The benchmark in Alloy Handlebar Performance with fresh limited looks
OSX LTD
Why we made this
Zedler Institut, Germany
Zedler is known within the cycling industry as the foremost test institute for bicycle frames and components. Based in Germany, they have been making test equipment and conducting third party testing for 30 years. In the cycling industry, the most common testing standard for bicycles and components, the EN/ISO Standard, is decades old and not really relatable to the kind of loads that modern components see. For this reason, Zedler have created test standards that test up to the EN/ISO standard and then far beyond this, to simulate the most extreme scenarios that today’s components will see in use.
Testing
Part of the latest evolution of our handlebars was to ensure that all of the design improvements we’ve made translated in to real-world, measurable increases in performance. Part of this was to build our own test lab and equipment, where we can test prototype and also production batches of handlebars for safety and performance. We also sent our new carbon bars to Zedler to test them to their high industry standard, which allows us to benchmark them against other products available on the market.
The tests in question relate to the fatigue life of the bar, and are designed to simulate the loads that the handlebar will see over its entire service life. These include a precisely designed and controlled sequence of loads on the handlebar in all directions, and also a ‘Push-Pull Test’ which as the name suggests, pushes and pulls on the bars with a high force, in the middle of the test. In the real world, this could relate to landing a large drop to flat after already riding the bar for a few years.
Both the Cutlass and BZA passed the highest test standard available from Zedler, the ‘Advanced Plus’ test. Both handlebars were intact at the end of these tests, and we stopped ‘End of Life’ testing when it became clear that it may take many more rounds of testing to see a failures from the bars.
Worldwide shipping
We ship anywhere in the world with competitive rates from UPS and FedEx. Alternatively you can pickup right here at Chromag HQ.
Warranty
All of our components are backed by our 2 year warranty.
After that, we still have your back with our crash replacement program.
key features
More than meets the eye, our bars are a carefully tuned piece of kit.
We use aerospace grade aluminum to achieve our signature feel of strength and toughness, with added resistance to stress and corrosion.
The Vanguard (kids) is built from 6061 heat treated alloy.
Tested in the lab, proven at Rampage.
Our HTX technology provides uniform, quality heat treatment on every single bar, significantly increasing the strength and reducing disparities.
Our variable butted wall thickness optimises strength in areas where needed, while maintaining flex for a great overall feel and optimised weight.
Bar FAQ's
Nowadays there are really only two bar clamp diameters, 31.8mm and 35mm. You should check your stem to see what you currently have.
If you are buying a new stem, be sure to match up the clamp size.
For most users, our alloy bars should last as long as your bike in normal riding circumstances.
*While the fatigue rate on our bars is very high, if you are an extreme user, like a competitive racer/trainer, or you do an extremely high volume of riding via lift access, then we advise you to replace your bar every 2 years.
If you have a major crash, we recommend replacing your bars. You should frequently inspect your bars for bends or signs of damage.
You absolutely can (and likely should) cut your bars down! They will still be covered under our warranty and crash replacement programs.
Remember to cut them down evenly on both sides. A cutting guide tool is recommended.
Do not cut more off your bars than is indicated by the printed cutting lines. Refer to our handlebar setup guidelines here.
This is the source of great debate. We can't really offer an exact rule other than to try and test what others have, and don't be hasty to cut too much off.
Note that if you cut too much off, it could limit space and clearance for your controls and grips.
In short, start small!
Technically our carbon bars produce stronger test results, however they are more likely to pickup damage in a crash and even a deep scratch could warrant replacement.
If you are the sort of person who doesn't like inspecting their bike after a crash and changing out parts as a precautionary measure, we recommend going with alloy.
For more info about Carbon vs Alloy, see our article here.
You can read the full user guide here, but mainly make sure the clamping surfaces are clean, the stem faceplate is installed evenly (top to bottom), and always follow the torque specifications for the stem, grips and controls.
As a general rule, you should be able to move your controls by hand, after tightening.
Nice bars with good sweep and simpler styling that matches many different bikes.
The grip angles are great on these bars and the finishes are elegant. I bought the silver finish to go with my silver Riza stem on my black Rootdown and it just looks amazing. I’m several rides in now and I’m really enjoying how these bars feel.
I had a set of OSX 35 (25mm rise) on my transition sentinel v2 and they were flawless, stiff and compliant.. Since I built up my Reazon I needed a little bit more rise so swapped them out for the 35mm rise, the extra 10mm has nailed the geometry for me.
A handlebar that creates the best connection between the rider and the bike thanks to its ergonomics
great quality and amazingly fast shipping 6 days to arrive in the uk
Absolutely perfect,
Nice design & credibility
I like that its awesome
Heck yeah Haki!
Your components are very credible and have fantastic design.
Thank you
Solid, light, comfortable and stylish. Work well on my Sklar, paired with a Ranger V2 stem. Thanks
Love em all couldnt ask for more. However I was surprised that I managed to bend the fu 40s and the director stem in what I thought was a slow crash. Other than that most of your parts have actually outlasted multiple bike frames. The daggas are on their second rebuild.
Not bothered about the bent parts at all just figured you may want to know.
Thanks for being cool and local. Please release the DH bike soon I need it!
These bars just feel like home.
I mostly went with these to get the color setup I was looking for on my bike, they are super nice though. The color is bright and looks great, they bars feel great when riding and seem plenty durable. My only "gripe" would be that I have gotten pretty used to 80mm rise bars on a different DJ bike ive got and wish these came in an 80mm rise. The rise I went with works just fine on the Signature they went on though!
Purchased new bars at the Chromag shop
Had awesome help picking the correct bars
The bars are very comfortable on my Giant Reign
Great bars, super durable and amazing look.
needed a higher rise option and the OSX was perfect for my 35mm stem
They look sweet and feel great to ride with
These handlebars are very firmly and at the same time they dampen vibrations well.
Silver is very nice variant.
Perfect
OSX best bar of all time. On all my bikes since 2009
So clean, best price for these type of bars!
While I love the bling of a carbon bar, the OSX are my go to for bike park and bikes with a stiffer chassis. The bend is perfect, the vibration damping is on point, and they look incredible.
OSX Special Edition
Not sure why it’s taken so long but damn. I like this bar more than OneUP aluminum and carbon for its rigidity and compliance. Its looks are bar none. Feel privileged to have snagged one on sale.
I've been riding the Cutlass 31.8 in a 35mm rise for a few seasons now but wanted to go with more rise. The 45mm OSX in the Silver is stunning, feels good on the trail and has me in a more upright position that I was seeking.
Great bars!
Arrived super quick and perfect for my needs 💪
Pretty nice way to save some cash
I just keep buying these. Replace my old ones with new ones! They work for me.
As with all Chromag parts they are top quality and these bars are flashy as.
I run mine uncut and love it
I love these bars and put them on every new bike I get. The sweep on them is perfect and the bike always feels better once I get my Chromag bars on.
Best bars out there, I’ll die on that hill
