Yes gauntlet's front bar is straight from left to right of the chassis but it does have bends up and down.The gauntlet played a key role in the revolutionize of the "modern day" chassis.If phantom knew what they know now the gauntlet's history would be a lot different.They was the "unicorn" the first to try and build the "modern day" chassis.As it being a "terrible" chassis we had great success with the gauntlet we won 2 us all star championships at dumpling valley.In the late 90's this series attracted the very best in karting.300-500 karts at every event.I have said it before and I will scream it till I die YOU CAN MAKE ANYTHING FAST ON DIRT IF YOUR DETERMINED ENOUGH.