Sweep - there is too much focus on 8º sweep which is useful for correct arm position on a 2-3 minute downhill (or even 15-20 minute downhill), for most riders, contrasted with the having to contend with a poor hand/ wrist position for the 45-60 minutes of climbing that it takes to access said downhill trail.
9º is better (marginally)
10º yields a significant gain (PNW )
12º is even better (SQ-Lab)
SQ-Lab also do 16º if required (good for touring and 'flatter' XC type trails)
The other issue for most riders is the industry obsession with 35 mm bar/ stem interface. Most companies execute their 35 mm bar badly (for the consumer - not the pro racer) in that the bar is too stiff and does not dampen trail vibration enough.
The last thing a rider on an XS 140 mm travel bike needs is 800 mm wide 35 mm handle bar but that is what is "cool" so that is what is being specced. The worst thing is that the shops that should know better are not providing a fit service to, at least, cut the bars to a sensible width and they really should be telling the manufacturers to spec a more sensible bar/ stem combo in the first place.
99% of non pros ie nearly everyone would be far happier on a well executed 31.8 mm bar.
That said, other than the issue of sweep, OneUp and We Are One's execution of the 35 mm handle bar is excellent.
Sept. 25, 2022, 7:25 a.m. - AndrewR
Sweep - there is too much focus on 8º sweep which is useful for correct arm position on a 2-3 minute downhill (or even 15-20 minute downhill), for most riders, contrasted with the having to contend with a poor hand/ wrist position for the 45-60 minutes of climbing that it takes to access said downhill trail. 9º is better (marginally) 10º yields a significant gain (PNW ) 12º is even better (SQ-Lab) SQ-Lab also do 16º if required (good for touring and 'flatter' XC type trails) The other issue for most riders is the industry obsession with 35 mm bar/ stem interface. Most companies execute their 35 mm bar badly (for the consumer - not the pro racer) in that the bar is too stiff and does not dampen trail vibration enough. The last thing a rider on an XS 140 mm travel bike needs is 800 mm wide 35 mm handle bar but that is what is "cool" so that is what is being specced. The worst thing is that the shops that should know better are not providing a fit service to, at least, cut the bars to a sensible width and they really should be telling the manufacturers to spec a more sensible bar/ stem combo in the first place. 99% of non pros ie nearly everyone would be far happier on a well executed 31.8 mm bar. That said, other than the issue of sweep, OneUp and We Are One's execution of the 35 mm handle bar is excellent.