Mountain Bike Handlebars Buyer's Guide (Carbon vs Alloy, Width, Rise & Sweep)

00:00 Intro
00:24 Materials
01:37 Width
05:31 Diameter
08:27 Preferences
Upgrading your Mountain Bike's Handlebars can be confusing! That's why we made this buyer's guide with Jeff going over everything you want to know. He goes over everything starting with material, is carbon fiber better than alloy, the weight differences, and even the performance differences between them. He also goes over handlebar rise and sweep, something people don't know much about, and explains why angles matter and what you might want on your bike. We also go over handlebar width and how it evolved from super narrow widths in the 90's to wide bars in today's world. From there we jump into handlebar clamp diameter. 31.8mm vs 35mm. Is bigger really better? Does a 35mm handlebar make your bars too stiff? He even goes into OneUp Components Carbon Handlebars and how they managed to make a super compliant 35mm carbon handlebar that outperforms just about everything on the market. To tie it all together, Jeff goes over preferences and how different riders need different setups. He also goes over his personal setup to let you know why he runs his cockpit the way he does. So sit back, crack a cold one and enjoy! If you are still confused on what handlebar to get even after watching this whole video, just give us a call! Our squad of cyborg bike nerds are here ready to help!
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MTB Handlebars: What Width Is Right For You: • MTB Handlebars: What W...
OneUp Carbon Bars Compared & Reviewed: • OneUp Carbon Bars | Is...
High Rise MTB Bars? 35/40mm Pros & Cons Explained: • High Rise MTB Bars? 35...
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Our content provides riders with the most amount of information possible on everything from new product releases to bike and product reviews. We're here to provide relevant content that will inform and educate our fellow riders/bike enthusiasts so that they can upgrade and shred their mountain bikes with a smile.
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#mtb #handlebars #worldwidecyclery

[@WorldwideCyclery]

What handlebars are you currently running?

[@jackstapleton7942]

Ritchey WCS 680mm. Some people call me an XC type of guy...

[@milesburningham8835]

Syncros Frazier IC SL (one piece handlebar stem combo) 740 wide. I’m an xc highschool racer so...

[@SalvationsHERE]

Whisky No.9 carbon 800mm

[@Tomsfr]

Lee McCormack changed my life : height (mm) x 0.440 = max Width. Cut down my Enduro Ebike Handlebar from 800 to 780. No more elbow and wrist pain. Alloy only (enduro + trail bike).

[@Anonymous-oy6rj]

Race Face Chester 35mm width and 35mm rise at 780mm wide, love them a lot would never change!

[@judechandler5102]

Nothing you will ever say will make me want handlebars. I like to grasp the stem and hold on, like Jared does.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

😂😂

[@keirfarnum6811]

Down tube shifters and pedal brakes?

[@isaacs4713]

@@keirfarnum6811 peddle brakes help with weight reduction

[@jared_erickson]

Shhhhh. Giving away all my secrets!

[@TuroVJ]

Aaaa a man of culture I see, nice to meet a fellow stem biker😌👌🏼

[@user-ln8ko7df7p]

The damping on my pvc pipe is outstanding. With that said, a video on wheelchair tires would be much appreciated, im still getting used to it. Thanks

[@WorldwideCyclery]

😂

[@woduk]

Good for setting the crown race on your fork too 😂

[@tyarnold4088]

something in your pipe. Nice.

[@johnblackham4443]

After increasing thumb joint pain I found SQLab 12 degree back sweep. I can now fully extend my arms and have even pressure across my hands . Very important !!! All depends on each persons wrists.

[@monzarace]

I am using 31,8mm 600mm wide horisontal, slight backswept on both my 26"'er and my 27,5'er XC hardtails. Works great. No pain. no steering problems, no nothing. Just pure fun. Cheers.

[@LeonardOutdoorsNM]

Joy of Bike with Alex Bogusky has a great set of videos that will really help explain how to choose what width and sweep your body needs. "Never push through pain at the joints"

[@LeadMunitions]

Switched to One up last week and my hand no longer get numb!! Outstanding 💪

[@sorinvladu7021]

I just use a broomstick zip tied to my stem. I've never had an issue with it

[@mattelias3828]

E*thirteen sells great bars for $35. They are equipped with a 35mm clamp diameter, 800mm width, and can choose from 20mm to 35mm rise.

[@compl1cated780]

Perfect timing for this video as I plan to buy new bars in just a few days

[@TheDingopaul]

Once again guys awesome description on mtb bars, you covered everything 👍

[@clearbluelou]

Great video. Thanks for covering this. I think a lot of folks would also benefit from a video about personal preferences on bar rotation and lever position.

[@TrojanNationGA]

There is a crap-load of review/advice content on YT from people that are 100 miles from half a clue, and yes I've been sucked into tons of it, but by far this channe's content has the least amount of BS and bias. I like your straight forward, no-nonsense approach. Very well done!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Well hot damn that was a nice comment! Thank you very much - Jeff

[@175thStreet]

This was an excellent video! Not sure there is anything more anyone would ever need to know about mountain bike handlebars 😅

[@santiagofinch7747]

My and the mates just hold onto our fork crowns, I feel more one with the bike

[@th_js]

I actually do that sometimes

[@santiagofinch7747]

@@th_js haha me and my friends do it on roads it’s hilarious

[@th_js]

@@santiagofinch7747 super fast!

[@libertytreasure]

You guys do an excellent job on your videos!

[@rndm89]

Thank you for providing good info in a nice summary! I've got a mtb ebike but i've sort of hybridised for commuting, so looking at changing up handelbars and this was helpful.

[@glbernini0]

I remember original bars in the 90's that were around shoulder width, now they barely fit threw doors.

[@stephenharden6273]

This is exactly what I need to know. Great job.

[@turkerharungungor1586]

Could you guys please make a video about stems too? These two are like romeo and juliet

[@wattermelon1510]

Great informational video as usual.

[@nipahaus6206]

Hello my favorite KZbin mountain bike Chanel.

[@blazen4872]

I have 760mm xc alloy. I have short shoulders but it´s super good in trail riding

[@lukaszwieleba4273]

Great job guys

[@jonathanmatthews4774]

Carbon bars also make a huge difference come winter time (I'm talking -10C or colder). I had an alloy bar on my fatbike (Norco Bigfoot) and you could feel the difference as heat transferred through my gloves/grips to the alloy bars. Carbon fiber is a MUCH better insulator in the cold and really help to keep your hands warmer on cold day.

[@keirfarnum6811]

That makes sense. Thanks for the info.

[@arctic6014]

I wish I hadn't read this...now I'm going to need another set of bars.

[@Paprika526]

If its -10C outside, im playing Tony Hawks Pros skating 2 inside.

[@ryswe]

me who never rides in the cold after reading this comment: ok so I need new handlebars so i can ride in the cold

[@JoshAllenberg]

You ride without grips? Brave

[@TheAngryHusky]

I run a Spank Spike 50 mm rise. I like to live dangerously.

[@Andy-co6pn]

I just like getting spanked..... With a spike !

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

@@Andy-co6pn I prefer getting spanked... With a spoon

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

@@Andy-co6pn I prefer getting spanked... With a spoon

[@oskarstack-michasiw2812]

Title mtb bars are my favourite definitely

[@willbros1499]

OneUp carbon bars live up to the hype. I haven't even watched this video, but I really feel no need to. Unless you are a DH racer, I don't think you can do better, unless the rise and sweep just don't meet your anatomical needs for some reason. I had consistent wrist, and occasional elbow and shoulder pain, and NEVER equated it to my bars. But after swapping my Ibis carbon bars for the OneUp, it was all GONE on the FIRST RIDE, and has not returned at all. I'm 100% a believer in that technology. Now...I just hope they don't fatigue and fail over time, but barring that, I'm perectly happy with them, and think they are the best thing I've added to a bike in years!

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

great video !

[@BhBraaq]

Wow the timing. Literally been looking for a higher rise bar to go from 20 mm rise to 35 mm to fix upper back pain on long rides.

[@ESPonMe]

Did it help? I’m looking at 40mm

[@drewsenthused6079]

Good info! Thanks for my tires and fork service stuff! That was FAST!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

🍻👊🏻

[@ChainBrothersMTB]

Great video thanks!

[@zachwaymire1458]

Woah, Titanium bars? I need to know more about that 🤔

[@keirfarnum6811]

I used to race XC in the 90s and got tired of breaking aluminum bars; so I switched to titanium and still ride with Ti. They have a lot of compliance and work well.

[@NoBrakes23]

Thompsen makes them, as well as some other boutique builders.

[@michael186]

Super informative - I am running the Yeti bars that came on my bike which I really like. Cut them down to 760mm. I'd really like to try the OneUp bars though :)

[@ianmangham4570]

Answer 31.8 pro taper best bar

[@woduk]

Renthal fat bar carbon stealth here excellent bars just paired it up with a 35mm hope stem

[@huntermosler3975]

You should consider doing a review on the Fasst Flexx mtb bars if you can. They are an American made company and have a very awesome product!

[@drOscar]

Muy profesional , gracias .

[@jamiemcdonald564]

sick dude

[@whyweride3184]

I'd love to see you guys do a review on Fasst Company's Flexx bars. I use them and absolutely love them.

[@randymilton-ploof5071]

Sweet ! , Bar none , the best info

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Now that's the best pun / compliment mixture I've seen all day.

[@badfishx2]

Hi guys your channel and company are a great resource and much appreciated!! Quick question based upon your knowledge… What bars have the most back sweep? I'm looking for a high-rise bar with a high degree of back sweep due to some wrist issues

[@blazejbch]

there are grips with kind of a wing design that might help you

[@FreeLander5280]

Dannnng. I was really hoping for any info on titanium bars.

[@DaveMustaine.]

A copper water pipe would do the job, too! 🤙

[@WorldwideCyclery]

😂 Please give that a try and send us a video of the results. Oh and double check your health insurance is active prior to the test.

[@DaveMustaine.]

@@WorldwideCyclery i will! I promise! 😀

[@mattleonard5268]

Carbon on my enduro bike. Aluminum on my dh, fr, and park bikes. All 780mm. All 31.8mm.

[@jsw5387]

770 baby!

[@jimbob5b200]

I have some Ally 50mm renthal lite fat bars , they flex vertically. Are they meant to or are they gonna fail !

[@misteraxeman2680]

I ride a trail bike with 130mm and 120mm of travel and my bars with grips on are 825mm 😂 but I love the way it feels even though I ride with tight tree gaps

[@philfortner1805]

We've come a long ways from the wooden handle bars of the 1990s.

[@enriquebougeoisiii1528]

Dear sir, thanks for taking the time to educate. Is your rear break line on the bike in this video seem wider/thicker than your front brake line? If so, can you describe the system and it’s pros and cons? Thank you.

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

If you're still interested, I think what you can see is simply 2 lines (the brake and the shifter) taped together for neatness!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

As a SoCal high desert rider I only ride 35 carbon bars that are designed to feel like aluminum 31.8s, and since I have no trees to worry about, I glue on bar extensions to fit my Greek God like shoulders.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Greek God like shoulders 😅

[@keirfarnum6811]

You mean your Sasquatch like shoulders? 😆

[@bradbsmusicchannel1323]

What is the purpose of upsweep? I typically ran flat bars on 29ers and set them up with no upsweep. I recently got some riser bars and initially tried the designed upsweep, and it put a lot of pressure on the outside of my palms. I rotated them to only have a slight upsweep, and it feels more comfortable.

[@Giroux68]

What's best for keeping your hand from going numb?

[@JSteezy]

Higher rise to make up for the width a bit

[@dariens1168]

Hi, I was thinking about upgrading my rear shock and my frame is a Norco sight 140mm travel. I was wondering if I could put a 150mm shock on the rear.

[@insanebmxthomas]

I have a Canyon Torque, with factory bars and stem.. looking to replace both because they flex a lot. coming from bmx i like a more ridgid feeling FE. are there any brands / model lines i should be looking for/avoid?

[@allaneddlemon7557]

I’ve wondered about this for a long time😂 Do you know any one who has down one side of the bar and kept the other side a little bit longer?

[@whodispuresouls7758]

I'm moving to wide bars to add more STUFF..😎

[@jared_erickson]

I say we make another bar clamp diameter standard. 33.3333333333 it has to be the best

[@WorldwideCyclery]

I'll buy that for my bike with 28.33333" wheels.

[@guidodezwaan]

What is that blue thing going over the bar between 0:06-0:08?

[@mtbwithtfb]

Hey Jeff, are you familiar with a company called Fasst Bars? They have dampening pivots to reduce vibration. I'm curious about them but they're expensive. You should check them out.

[@prr665]

Do the OneUp carbon handlebars weigh more or less than most stock carbon handlebars which come with complete bikes?

[@InCountry6970]

You don't mention anything about the diameter of the handlebars out by the grips and shifters. What is that diameter and how does that factor into flexing ??

[@jamessilverman4887]

I have a tandem with a 1 1/4" steering tube. I cannot find a stem to fit it to be able to raise my handlebars. Any idea where I can get one?

[@travellerseko]

Answer ProTaper 810 on my Bergamont Straitline Team edition downhill bike.

[@shawnsee2688]

Can rise/ sweep help move me back over the rear wheel better, you know like for climbing?

[@brookshull835]

You should do a video about stems

[@WorldwideCyclery]

We should! We did one a year ago actually... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXa3Zo2oi9mfg6s

[@brookshull835]

@@WorldwideCyclery thanks

[@hananas2]

Tbh I have my good old 26er stumpjumper set up to be super playful, and I'm struggling to choose if I should go back down to 720mm again to make it ridiculously agile again vs my usual 740mm bars 😜 probably just gonna buy some budget 720mm bars to test it, cornering with that in the past was hella fun

[@eduardoguzman333]

Hi, have you all done a video on fork travel? How much is enough and capable?

[@bobohunter1776]

That is very much up to personal preference and your riding style

[@jonweeee]

is there a whole lot of difference with a 8 backsweep and 5 upsweep VS a 9 backsweep and 6 upsweep?

[@roetietoe]

with my 1.90cm 92/93 inseem i ride a 800 wide 70 rise xl bike to make my trailbike feel like a trailbike instead off an xc and still my seat is higher then my bar

[@PowerrangerHC]

Most bikes over 3K use 35mm clamp diameters…. Specialized has left the comment section

[@phrygian8008]

What about carbon bars reliability with regard of rider's weight??? Is that still an issue?? My Stumpy 35mm bar feels "stiffer" than the old 31.8 I used to ride. I would like to try some carbon bars because of the damping propertys but I'm on the heavy side and the word catastrophic failure still rings in the back of my head. Any thoughts??

[@dferrerll]

hi thanks for your email. Are there handlebar turn stoppers of the bike does not have it?

[@joeschmoe303]

whats that sweet custom bike stand you got back there?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Homemade 😁

[@codyfisher4012]

What's that bike stand set up? Do you carry that hardware?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

We made it out of wood from Home Depot and this... www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/park-tool-prs-4w-2-professional-wall-mount-stand-and-100-3d-clamp-single Granted it can't go up and down and it's likely more practical to buy something like... www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/park-pcs-10-2-home-mechanic-repair-stand But we made ours to just look pretty in videos. Not really for mechanical function.

[@Dave-wf9hg]

I have a cross country bike and I'm so down low so at this point I'm putting bmx bars on my bike if I can

[@XCRiders]

Better put blue Loctite on the face plate bolts when you run carbon fiber and have conservatively tensioned fasteners my Industry 9 a35 came loose dropping down a little lumpy section I went over the bars and broke middle finger bone my hand Should I use Loctite

[@dmmz3534]

Bro I have a carrera but like ik yours is a lot better I just want a nice pair of bars bro

[@kofalin]

I think you’re bumping up your quality level when it comes to videos,,,, please make the next one be about dropper posts,,,, I need a 3in travel,,, with a 100mm I’d have to do your famous SEAT TUBE MOD🤦‍♂️

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thanks! And haha we are filming an in depth dropper post buyers guide this week! Look for it to be released in the coming weeks once it's polished. 🍻

[@joluar78]

Good info. I thought Oneup bars only came in 20 and 35mm rise? Did Jeff have a custom Oneup 25mm rise bar made?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

You're right! I have 20mm rise. Did I say 25? If so, that was a mistake 😳. My brain was full of handlebar things to point of explosion while filming this video. 😅

[@joluar78]

@@WorldwideCyclery A better defense would be that you didn't have your pimp cup full of that grape drank! 🤣

[@onceuponareset-ho7fg]

2:50....Back and up sweep information.

[@randyholloway920]

Can I cut them down even further without any issues?

[@verymental6999]

1UP only doing special compliance? How about Reverse Seismic carbon handlebars, that I have used for several years? I feel this is a little to much 1UP commencial/product placement. Good video as always though.

[@kwokuspl]

how much force should the handlebars tighten to the stem? can you help ? you can help and share your experience ? 😉

[@wolfenkill]

SQLAB with 12 percent backsweep, worked wonders for hand pump

[@10itchyfingers]

What make of gold stem is that please?

[@jsw5387]

Has anybody ever tested how handle bar stiffness affects suspension (fork) performance? 🤔

[@DannyridesMTB55]

Is it hard to recycle carbon ?? Just curious.

[@thewrx2600]

What about durability? What's bar going to leave you stuck walking back after a spill? What bar is going to fatigue over time? Also, I think the wide bar craze is a bit overkill and going to start seeing more natural width bars get popular in the future.

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

How is Jeff running a 25mm ride one up bar if they only make 20mm or 35mm?

[@richardfernandez3604]

Id like to know the same. Could you tell if that is a 20mm or 35mm on his bike in this video?

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

@@richardfernandez3604 I’m pretty sure it’s 20mm rise

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

Maybe that changed because carbon fiber handlebars, and aluminum handlebars are a lot cheaper. You could get a 780, 720, 660, 620mm handlebar with a 20 mm rise up to 100 mm for under $30. Free shipping right to your door!! Of course Amazon..

[@user-lt3zd4jl3q]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

720 all the way in any ride ! 30 rise Renthal carbon XC with renthal stem !

[@Fajah69]

I tried a carbon bar and it likes to yank my arm out of my shoulder. It is a bit stiff.

[@janeblogs324]

So no info on upsweep?

[@flailhail]

You mention the 35mm vs 31.8mm debate being almost like a conspiracy. Do you think there is little to no difference between the two and compliance? Alot of people sware the difference is very noticeable. But gmbn contacted rental and nuke proof and both company's said it's all cosmetic choice, and they engineer there 35 mm bars to have the same compliance as there 31.8mm bars. Do you agree with this or think 35mm generally are stiffer and/or harsher ?

[@wilmarstamaria]

One up components have 20mm & 35mm no 25mm?

[@joenapieralski7506]

#entlife

[@dominicabbott991]

The more you know...

[@cliffwalden4038]

All bars are 31.8 or 35mm girth? My Trek appears to be 1 inch or 25.4mm.

[@derekhobbs1102]

Old school, that's why.