Flex series - Comfort for MTB: The OneUp carbon handlebar for more comfort in the test

The MTB world is subject to constant change. Anyone who believes that the bike has been thought through to the end will quickly be proved wrong by the mountain bike industry's never-ending drive for innovation. The sport has seen the development from 26 to 27.5 to 29-inch wheels, from wobbly frame geometries to smooth-running downhill machines and from handlebars with a thin 25.4 millimetre diameter to 31.8 millimetre and 35 millimetre clamp diameters.

However, at least the last point is open to discussion. In the search for optimum cockpit stiffness, the 35-millimetre design of many manufacturers is not the last word in wisdom - at least not if it comes at the expense of comfort. Too little flex in the system often results in aching wrists and tired arms. With its carbon handlebar approach, OneUp claims to have managed to combine the advantages of handlebars with 31.8 and 35 millimetre clamps. We tested whether the approach really works.

Which handlebar to take, 31.8 or 35 millimetres? OneUp claims to have found the solution: Both!

Why are MTB handlebars getting thicker and thicker? Physically speaking, a tube with a larger diameter flexes less than one with a smaller diameter with the same wall thickness. Accordingly, a handlebar of the same design with 35 millimetre clamping is stiffer than a 31.8 mm one. Stiffness on the cockpit is definitely desirable in favour of steering precision. However, the system of modern wheels, forks, frames and stems can now achieve a very high level of stiffness.

As with everything, it all depends on the dose. If there is too much stiffness in the system, vibrations are passed on to the rider with less damping when riding. So there are definitely arguments against stiff 35-millimetre handlebars. The fact that most manufacturers have nevertheless decided in favour of the thicker size is due to the design advantages of a large handlebar diameter. The greater stability of a 35 millimetre tube makes it possible to construct it with less material and therefore lighter, while maintaining the same stiffness. Has OneUp really found a way to combine the flex of 31.8 mm handlebars with the steering stiffness and lightness of 35 mm models?

Flex on the handlebars is not just a question of the clamping diameterbut also the material, the wall thickness in various areas and the taper of the tube. In order to harmonise all the parameters for an optimum design, OneUp Components chooses a round clamping area with a diameter of 35 millimetres on the carbon handlebars, but changes to an oval, flattened shape at the offset before becoming round again for the clamping of the shift lever, brakes and grips. On the outside, the carbon handlebars have the usual diameter of 22.2 millimetres. Overall, OneUp promises 21 per cent more vertical compliance than conventional 35 millimetre handlebars and 28 per cent more steering stiffness compared to standard handlebars with 31.8 millimetre clamping.

Details on the OneUp Riser carbon handlebars

• Price: 189,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 238 g (unabridged, BIKE measurement)
• Material: Carbon
• Clamping diameter: 35 mm
• Width: 800 mm
• Can be shortened: yes, up to 740 mm
• Rise: 20 mm / 35 mm (tested)
• Geometry: 8 ° backsweep / 5 ° upsweep
• Available decal kits: Red / Green / Blue / Orange / Purple / White
• Special features: oval profile for optimised flex

The €189.99 OneUp carbon handlebars are approved for enduro use and for riders weighing up to 120 kilos. The 800 millimetre wide handlebars, which can be shortened to 740 millimetres, come with a rise of either 20 or 35 millimetres. A backsweep of eight degrees and an upsweep of five degrees are designed to bring hands and arms into an ergonomic position.

The 225 gram carbon handlebars can be customised in six colours using a decal kit. The OneUp is also available in an E version with stealth cable routing. In professional racing, the flex concept of the OneUp handlebars seems to work, as several EWS victories prove. We wanted to find out whether the carbon handlebars are also suitable for everyday use.

The OneUp Riser carbon handlebars in the test

Theoretically, the larger diameter of 35 mm handlebars allows for a lighter weight with the same stability. In practice, however, many manufacturers fail to actually realise this design advantage. In fact, most 35 millimetre handlebars weigh slightly more than their 31.8 mm counterparts. With OneUp Components, there is no need for a comparison, as their carbon handlebars are only available with a 35 mm clamp.

For a width of 800 millimetres, its weight is respectable and within striking distance of the carbon competition in the same price segment. The build quality is good and the discreet look is pleasing. The fact that the OneUp handlebars have an oval profile at the offset is not so easy to recognise at first glance, but can be clearly felt. Graphics have been applied to make it easier to align the handlebars and levers.

As with almost all flex products for the cockpit that we were able to test together with the OneUp carbon handlebars, the comfort advantage is not apparent from the first metre. It takes a certain number of descents over bumpy trails and swapping back and forth with other handlebars to realise the flex character of the OneUp.

One thing is certain: The OneUp carbon handlebar is definitely a comfortable handlebar with a pleasant flex. Compared to 35 mm aluminium handlebars or particularly stiff 35 mm carbon handlebars, the OneUp is noticeably more comfortable to ride. In terms of flex, the oval control centre actually seems to be on a par with 31.8 mm handlebars. The carbon handlebars also have no weaknesses in terms of handling. Its good steering stiffness allows precise line selection at all times. So has OneUp really combined the best of both worlds?

Unfortunately, this statement is not so easy to confirm. When frequently switching between different handlebars, the noticeable differences were sometimes only minimal. Yes, the OneUp is a top carbon handlebar with 35 millimetre clamping. However, in the battle against arm pump and tired hands, there are other combinations that manage to combine high steering precision with good comfort. For example, the ride feel of the OneUp handlebars was very similar to that with a 31.8 mm carbon handlebar and a particularly stiff, wide-clamping stem.

Depending on which setting bikers come from, switching to the OneUp Components carbon handlebars does not necessarily bring an advantage. Apart from the damping, a stiffness advantage could not be determined in the laboratory. In isolation, the stiffness of the carbon handlebars is 32.63 N/mm - a value that is comparable to an average aluminium handlebar in the 35 millimetre standard.

Conclusion on the OneUp Riser carbon handlebars

It is impossible to say whether 31.8 mm or 35 mm handlebars are more comfortable. In any case, the OneUp carbon handlebars a large clamping dimension and a comfortable flex. We did not notice any premature arm fatigue. At the same time, the steering stiffness is at a high level. These riding characteristics could also be achieved with other stem/handlebar combinations. All in all, OneUp has a simply very good carbon handlebar in its programme. Anyone who is already riding on 35 millimetre bars will not be disappointed by the OneUp handlebars. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

Pro

• Comfortable cushioning
• Good steering precision
• hits a sweet spot of handling characteristics and weight

Contra

• If you already ride a good 31.8 or 35 mm cockpit, there is no reason to switch to the OneUp handlebars.