pat Eddy is one of my best mates and was riding in the WorldTour for DSM in 2024/25. In his first race back in Australia in January this year, he won the Elite Men’s Australian RoadNats upsetting Jayco Alula. It's impressive how hardworking and respectable he is and I’m excited to see where he goes in 2027.

"You have to be meticulous with your equipment, nutrition, and testing. It’s the unofficial World Championships of Gravel."

The Horizon: Unbound 2026

Looking at the year ahead, what’s on your calendar? What are you most excited to tackle with your current setup?

In 2026 the biggest and most exciting race I have on the cards is Unbound Gravel. I’m still unsure if I’m racing the 200 mile or XL (360 mile). Either way its the race that got me into gravel racing. I love the planning and preparation that goes into a race like Unbound, You have to be meticulous with your Equipment choices, Nutrition, Training, Testing, Feedzones ect. Its the Unofficial World Championships of Gravel.