31.8mm vs. 35mm Handlebars - Stiffer is Not Better for MTB Handlebars
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- čas přidán 21. 11. 2021
- Shop Handlebars at Competitive Cyclist: alnk.to/2uBqziN
Not all handlebars are created equal.
Over the years we've ridden countless handlebars on over 100 test bikes and have learned that the hype isn't always real. As riders who have suffered hand fatigue, arm pump and general discomfort due to overly stiff bars, we have had multiple conversations with both professional riders and brand representatives agreeing with us that they personally prefer 31.8mm handlebars when it comes to comfort and ride quality on their own bikes.
That's why we made this video to showcase a few very popular options on the market as well as some of our favorite bars. If you've suffered from aching fingers, hand cramps or arm pump, don't assume it's your suspension, tire pressure, or personal strength that's to blame. It could very well be that overly stiff handlebars that were spec'd on your bike are rattling those joints and muscles too much.
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Since I'm 6'2" and frames have such low stack heights these days, I end up running 50 or even 80MM rise bars. Dirt jump style, lol. One thing I love about the higher rise is that since they are technically longer even if the width is the same (curve on the rise adds length), they tend to be more compliant. It would be nice if there was an industry standard for measuring bar compliance and they were all labeled, similar to tire durometer.
Good points all around.
I’m 6’4 I did the same. Bought a 60mm rise spank handlebar. Looks weird but I feel way more confortable going downhill
I feel ya 6'6 here brother
@@alogcor is it 31.8 or 35 I'm looking to get that same bar try to decide the diameter... I run both... but have only ran a 35 low rise bar never high rise
Could you use a riser stem clamp to make up the difference if you wanted to borrow with a lower rise intrinsically? Thanks...
I love my 31.8 raceface atlas handlebar.i feel really strong with it and don’t feel any hand or arm fatigue at all even with a 120mm travel suntour xcm fork riding on black rated trails here in Nova Scotia
Have to say, great video, well presented, hopefully with a follow up video on more specifics on more bars. As to 31.8 vs 35, yeah, I'm not riding full on DH, don't see the need, never felt like any of my 31.8 bars ever felt flexy or dangerous, heck even good 25.4 bars can be stiff and strong enough. Did buy a few 35 bars and stems on sale to give them a go and did not get on with their geo or stiffness, they're sitting in my parts box, almost new. My personal fav bar is the SQLab16 alu bar, absolutely love it, the 16 degree sweep really keeps my hands in a great position when doing lots of pedaling and the 16 degrees is still not to much for when it points DH and gets steep and tech.
what length stem do you run? are your hands still in front of the center of the steerer axis?
Nope, just behind - if I draw a line from the center or the bar ends to intersect the stem, that line sits right behind the head of the top cap bolt and I'm running a 40mm stem.
A friend wanted me to swap his Kash gold bar, for a Kona bar I took off a trashed bike in the skip, the bar just seemed too wide for him, but he never thought of just cutting the bar down. So, ' Yes ' of course I swapped it, took about 15mins. What a cracking bar, pity my mate never recognised it's value. Anyway, he's happy, and I got £10, plus, some brandy, but the real prize, is the Atlas 😁
Scored!
Quite surprised there was no Spank Vibeocore in there. Great video tho bro!! Dope to see many bars reviewed. I’m not surprised an Aluminium bar was picked as the favourite of the bunch.
I have the PNW Range bars on my bike, they work great for damping trail chatter, and the little extra backsweep helps reduce hand numbness. They now also make the Range bars in 35mm as well
You guys do the best reviews. Thanks!
Glad you like them! Thank you very much for watching.
Built up a carbon salsa mukluk with carbon hoops. I installed a Thompson Elite 50mm stem and an atlas bar 35 diameter. On the first ride the bike just didn’t feel right . The fit was good but something felt off up front. I assumed it was partially do to the super stiff bar and stem. I had an older 31.8 salsa stem and a renthal fat bar to match. I swiped them out and the bike felt totally different in a positive way. Going forward I will only be going 31.8 on every build. It comes down to preference and I like the feel of 31.8 setup.
I've had zero interest in 35, (Minus the PDent bars/stem I ordered that I didn't realize are 35,) but those OneUps are tempting. Already on Vibrocore bars, and while they help, I still have issues on long rides.
I came for a handlebar mustache conversation and learned about my second favorite handlebar topic. Thanks for the video. :)
As a smaller riding just shy of 5ft tall, I much prefer the 31.8mm bars in carbon. I notice a lot less hand fatigue/numbing when riding with those bars.
What’s your thoughts on the ONEUP carbon bars that are designed the flex?
I've just got the Raceface atlas 35mm handlebar/direct mount stem combo simply because it just looks better. I don't think I notice any difference in stiffness between the two measures. I do notice that grips make a huge difference. I really want to go back to simple push on grips but I don't know of any good ones for Downhill. What do you recommend?
I have an older Raceface NextR(15mm Rise) and a newer Raceface Turbine(20mm Rise) in 31.8, both are pretty much the same bar other than the rise. I'll never give them up.
Bars fatigue over the years. Don't ride them forever.
I just put on the 31.8 atlas after having the chester handlebar. Not sure which one I like better,but as far as looks go would have to say the atlas since I got it in orange to go with the look I was going for. Blue crank with orange pedals and orange handlebar, blue stem and headset with blue grips. Looks sharp.
Great vid Loam Wolf ! well done dude !
Thanks! Appreciate you taking time to write in.
@@TheLoamWolf 🤙🏆🤙
I also got suckered into 35mm, like you the Turbine stem in cash money gold is sick! Got the Pro Taper carbon bars…… the lightest bars
I’m 6’4” and weigh 245 lbs, and just set myself up with 35mm PNW Range 3 bars. Haven’t ridden with them yet, but I think they will do nicely
Nice those should be a good selection for you!
I run 35mm reanthal carbon 30mm rise very happy with them
Buying flatter bar vs. rolling existing bar to change effective angle and position over front wheel?
Wow. Easily one of the best videos in terms of information and not a bunch of marketing BS. I just subscribed.
Finally! A video that helped me decide what to get and what mm to choose. Thank you! You guys rock! 🤘
Thank you! We’re glad it offered some assistance. Hope you enjoy your new bars.
No OneUp in the mix? Best bar IMHO....
We have reviewed them but we didn't put them in this group up. We'll have to try them again.
Accidentally bought a 35mm handlebar and just bought whatever 35mm stem was available during lockdown. Didn’t like the bar and struggled to find a decent bar for a good price until I found the PNW range bars.
i have OneUp on a bike, Next and Next R on 2 bikes, and TAG on 2 bikes. i think that TAG seems to be the lesser-known of the available bars, but they run w/ the big dogs. i really like them in 20 and 30mm rise. and the ghost graphics are dopee.
just picked up a Race Face Aeffect 35 Handlebar - 20mm Rise at REI for $19. Heck of a deal!!
What was the rise of the Raceface handle bar on that bike?
have you tried the OneUp bars? ive tried all of the bars in your list but i found that oneup has the best balance of comfort and stiffness
I just got it and it's decent but not positive it'll work out for me. I liked my vibrocore more.
I made the mistake of buying aluminum 35 bar and stem based on availability and cost. Looked good, but on a single speed hardtail, it was unbearable. I swapped them with the 31.8 on my FS trail bike. We'll see how the 35 is on my full suspension.
Is that paint job on the specialised custom?
Renthal Father Carbon light V2 31.8 at 800mm? ever try those?
I’m on a One up carbon bar and I’m still in 2 minds if I like it
honestly i tried both thicknesses and didn't feel a difference at the bikepark
lets see a review on that new enduro build!!
Coming soon my man!
@@TheLoamWolf nice, looking forward to it 🤘
I have upgraded my Lyric forks to ultimate spec with the Charge 2 damper, then put on a set of SQ-Lab bars with 12 degree back sweep with a nice subtle flex. Result, a revolution in comfort and control. My point is really that when you spend >£5k on a bike it is really worth spending the extra £500 or so to get everything just right.
Backsweep is underrated
I have the same bars SQ Labs 30X 12deg back sweep. It might be conservative for me, 16deg might be better. Most ppls hands have a back sweep larger than 8 deg, but it is almost impossible to find bars with more back sweep than that.
Who spends more than 5k without getting a charger 2 / top of the line damper 🤦♂️
Do you have any experience with the Spank Vibracore? looking at them for someone who has pre existing shoulder pain outside of MTB riding, looking specifically at the SPANK SPIKE 777 FR VIBROCORE Bar.
Hey thanks for reaching out. Yes we have and they were some of our favorite bars until the new OneUp components eBar was just released. AND for what it's worth they've given members of our text message group a 20% off discount that's only good for a couple more days. Go sign up for more discounts and giveaways in our webstore at theloamwolf.com. (But, since time is short, use TLW20 at OneUp's site.
@@TheLoamWolf Sweet thanks!!! I Will look into them!!!
Guys, I want to buy the Race Face Atlas 35mm 820mm and cut it down to 780mm. How stupid is it? How was your experience with 35mm clamp on your Spesh Enduro? What's your bar width? THANK YOU
Can we put 31.8 bars on dh bike?
I've been on Renthal aluminum 31.8 for a few years now and contemplating on getting Oneup carbon bars to help with less arm fatigue. Which means I'll be looking at $200+ for stem/bars. Would the Spank Vib(31.8) bars be equivalent in terms of comfort vs OneUp (35) bars? This would save me money instead of going the "lets see" route.
The vibrocore bars are pretty cool actually. If the price tag is an issue then give ‘em a try! We liked them quite a bit.
I'm the oddball I get 31.8 because they are the only 800mm wide and 75mm rise. They only come in alloy.
I have the same bars, bad ass.
One up carbon bars is the answer to fatigue. Revgrips as well.!
The one up carbon bar gives you less fatigue than the alu handlebars at 31.5mm?
I’m 6’6 and weighing in at 220lbs, I only run 35mm bars, be it carbon or alloy. I notice after riding 31.8 bars for a season or so they begin cracking at the the bends of the bars
you said you dont like most of diety bars, have you tested the blacklabel? these are by far my favorite bars ive had, feel amazing, the price is expensive but they look and feel amazing, at least imo
Yes we have. Generally we're not huge fans of their 35mm bars as they're quite stiff compared to other offerings.
did you like them? they are 31.8
@@thetech_rider9654 They are our favorite Deity handlebar.
I tried the One Up 35mm bars on my new Evo and couldn’t get along with them. Went to the new PNW Range 35mm bars and they are great. I had the previous versions Range bars in 31.8 on my Ripmo and also liked those. I find the 35mm Range to be slightly stiffer than 31.8, but I do not get any sort of pump or fatigue. PNW da best
Has The Loam Wolf reviewed the RevGrips? I wonder how these can help hand fatigue.
RevGrips are great.. Between them and OneUp bars, worlds better..
It's been a long time, but we have. Pros and cons for sure.
Have you ever tried the Deity Speedway 35? Personally I don´t think they´re that stiff...
I agree. I used to run Renthal, both carbon and alloy and they are much more compliant
Thanks for the review! I'm currently using a 35 handlebar... If switching to 31.8, does it mean I must replace the stem and the grips as well?
Stem, yes. They probably make a shim, but a new stem is probably the best option.
Grips, no. Only the center of the bar is wider. Your current grips will be fine.
Did things go to 35 mm for carbon bars to have more surface grip to tightening down without damage?
Spank vibrocore forever!!They are the best bars for anti arm pump.
Hey, so i have the Diety 780’s, seems like you really dont like them. I’m looking at getting the PNW’s. What’s the main difference?
The biggest difference is the vertical compliance and vibration damping. If you feel aches in your knuckles, finger fatigue or burning in your forearms, a more compliant bar could help...There could also be a lot of other things to blame, but bars are certainly a spot to check!
@@TheLoamWolf hey, thanks for the reply. I’m going to order the PNW Bars, I’ll let you know if I can feel a difference. Really appreciate your response and opinion.
Any favorites on grips to go along with those bars?
So if I cut the 820mm down to 780mm its gonna be shit? I got the RaceFace SixC just because of the cool design and I thought "ill just cut my bars" So now thats not an option?
I had some stock bars on my specialized that were 800mm and took it down to 780mm and it felt just fine.
So im confused 😕
Theoretically they will be stiffer but you'd have to talk to the engineers to confirm. Honestly though if it changed that much Manf. Would discourage cutting. If it has marks for cutting you're fine.
760mm x 31.8w x 20mm rise x 6 degree Renthal Fatbar Carbon Lite is a great handlebar. I picked it up for $130. It is much more precise than my old alloy bars and doesn't wander in slower riding situations and climbing. I ride trail and light enduro mostly.
Oh I can’t support anyone talking bad about DEITY, I’m triggered 😂 . Love the info and I gotta give some 31.8 DEITY bars a try now. I’ve been playing around with my bar and stem setup lately
Haha. Thanks for having a sense of humor. Some folks out there just take stuff a bit too serious.
31.8 Alloy. They get the job done, never had an issue.
Nice glad to hear it.
Never really had noticeable numb hands or arm pump come to think about it until I started running 35 stuff. Since then the best have been vibrocore, then Pivot cycles, then oneup. Some things like super boost plus wheels, etc. are indeed better. But I'm beginning to think 31.8 is best for most. (Vibrocore wheels are dope by the way, if u can muster the weight).
I run a 35mm Fat Bar and have felt a lot of fatigue, vibration and pump. I want to keep the Renthal Stem but not sure about the bar. Any suggestions on a bar? Also, I was under the impression that Carbon reduces stress and vibrations…is this not true?
Oneup or SQ-Lab. the SQ-Lab is super interesting as the 12 degree back sweep is much more like a motorcross bike
I like my deity black label bars 31.8 mm. I’ve never had a problem
OneUp if you want carbon, otherwise PNW Range if you're ok with alloy
Enve m7 bar 35mm....pricey but so incredibly comfortable, worth every penny.
WE rode some of those bars a while back! Definitely forgot about those. They are good.
I put carbon wheels on my mtb and the stiffness destroyed my arms, I added carbon race face next bars and it transformed my mtb completely.
That's awesome feedback thanks for sharing.
@MTB "Mad for it" Baz interesting. I found the vibrocores to help but they had to be angled very specifically. Like RF products so may give those a try!
I would love to hear your thoughts on the 35mm atlas bar. I was thinking about buying this bar my self. Last time I checked race face inventory the only way I could get a race face 40mm length stem was with a 35mm clamp. So I was looking at the altas 35 over the 31.8.
This video is a year old now so I'd love to hear your thoughts on the bar if possible.
Thanks for all the informative videos!
OneUp's Carbon E-Bar is high on our list of new favorites.
@@TheLoamWolf carbon isn't in my price range for this bike I'm looking to put different bars on. Was hoping to hear your long term thoughs on the 35mm atlas bar ?
Thanks !
@@flailhail We have the Atlas on our Enduro build. We didn't love it, but it wasn't as harsh as a carbon bar either. It may have been a little more compliant if we would have gotten a bar with taller rise than the rather flat bar we put on.
It may be worth finding a 31.8 stem from another brand and opting for the 31.8 bar as well.
I complained about hand fatigue with a 35mm alloy Chromag OSX. My wife said to not grip the bars so hard in fear 😂 she was right
Main reason why I went with 35mm diameter bars was because it was difficult to source 40mm or shorter stems.
And i went from 35mm dia carbon bars to alu bars because the carbon ones were too stiff 😬
Burgtec high rise 38s x 35mm are snapping on alot of guys online forms just now i just cancelled my order they look so thin whare there snapping at the upswept bend point! A guy just pulled up on his to do a bunny hop he heard the cracking and managed to land on his feet! He said he knew exactly what jsut happened to managed to get my feet down he wasn't injured but could have been worse! And another just come down a rocky trail and when riding along the flat bottom back round his gave way in same point! Lucky very lucky wasn't when he was descending but this is concerning! Could well be a manufacturer defect the alloy is so thin whare there snapping! Think its the 35mm the wider tube isn't as stong as a 31.8
recoomend me the pnw bar for enduro?
Yes we would.
Titanium bars are way more compliant and don't fatigue like carbon and aluminum. And look killer! I also prefer 31.8 over 35mm, 35mm way too stiff for old man.......
31.8 here 🇬🇧
Thompson all the way!!!
35 mm bars. The answer to a question no one was asking.......
yes, most 35 carbon bars are way too stiff, but some actually works. try a oneup bar some day.
A 35mm bar with intentionally smaller cross section, for decreased stiffness, what's the point?
@@piciu256 it's a nice looking bar, and for me and many others it reduces fatigue. Maybe it doesn't work for you, but it does for me for some reason, and other carbon bars and many alu bars i have tried aren't as good for my hands. I can't explain why only guess, but those are my findings.
@@TeamCykelhold I mean a 35mm flexible bar when you can have 31.8 normal bar do the same thing, but if it's looks you're after, then I guess you're right.
@@piciu256 I don't care if my bar is 35 or 31 I just think the oneup works better than many 31 bars and all 35 bars i have tried that's all.
@@TeamCykelhold ok
New Topic: Chain maintenance and **Lube* .. with an emphasis on what Emtb demands are, what wear to expect & how to minimize.
If I rode only in the Bend area (moon dust) I would be temped to use (hard) wax .. but doubt that wax would be a good call for Emtb demands.
Triflow w teflon is my current go to lube, with frequent wipe-downs, particularly just before riding. What say you?
Stay tuned! We're on it.
"I hope this gold stem won't bite me in the long run" uhhh odds are you will survive
The costs of bars being the equivalent to to cost of a Walmart bike doesn’t make a whole lot of sense because when you compare the amount of material, machining, fabricating, components and time (is money) to bake a bar compared to an entire bike, it doesn’t add up and the monetary value for performance gains, is all in the individuals head, ego and peer pressure.. Most of the audience take their bike to the shop to put air in their tires, much less ready for any competition type riding with zero chance of a 🏆..
Sounds like cope on your end
@@DB-sd3cw Well isn’t that the case for the majority of the consumer population, for any given circumstance? “Ooh! Look at me.. 👀 I’m not coping like the majority of you little people. I’m bettaar” beat it dip shit..
Waiting for 38mm graphene bars
Haha There ya go!
I HATE my 35 bontrager line carbon bars. Alloy Renthal 31.8 for lyfe
I like 35 millimeters because I like to have jump bikes Stem.
Hand fatigue ? No man should ever complain about hand fatigue, years of jerking it has prepared you well lol
But is your bar a 35??? 🤣
I want to like your channel and your content because you have tons of knowledge, but just cut to the chase. Long winded explanations will get people clicking off the video and hurt your standing with the algorithm (CZcams won't recommend your video as much)
what about spank vibrocore ?
We are fans! We also really like OneUp Components EBar.
31.8 4ever
You bought a Gold Stem in 35 for bling? Hell Yes! Sometimes you gotta just Love-On your bike and give it some soul! I have one bike with RED Nuke Proof Horizon Stem and RED Nuke Proof Horizon bars and I catch alotta shit from guys about it and I don't give a ratsass... I love my Red, White and Blue Captain America themed Trek Fuel!
35 800mm for life
35 760mm for life
35 780 for life
oneup
It’s all marketing. Every 10 years or so the cycling companies need some much needed income so they increase the diameter size of (name the part here) for additional income.
Partly true. But product is still mostly driven by demand. Everyone wants lighter, stronger, stiffer (aka aggressive). Obviously some wanted stronger bars. Do they need to come on every bike now? No. But most bikes still come with ol' 31.8s
How can you be saying that, what about vague steering and falling out of lines caused by handlebar and stem flex, that some companies seem to be marketing products to fight against? 😜
Haha. I guess we're just not that fast or strong!
Vital did tests with a homebuilt rig to measure flex, that is 100 times more useful than what you did here. Also where's the most popular oval shaped oneup bar. Not sure I approve of this video, I'm in the market for a xc bar, but I came out with 0 info on anything close to that. Measure out flex for 31.8 alloy, 31.8 carbon, 35 alloy, 35 carbon, do so for different type of intended use for bar - xc, trail. Do it for the 800mm, 760mm widths. Test out a whole bunch of bars. Yes it's more work, but it would actually be useful then.
I dont like 35s seem pointless
Sick video!!! I also have a mtb channel you should check it out🙏
What a joke! $159.99 for an aluminium pipe!
i had to give the video a thumbs down simply because you have a pair of next r bars on the table that you didnt even touch on in the whole video.
I call Bullshit
In the words of the Great Lebowski, "That's just like, your opinion, man."
@@TheLoamWolf ha ha hurt your feelings did I cup cake
Don’t listen to this guy on the deity handlebars. I have the blacklabel in 31.8 and they are complaint and super comfortable
Perhaps we weren't clear enough. We don't like any of the 35mm Deity bars. The 31.8 Blacklabels are our favorite of the Deity options.
@@TheLoamWolf nah, its pretty clear in the vid. The guy probably didnt develop yet comprehension skills beyond pre-school
I tapped out after only seeing ebikes....
I went from a 35 bar to a 30 and I regret not getting a 35 again it’s easier to maneuver and my hands don’t get numb like it does with the 30mm
You never reviewed the race face R CARBON.
Thanks for the review! I'm currently using a 35 handlebar... If switching to 31.8, is it a must to also replace the stem and the grips?
Just the stem the grips will fit the same