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#BikeYokeBarmate #MTBHandlebars #CarbonBars #MountainBiking #RideComfort #TrailReady #GravityMTB #BikeTech #HandlebarsInnovation #35mmBars #EnduroRide #BikeYokeCarbon #MTBGear #BikeGeek #RideSmarter
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BikeYoke, renowned for its dropper posts, has ventured into the MTB cockpit market with the long-anticipated Barmate Carbon handlebars, designed to bring a new level of comfort and performance to 35mm bars. These handlebars feature a unique design that combines vertical flex for reduced rider fatigue with the stiffness needed for precise handling. Additionally, BikeYoke offers a more budget-friendly Barmate Aluminum version for riders seeking durability and affordability. Both handlebars reflect BikeYoke’s meticulous attention to detail, including a new approach to describing MTB bar dimensions to help riders achieve a more precise cockpit setup.
BikeYoke Barmate Carbon Handlebars
The Barmate Carbon handlebars are the result of years of development, with BikeYoke aiming to create the most compliant and comfortable 35mm carbon handlebar on the market. The bars feature a unique design where the 35mm clamp area tapers into a flattened section at the edges of the rise. This design allows the bar to remain laterally and torsionally stiff for precise handling while enabling vertical flex to dampen trail chatter and vibrations. This flex reduces rider fatigue and arm pump, making it ideal for long, demanding descents.
BikeYoke has optimized the carbon layup and incorporated titanium reinforcement at the stem and control areas to distribute clamping pressure and prevent carbon damage. The bars have undergone rigorous testing, earning the highest EFBE Tri-Test MTB-Gravity Cat 5 certification, ensuring they meet the demands of gravity riders without any weight limits.
Key Features of the Barmate Carbon:
- 35mm clamp carbon MTB handlebar
- 6° upsweep & 9° backsweep
- 800mm width, cuttable to 760mm
- Titanium mesh reinforcement for durability
- Max 65mm stem clamping width
- Max 6Nm stem clamping torque, 3Nm for controls
- EFBE Tri-Test MTB-Gravity Cat 5 certified
- 50mm & 65mm Stack sizes (comparable to ~20mm & 35mm rise)
- -35mm Bar Reach
- Claimed weight: 260g (50mm) & 265g (65mm)
- Raw carbon with matte clearcoat
Rethinking MTB Bar Dimensions: Stack & Reach
BikeYoke introduces a more logical way to describe handlebar dimensions, moving away from the traditional Rise measurement. Rise only indicates the height of the bar’s taper but doesn’t account for variations in taper length, upsweep, or backsweep, which can alter hand position. BikeYoke proposes using Stack and Reach metrics, similar to frame sizing, to provide a more accurate and consistent way to describe handlebar geometry. This approach allows riders to combine bar dimensions with stem and frame measurements to predict their cockpit setup more precisely.
BikeYoke Barmate Aluminum Handlebars
For riders seeking a durable and affordable option, the Barmate Aluminum handlebars are made from custom heat-treated 7050 alloy. These bars are designed to be tough, lightweight, and compatible with modern 35mm clamp stems. They are available in two finishes: classic all-black and a unique two-tone silver-and-black design, achieved through a meticulous brushing, anodizing, and laser etching process.
Key Features of the Barmate Aluminum:
- 35mm clamp, 7050 aluminum MTB handlebar
- 6° upsweep & 9° backsweep
- 800mm width, cuttable to 750mm
- Max 85mm stem clamping width for wide Direct Mount stems
- Max 6Nm stem clamping torque, 4Nm for controls
- EFBE Tri-Test MTB-Gravity Cat 5 certified
- 50mm & 65mm Stack sizes (comparable to ~20mm & 35mm rise)
- -35mm Bar Reach
- Claimed weight: 325g for both 50mm and 65mm sizes
- Available in all-black or two-tone silver/black finishes
Riding the Barmate Carbon
The reviewer has been riding the Barmate Carbon 50mm bar on an all-mountain bike since late 2024. The bar’s vertical flex effectively reduces trail chatter and vibrations, improving comfort on technical and demanding trails. Despite its flex, the bar maintains precise control and stability, making it ideal for steep, rocky, and rooty terrain. The reviewer notes that this is the first 35mm bar they’ve ridden that strikes the perfect balance between stiffness for control and compliance for comfort. It has become their benchmark for MTB handlebars, much like BikeYoke’s Revive dropper post is the standard for droppers.
Conclusion
The BikeYoke Barmate Carbon handlebars represent a significant advancement in MTB cockpit design, offering a rare blend of compliance and control in a 35mm bar. The Barmate Aluminum version provides a durable and affordable alternative for riders on a budget. Both handlebars reflect BikeYoke’s commitment to innovation, quality, and rider-centric design.
The new Stack & Reach approach to describing handlebar dimensions also offers a more precise way for riders to set up their cockpits, ensuring a better fit and improved riding experience. Whether you’re a gravity rider seeking comfort on long descents or a trail rider looking for a reliable and stylish handlebar, BikeYoke’s Barmate lineup delivers.
Pricing & Availability
- Barmate Carbon: $270 / 270€
- Barmate Aluminum (two-tone): $99 / 99€
- Barmate Aluminum (all-black): $89 / 89€
All Barmate handlebars are available directly from BikeYoke in 50mm and 65mm Stack sizes and are compatible with 35mm stem clamps. For more details, visit BikeYoke.com.
