The benchmark in Alloy Handlebar Performance
OSX
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 parts are backed by a 1 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.
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.
There is no real lifespan to our alloy bars, however if you've had a big crash it's probably a good idea to change your bar.
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.
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.
In short, start small!
Technically our carbon bars produce stronger test results, however they are more likely to pickup damage in a crash.
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.
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.
Customer Reviews
I like that its awesome
Heck yeah Haki!
Like all their gear Chromag never disappoints. Love my OSX bars.
Favorite model of bar!!
Beautiful and classy bar
I rode my first set of purple OSX bars in 2013 and absolutely loved them. Fast forward 10 years and after trying several other cockpit setups I always come back to Chromag. OSX bars are strong, reliable, and light and Chromag always kills it with their beautiful finish and graphics, making any bike look baller. I strongly recommend these bars for DJ, DH, trail riding, or anything in between!
Fantastic bars - I have been using these bars on a number of different DH and enduro bikes and they have always been top notch and I've never had a single issue with them. Would highly recommend these bars and the brand as a whole.
My first ever Chromag product was a black chrome OSX and it just felt right from the first minute. Several colours and bikes later it's still my go-to bar. The only thing left to desire is the resurrection of the black chrome colourway, I loved that first one so much I've hanged it on the wall.
I've been running these bars for 5 years now. I've tried a few other well-reviewed brands over that time as well, but they have only ever stayed on my bike for a couple of rides before I swap back to the Chromags.
The geometry of the bars works well for me, they have enough flex to not destroy my arms, and the finish holds up well.
All-in-all good bars that, to me, are worth the small premium over some of their competitors.
