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.

The OneUp Components Carbon Handlebar has been one of our favorite carbon handlebars since its release. Their unique design utilizing vertical compliance in a lightweight and affordable package makes it easy to see why so many riders choose this bar for their trusty steeds. Ben recently changed out his Yeti carbon handlebar for the OneUp and has been riding it for some time now. Read on to hear his thoughts!

Overview

I originally purchased the OneUp Components carbon handlebar (35mm diameter x 800mm length) to replace the stock carbon bars (20 x 780mm) that came on my Yeti SB130. There was nothing wrong with the stock bars but I prefer to have a higher rise on my all-mountain and enduro bikes. The 35mm rise on the OneUp Components bars (rather than the stock 20 mm rise) is a perfect fit for someone like me (6’0, 175lbs) that prefers the feel of high riser bars.

Fit & Finish

These things look sharp! The unique “oval” diameter (slightly “blocky” when compared to normal cylindrical bars) of the bars give it a “stealth bomber” like-appearance - which I like.

Anyone that looks at plain, matte-black bars will notice the cool, unique shape.

The hazy-rainbow blotchiness typical on matte-black carbon bikes and components is evident on these bars but it’s not a big deal to me, personally. These are well made (like all OneUp Components products) carbon handlebars that will stand up to anything you can throw at them.

Function

I prefer riding wide bars on my mountain bikes (780+mm) and I also like the added control (IMO) and “feel” that riser bars provide when descending tough terrain. These bars easily fit the bill. They felt great and I did not notice any loss of steering/wheel raise when I was climbing. Sometimes a long stem, high headset, or riser bar can lighten the front end of the bike and cause it to come up off the ground or lose traction when climbing steep terrain. I did not notice this occurring with these bars although I must give part of the credit here to the SB130 - it would be amazing on a climb even if you had a pool noodle for handlebars.

Comparison

Aluminum Bars (various brands and dimensions) - In my humble opinion, if you don’t have the spare change to get carbon handlebars - don’t. Although they are stiffer on rough trails and a bit lighter (which you do notice if you’re paying attention), they’re more “blingy” than practical for the non-professional rider.

Other Brands of carbon bars (Yeti, 35mm x 780mm, 20mm rise, and RaceFace SIXC, 35 x 820, 20mm rise) that I have ridden - Honestly, it’s all about personal preference. The only thing I liked better about the OneUp Components bars over others I’ve owned is their unique oval shape (and the increased rise from 20mm to 35mm - but this is not specific to OneUp as all major brands make bars specific to your preferences on rise, length, and sweep.

Pros

• Cool, unique shape
• Stiff, light, and long (can be easily cut down to preferred length with a fine-tooth hack saw)
• Compared to similar carbon bars, these are more affordable

Cons

• Slight, hazy blotchiness that one gets with matte-black carbon frames and components
• As with any carbon bars, when you scratch them you cannot touch up the paint

If you want to know more about how these OneUp Components Carbon Handlebars stack up against other carbon bars, check out our video on them!