By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.8PM Score
Products Evaluated
6
Reviews Analyzed
1,416
Brands Ranked
1
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When it comes to cockpit precision, few brands command as much respect in the mountain biking community as Race Face. Known for their rugged durability and high-performance engineering, Race Face handlebars are a cornerstone for riders looking to fine-tune their control, comfort, and vibration damping. Whether you are navigating technical singletrack, jumping massive gaps, or grinding out long enduro descents, your handlebars are your primary interface with the trail. Choosing the right set isn't just about aesthetics. It is about matching the material properties and geometry to your specific riding style and physical requirements.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Raceface Handlebars
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
You might wonder if swapping out your stock bars for a specialized component actually changes your ride, but the RaceFace Atlas proves that cockpit geometry is everything. After testing this stealth-finished bar, the most noticeable shift is how the ultra-low, ultra-wide riser geometry fundamentally alters your stance. By lowering the front end relative to the axle, it gives you a much more aggressive, controlled feel on technical descents. The build quality is clearly top-tier, utilizing cold-drawn, seamless Air Alloy and an internal taper that boosts durability without the penalty of extra weight. At 785mm wide, it offers the leverage you need to muscle through rough terrain, making it a reliable upgrade for anyone looking to refine their bike's handling.
Aggressive trail riders who feel stuck in a too-high cockpit need to swap their current bars for the RaceFace Atlas immediately. This 785-mm wide riser utilizes a specific ultra-low geometry that effectively drops your front end, lowering the crown-to-axle height for much better control on steep descents. I was particularly impressed by the construction. The seamless Air Alloy material is cold drawn, and that internal taper is a clever engineering touch that boosts durability without making the bar feel heavy or cumbersome. It hits that sweet spot of being rugged enough for technical terrain while maintaining a responsive, lightweight feel that won't bog you down during climbs.
Aggressive trail riders demanding a more aggressive cockpit geometry need the RaceFace Atlas handlebar to truly master steep technical descents. This bar isn't just about the striking blue finish. It's about the clever ultra-low, ultra-wide riser design that effectively drops your front end to keep your weight centered. By utilizing cold-drawn, seamless Air Alloy and an internal taper, RaceFace has managed to bake incredible strength and durability directly into the structure without bloating the weight. At just 340g, it feels remarkably nimble while providing the stability required for high-speed maneuvers. It is a specialized piece of kit that prioritizes a lower crown-to-axle height, making it a perfect upgrade for anyone looking to optimize their control on the mountain.
XC and trail riders demanding a vibration-dampening cockpit should stop looking elsewhere. The RaceFace Next handlebar is a masterclass in using UD Carbon to solve the fatigue issues common during long, technical descents. I found that the carbon-optimized flex provides a noticeable improvement in small bump compliance, soaking up chatter that usually rattles your wrists raw. The matte clear coat finish gives it a stealthy, high-end aesthetic that looks just as aggressive as it performs. At a 760mm width with a 35mm clamp diameter, it offers a robust, modern control feel that balances stiffness with just enough compliance to keep you comfortable on the rough stuff.
What We Like
UD Carbon construction
Small bump compliance
Matte clear coat
XC/Trail optimized
Stealth finish
#5
Race Face SIXC DH Handlebar Blue, 31.8, 785mm
Race Face SIXC DH Blue Handlebar
RACEFACE
HB12SXCL3/431.8W3005_BLEU_31,8 X 785 MM
32.00 X 6.00 X 2.00 Inches
0.49 Pounds
The Race Face SIXC DH Handlebar delivers unapologetic strength through its robust downhill-focused design. This isn't some flimsy component meant for casual paths. It is a dedicated piece of hardware built to handle the aggressive demands of gravity riding. The blue finish adds a striking aesthetic pop to your cockpit, making it as much a style statement as it is a functional upgrade. Whether you prefer a flat profile or a slight riser, the geometry here provides the stability you need when the terrain gets technical. It feels incredibly solid in the hands, giving you the confidence to charge through rock gardens and steep descents without worrying about flex or failure.
What We Like
Downhill optimized
Striking blue finish
Versatile geometry
Robust construction
#6
Rf Hb16Ae1035X760Blk Aeffect Riser 35 X 760 Handle Bar - Black, 10 Mm
RACEFACE
HB16AE1035X760BLK
30.25 X 5.75 X 1.00 Inches
0.75 Pounds
A Guide to Selecting the Best Race Face Handlebars
Understanding Material Composition: Aluminum vs. Carbon
The most fundamental decision you will make is choosing between aluminum and carbon fiber. Race Face excels in both, but they serve very different purposes. Aluminum bars, typically crafted from high-grade alloys, are the workhorses of the industry. They are incredibly resilient to impact and are generally more cost-effective. If you are a heavy-hitting rider who frequently crashes or rides in high-impact environments like bike parks, aluminum offers a level of 'forgiveness'—it may dent or bend, but it rarely snaps unexpectedly.
Carbon fiber handlebars, on the other hand, are engineered for weight savings and superior vibration damping. Carbon's natural ability to absorb high-frequency chatter means your hands and wrists will fatigue less on long rides. While they require more care to avoid crushing in a stem clamp, the stiffness-to-weight ratio of high-end carbon bars allows for more precise steering input and a much more 'planted' feel in technical terrain.
Geometry: Rise, Sweep, and Backsweep
The geometry of your bars dictates your ergonomic setup. Rise refers to how much the bar lifts above the clamp area. A low rise (0mm to 15mm) is preferred by racers looking for a more aggressive, forward-leaning position, which aids in weight distribution for steep climbs. A higher rise (25mm to 35mm+) is ideal for enduro or downhill riders who want a more upright, commanding stance to help absorb impacts and maintain control on steep descents.
Sweep and Backsweep are equally critical for comfort. Backsweep is the angle at which the bars angle toward the rider. Most modern mountain bike setups utilize a moderate backsweep (typically between 7 and 12 degrees) to allow for a natural wrist angle. If your bars have too little sweep, you may experience numbness or wrist strain. Similarly, the width of the bar should be matched to your shoulder width and the type of riding you do. Wider bars offer more leverage in technical sections but can feel cumbersome on tight, twisty trails.
Clamp Diameter and Compatibility
Before finalizing your purchase, you must verify your stem compatibility. Most modern high-performance bars utilize a 31.8mm clamp diameter, which is the industry standard. However, some older setups or specific gravity-oriented builds may use 35mm diameters. A 35mm bar provides increased stiffness and reduces the chance of the bar twisting under extreme torque, but it requires a matching 35mm stem. Always ensure your cockpit components are synchronized to avoid safety issues.
Recommendation Logic: Which Should You Choose?
To make the final call, evaluate your riding discipline. For the Cross-Country (XC) enthusiast, look for a lightweight carbon bar with low rise and moderate width to prioritize climbing efficiency and agility. For the Enduro and Trail rider, a mid-rise aluminum bar offers the perfect balance of durability and control for all-day riding. Finally, for the Downhill or Freeride specialist, prioritize maximum stiffness and impact resistance—either through heavy-duty aluminum or high-modulus carbon with a significant rise to manage the intense forces of gravity-fed riding.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Raceface Handlebars before you buy.
Race Face typically offers aluminum models for durability and cost-effectiveness, and carbon fiber models for superior vibration damping and weight savings.
Higher rise bars (30mm+) are better for downhill and enduro riding to provide a more upright position, while lower rise bars (10-20mm) are ideal for XC racing where agility and a forward-leaning stance are key.
Most modern mountain bike handlebars use a 31.8mm clamp diameter, though some older or specific models use 35mm. Ensure your stem matches your handlebar diameter to prevent damage or failure.
Riser bars are the standard for mountain biking as they offer better control and comfort through varied terrain, whereas flat bars are generally reserved for BMX or specific street riding styles.
Width depends on your skill level and discipline. Wider bars (780mm-800mm) offer more leverage and stability in technical terrain, while narrower bars (740mm-760mm) allow for quicker maneuvering in tight trails.
Yes, carbon bars should always be installed using a torque wrench to the manufacturer's specified Newton-meter (Nm) rating to prevent crushing the composite fibers.
Sweep refers to the backward angle of the bar towards the rider. A bit of sweep helps ergonomics and wrist comfort, making it essential for long rides.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Raceface Handlebars
1,416Reviews Analyzed
6Products Evaluated
7.7Avg PM Score
1Brands Ranked
Top 10 Raceface Handlebars Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.
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Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 6 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
RaceFace Atlas Mountain Bike Handlebar
RaceFace Atlas Mountain Bike Handlebar
RaceFace Atlas Mountain Bike Handlebar in Blue
RaceFace Next Carbon Riser Handlebar
Race Face SIXC DH Blue Handlebar
RF HB16AE1035X760BLK Aeffect Riser 35 x 760 Handle Bar - Bla