OneUp Components Carbon Handlebar [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Most modern mountain bike handlebars are created equally for the most part but there are a couple brands that are doing something a little different. Other than a specific rise or sweep there are only a few innovations left out there. Our friend Ira shares some thoughts on the OneUp Components Carbon Handlebars. Check it out!

Overview

So you’re in the market for some new, high-end mountain bike handlebars? I’m sure you’ve been looking around at all the popular handlebars on the market. You’ve also probably been debating whether or not it’s worth getting carbon handlebars versus sticking with aluminum while comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both. Well, I personally own both the 20mm rise and 35mm rise OneUp Carbon Handlebar and I can’t say enough good things about them!  The handlebar compliance (or flex if you prefer) vertically is subtle, but definitely makes a difference. Out here in Colorado where I primarily ride, I’m focused on All-Mountain/Enduro.

Everything you’ve read about the shock-absorption and compliance vertically, yet still retaining the steering stiffness you want, is true.

I ride a wide variety of terrain, but primarily tech including a ton of chunky downhill which in the past would cause a lot of arm-pump and tingling in my hands. Not so much with these handlebars. They really seem to absorb a lot of the hard hits and constant trail chatter, yet retain that precise, crisp feeling when you’re making quick, split-second directional changes and steering around/dodging baby-heads in the trail. Not sure exactly how OneUp Components does it, but these carbon bars are definitely not harsh feeling like typical carbon handlebars can be. They come 800 mm wide, but I easily cut them down to 780, which I prefer. They’re super attractive looking also. I really like that matte finish with the OneUp logo. I don’t have any decals on my bars, as I like ‘em just straight-up black. However, if you want to add a little extra “flair” to your bars, that’s super easy to do and with a variety of colors from OneUp Components for about another 10 bucks or so if you’re looking to match a specific color with your bike.

I’ll also take this opportunity to make a plug for the OneUp Components EDC multi-tool that fits in the stem. I’ve got that set up on my bike with these handlebars and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s so awesome to have all your gotta-have-it-now-out-on-the-trail essential tools right there in the cockpit. It’s not a matter of “in case” you might need them, but rather it’s more a matter of when you “will” need them. Something’s going to come loose, need to be tightened, reattached, or plugged. I guess what I’m trying to say is that everything is super high-quality, well-designed, and integrated when it comes to how OneUp Components designs and builds all of their products.

Final Thoughts

So if you’ve been on the fence, wondering if it’s worth purchasing the OneUp 35 mm carbon handlebars, go for it. You will not be disappointed. You’re really gonna appreciate the upgrade on your rig. Happy riding!