OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar

Handlebar technology has been a fickle thing throughout mountain bike history. New trends, be it the days of ever-lengthening bars or the great diameter debate, have promised gains in control and stability while quietly taxing the average rider’s hands. In the case of Squamish-based component brand OneUp Components, striking a balance between comfort and control has remained at the forefront of their handlebar technology.

OneUp introduced its now-signature ovalized profile with their first carbon handlebar in 2019. Designed to reduce the hand fatigue often associated with 35mm carbon handlebars, the tapered oval shape through the bar’s transition zone provided vertical compliance without sacrificing horizontal stability. Recently, OneUp Components launched its V2 Carbon Handlebar. The oval profile has been refined, additional rise options have been added, and a dedicated 760mm width now joins the lineup.

Highlights

• Widths: 760mm (tested) // 800mm
• Rise Options: 760mm - 20mm (tested), 35mm // 800mm -  20mm, 35mm, 50mm
• 8° backsweep // 5° upsweep
• Category-5 Gravity EFBE Tri-Test, i.e., downhill rated
• Diameter: 35mm
• Torque specs: 6 Nm stem clamp // 5 Nm controls
• Decal kits sold separately in 12 colors ($6.99 USD per pack)
• MSRP: $159.99 USD
• oneupcomponents.com

Product Overview

The first version of OneUp’s carbon bar has been my go-to for many years. I appreciated the clamp index markings and the all-black aesthetic, but most importantly, my hands were happiest gripping those bars. V1 was available in one length: 800mm, which I promptly trimmed to my desired 750mm. It didn’t occur to me that trimming any bar lowers the leverage designed into the bar’s ride feel. In other words, I was cutting off critical flex.

The V2 bar was designed to address this problem for riders running narrower bars. Its dedicated 760mm width provides a claimed 33% increase in compliance compared to a V1 bar cut down to the same width. The oval section, i.e., the clamp area, is narrower, creating length-specific vertical compliance thanks to the oval profile OneUp is known for. This design also allows for added space for controls and clamps. The 760mm width comes in 20 and 35mm rise options, and unlike other dedicated 760mm bars, it is downhill-rated.

Set up was a breeze thanks to the stem clamp index markings, this time a bit more straightforward than the previous bar. Among the index markings is a thicker marking. Align this marking straight up and you have bars that rise vertically. Or opt to roll the bars slightly back to meet the head tube angle. I hear Jackson Goldstone rolls his One Up bars slightly forward for a more aggressive position, which would be easy to mimic with said index markings. The increased real estate for bike controls allows clamps to go where needed and keeps narrower bars from becoming too cramped.

I really appreciate the profile and stealthy look of the OneUp Carbon handlebars. The unique ovalized contour reminds me of a Hofmeister kink, BMW’s distinctive design feature. The V2 Carbon Bar also carries a more matte finish than its predecessor; the V1 could develop an almost polished surface over time, which may have contributed to some riders experiencing clamp slip when tightened to spec. I’ve had no issues with my controls slipping since riding the V2 handlebar. Nonetheless, adding some carbon paste usually keeps everything in place.

I chose to test the 760mm V2 Carbon Bar on my Specialized Epic Evo 8, which I’ve built and ridden more as a light trail bike than a cross-country machine. During my break-in period with the Fox 34 SL fork, when a few rough days preceded dialing in the correct settings, the V2 Carbon handlebar saved my hands. The Epic Evo 8 is a race-centric ride, and its flexstays can feel unforgiving compared to linkage-driven bikes, particularly when pushing its 120mm of travel through chunky Tahoe terrain and black-diamond Whistler Valley trails. The V2 Carbon Bar has a way of subtly calming the ride without ever feeling like I might noodle out the front door.

Overall, the compact V2 Carbon handlebar is the best bike part I never knew I needed. As compared to the first version, the V2 handlebar doesn’t offer an obvious compliance benefit but rather sustained gains. The updated design benefit is subtle and pays dividends on big days, aggressive riding, and long descents. I look forward to eventually updating all of my bikes with these bars. I won’t hesitate to run them on a downcountry bike or a big enduro rig as they’ve been rigorously tested.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Striking the perfect balance of comfort and control is often a matter of trial and error. Bigger and stronger isn’t always better for every rider, and sometimes we don’t even realize our riding discomfort until the right technology comes along. Many factors contribute to rider comfort, and once your suspension is dialed in, hand contact–i.e., the handlebars–becomes a considerable factor. Luckily, handlebars are relatively affordable to swap out, and I highly recommend giving the OneUp V2 Carbon Handlebar a try, especially if you ride a shorter width.

About The Tester

Brooke Summers - Age: 43 // Years Riding MTB: 20 // Height: 5' 2" (1.56m) // Weight: 115-pounds (52kg)

Brooke is based in Reno, Nevada, where she can often be found hot-lapping the Northstar bike park, training for her favorite race of the year—the Downieville Classic—and traveling to mountain bike destinations. She discovered her love for bikes while living as a snowboard bum in Mammoth Lakes, spending summer days aboard her Kona Stinky. After years of working in the snow industry, Brooke immersed herself in the bike world as both a racer and marketing specialist. Not too proud to admit she once wore skinsuits on cyclocross tracks, Brooke now enjoys racing enduro, collaborating with mountain biking's raddest folks, and encouraging others to make the most of their riding experience. She's honored to have the opportunity to review new products while remembering that it's people, not gear, that make mountain biking so damn fun. Though great equipment certainly helps!

Photos by Ryan Cleek