OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar review

The V2 Carbon Handlebar is the next step in OneUp Components’ hunt for compliance that brings refinements to the brand’s patented design as well as more sizes to pick from. The result is an improvement in OneUp’s interestingly shaped bar that does exactly what it’s built to do. It’s more compliant and better at damping vibrations, and it brings that performance to a wider range of riders.

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OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar – Technical details

Compared to the V1 Carbon Handlebar, which just so happened to be one of our favourites, there’s not an awful lot that sets the V2 apart at first glance. However, as is usually the case with these things, there’s more than meets the eye.

First up, OneUp has revised its patented oval design, claiming that each model, rise, and width brings 13 to 33% more vertical compliance over the previous bar. It’s said that this has been achieved through tweaking the orientation of the carbon fibre and its layup. Then, both the 800mm width bar and the new 760mm width are proportionally engineered to provide what OneUp believes is the right compliance for each width, similar to what Race Face has been up to with its ERA handlebar.

2025 oneup v2 bar shaoe.jpg, by Liam Mercer

But with that said, I’m told that the improvement in compliance mostly comes from the shape and geometry of the ovalised sections of the bar. Additionally, 760mm width has been introduced to offer more compliance to those who prefer narrower bars, so those riders no longer need to cut their 800mm bar down, and sacrifice vibration damping in turn.

Both sizes share similar geometries that use an eight-degree backsweep, a five-degree upsweep, and a 35mm clamp diameter. Things change a little when it comes to the width of the clamp area, where the 800mm bar gets an 80mm area, while the 760mm gets a 60mm clamp width.

With the V2 bar, not only is there a second size, but the brand has brought a slew of rises to the party, in keeping with current trends set by riders like Dak Norton. In both widths, the V2 Carbon bar can be picked up in 20 and 35mm rises, whereas the 50mm rise is only available on the 800mm bar. That particular bar is also one that finds the least improvement in compliance, though it’s still an improvement compared to the V1 bar, the brand says.

2025 oneup v2 bar hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The V2 Carbon Handlebar isn’t compatible with now rare grips that use single outer clamps and control bar ends, or bull horns… But who uses these nowadays anyway? Oh, it’s certified to Category-5 Gravity EFBE Tri-Test too, so it’s primed for burly DH riding too.

Finally, the bar is only available in black, but there is a range of coloured decal kits if you would like to spice up the look of the bar. As for weight, OneUp claims that the 800mm wide, 35mm rise bar I’ve got on test weighs 235g, whereas I’ve weighed it at 233g.

OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar – Performance

One thing’s for sure. OneUp hasn’t changed the important aspects of the bar from the previous version. Namely, that’s the geometry. The eight-degree backsweep and the five-degree upsweep are identical, and that’s no bad thing, as not only are those safe numbers that a lot of people should get on with, they result in a comfortable bar from a shape standpoint. I did move to a higher 35mm rise, just to appease my ever-changing personal preferences.

2025 oneup v2 bar top 2.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The collection of markings found on the V1 bar has been omitted this time around, so nailing the brake lever and shifter position the first time around may not be as easily achieved on the V2. I’m not too upset about this, though, as the important markings for handlebar roll and stem alignment remain, all while tidying up the bar’s overall aesthetic.

OneUp has made tweaks to the ovalisation and the carbon layup, and that’s where a real shift in the bar’s performance becomes clear. It’s a noticeably bendier bar in the vertical plane, but as before, it’s mighty stiff along the steering plane. The result is a bar that provides a direct steering feel but one that’s plenty compliant enough without having to move towards elastomers or any other crazy gubbins like that found on Fasst Company’s Flexx Handlebar.

2025 oneup v2 bar marking.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The bar’s greater ability to flex brings improvements to a bar that was already damn good. This time around, it’s more comfortable and much more capable as it smooths out low-level trail chatter, while absorbing any initial harshness of larger hits. Those who favour bike park riding and long descents will revel in the bar’s forgiving feel.

In the carpark, the level of bend in the bar is clear when bouncing on the bike, which may be a little disconcerting before heading to the trails, but when at trail speed, that hint of flex doesn’t feel weird at all, or affect riding negatively. In fact, it heightens the overall riding experience both by staving off arm pump deep into chattery runs, and boosting overall control over the bike.

Because of that, the V2 Carbon Handlebar ups confidence as it poses very little physical penalty when slamming into technical terrain. Sudden jolts from square-edged hits or repetitive roots are smoothed out, leaving the rider to simply get on with the job. Again, the bar is still stiff along the steering plane, so while rattling through chunky sections, keeping the front wheel tracking straight is just as easy as it is with a regular 35mm clamp bar.

2025 oneup v2 bar logo peel.jpg, by Liam Mercer

Although there is a much more pronounced level of flex in the bar, because it’s only along the vertical plane, I’ve found incredibly few downsides to running the bar – absolutely zero, in fact. It’s only a little weightier than the likes of Title’s similarly DH-rated Form Carbon 35.

My only niggle with the V2 bar is that the brand has resorted to utilising decals to add a dash of colour to the bar. While I’m sure it helps keep costs down and makes for easy colour swaps should you change bikes, the stickers are prone to peeling while washing. Thankfully, underneath the decals are embossed gloss logos, which look mighty clean by themselves.

OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar – Verdict

Vibration-damping handlebars are becoming a lot more common these days, and there is a range to pick from, but the OneUp V2 Carbon bar very much holds its own. But with so many now on the market, it’s not without competition. The hottest of which is Race Face’s ERA handlebar, which will set you back £140. Although it’s not quite as compliant, in my experience, there are a lot more sizes to choose from, with widths as there’s a 780mm width on offer. It also comes in a 55mm rise, which is taller than OneUp’s, and it doesn’t use decals for colour customisation.

Another key competitor, and fellow Pacific Northwest resident, is PNW Components’ Loam Handlebar. Again, it’s not quite as compliant, but it’s available in fewer sizes, with only an 800mm option. However, riders can choose from a 31.8mm clamp diameter and a 35mm clamp, so it’s not without its positives. However, that’s priced at £178 at the time of writing this review. With that, the V2 Carbon bar’s value is looking rather good, if you’re looking for a carbon handlebar with a focus on compliance.

With that price tag, the V2 Carbon Handlebar is still an investment, but if you’re looking to smooth out the front end of your bike, it’s a go-to. Thanks to the bar’s revised design, it’s a chunk-gobbling powerhouse that, capability fends off fatigue and boosts confidence, but without bringing a hint of negativity to the bike’s ride. Looking for compliance and a range of sizes? The OneUp Components V2 Carbon Handlebar is a no-brainer.

• oneupcomponents.com
• The reader’s guide to off.road.cc’s review scoring system

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