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. 

When the OneUp Components handlebars first came out we were skeptical...that didn't last long. After putting these bars through serious testing we can confirm that the damping effect is real. In this review, our customer Seth was looking to make a change. The OneUp Carbon handlebars were the only answer. Read on to hear how it went!

Overview

One of my favorite bikes I own is a 27.5+ steel hardtail; it has that old school feel that I grew up on. One of the issues was that it came with 35mm aluminum bars, which were just too stiff and caused wrist pain. I initially replaced those with a set of Carver carbon bars that had significant sweep as well (20 degrees if I recall). I was also experiencing back pain with the bike's stock set-up, so I replaced the aluminum seat post with a Thudbuster. With the changes, I was able to ride without wrist or back pain.

However, a new problem developed: my bike looked like a geriatric special! After riding with this setup for a couple of years, I could no longer ignore the aesthetic issue: it looked like it belonged to a 48-year-old guy (which it did) who was trying to relive his glory days (debatable, but probably accurate). Also, one of the reasons I got the bike in the first place was it reminded me of the bikes I grew up riding and loving, like my Gary Fisher Aquila for one. With the Thudbuster and curvy bars, it didn't evoke Gary, or Ned, or Tomac, or any of that- it looked like it was more set up for a day at the beach.

Enter the OneUp Carbon bar. I had read numerous positive reviews about this bar with lots of users attesting to the bar alleviating wrist pain. Worldwide Cyclery had it at a good price, and I wanted to give worldwide some business as I have enjoyed a lot of their YouTube content. Jeff and the gang had definitely earned some of my cash with their informative and fun videos.

On Trail Impressions

I've been running these bars for a couple of months now and they have not disappointed me. I think OneUp is really on to something with the 35mm clamp tapering down to a more 31mm bar.

The bars are forgiving and offer great flex for comfort, but I never feel like it's at the sacrifice of control/handling.

They've restored the classic look of my hardtail while still providing superb comfort for my wrists on the bike. No pain at all. In fact, I replaced the Thudbuster with the original aluminum seat post as well, and no back pain- seems the carbon handlebars alone were enough to address that issue as well. I've been riding them at the original 800 length, but I am going to cut them down to 780, then maybe 760, to better fit my New England trails.

Final Thoughts

I have a new full suspension bike on the way, and will most likely replace its bars with a set of OneUp Carbon bars on that bike as well. And I should probably put these on my fat bike as well. OneUp all around! They're a great bar at a great price.