To rize or not to rize. The debate rages here, as it does elsewhere. One side says it seems to add complications to a handlebar that increase weight and design complexity while the other side says they fit better, and the hand position is more natural. We give rizers their due as they can be... read more

In the world of Ritchey, these are ape-hangers. The Ritchey WCS OS Carbon Rizer Bar gives a whopping 30mm rise from the stem to the hands. Since these are designed not for bikes ridden in straight lines on straight roads, but for mountain bikes being piloted up and down steep pitches,... read more

Ritchey has taken their WCS Flat Bar and done what any smart company does -- Develop a carbon version. Please welcome, the Ritchey WCS OS Carbon Flat Bar. Same shape. Same dimensions. This time in a strong, sexy carbon iteration.

Shiny bits are pretty, and the carbon weave... read more

The Ritchey WCS Flat Bar is the winningest handlebar in World Cup cross-country history. The OS version is a stiffer, stronger version of the 25.4mm diameter original. It is light, simple, strong. Best of all, it's barely heavier than its blingy carbon cousin at a fraction of the price. ... read more

Get high. That's the message sent with the laid-back Ritchey WCS OS Rizer. It has a generous rise for aluminum bars and sweeps back a good bit. The triple-butted aluminum Ritchey employs is about as light as aluminum can go while still being strong. And even with such thin tubing... read more

In high school, the pimply guys were drinking some "gainer fluid" which supposedly made them bigger and stronger. Bad complexion but they ended up on the football team. Today, when we bulk up for the more extreme rides, we don't add to our bodies, but to our bikes. Parts like the Syncros... read more

Bulk rhymes with Hulk. The Syncros Bulk Bar is best used when the Hulk is coming at you from below, pushing your suspension to the limit. The Bulk Bar pushes back. Particularly well-suited for extreme freeride or downhill.

The Syncros Bulk Bar is crafted from double-butted... read more

The lightest rise you'll get out of us. Many prefer the position that riser bars yield, and for these people, the Easton Monkeylite SL is a great bar. There's an ongoing debate as to whether riser bars as opposed to a slightly higher stem (either higher rise or a few extra spacers) make... read more

When we first grabbed the Easton EC90 Handlebar, itfelt like it was loaded with helium. It's that light. Luckily, as with everything Easton makes, it's also that strong thanks to Easton's CNT technology. We know people who say these bars are too narrow, but they're cross country... read more

Light and strong, the Easton Monkeylite XC adds strength while going on a diet. The stem and brake clamp areas are reinforced to add durability and idiot-proofing. You'll notice that the rises on Easton carbon bars aren't as dramatic as they are in Easton aluminum bars. This bar... read more