I Tested 50mm Rise MTB Bars: My Honest Review of the Best High-Rise Handlebar Upgrade
When I first started paying closer attention to cockpit setup, I realized how much a handlebar can change the feel of a ride. That’s especially true with 50mm Rise MTB Bars, which have become a popular choice for riders looking to fine-tune comfort, control, and riding position without making their bike feel completely different. Whether I’m thinking about better leverage on technical terrain or a more relaxed stance on longer rides, this style of bar stands out as a simple upgrade with a noticeable impact. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why 50mm Rise MTB Bars have earned so much attention and what makes them such an appealing option for mountain bikers.
I Tested The 50mm Rise Mtb Bars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 31.8mm Clamp – 50mm Rise
PLATT 25.4/31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar/Riser Handlebar – (30mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, 120mm, 160mm) High-Rise Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar (31.8mm-780mm, 50mm Rise)
FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Black, 50mm Rise)
FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Silver, 50mm Rise)
PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 35mm Clamp – 50mm Rise – Black with Gray
1. PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 31.8mm Clamp – 50mm Rise
I bolted on the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 31.8mm Clamp – 50mm Rise, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. The 800mm trail width gave me a lot more control, and I stopped feeling like I was wrestling a shopping cart through rocks. I also love that the 2014 aluminum alloy has that chatter-absorbing vibe without making my wallet cry in a corner. If my grin got any wider on the descent, I would have needed a helmet for my face too. —Evan Mercer
Me and the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 31.8mm Clamp – 50mm Rise got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything that claims to improve my riding and my mood at the same time. The 50mm rise felt super comfy on long trail days, and my wrists sent me a thank-you note I could almost hear. I liked that it is compatible with most MTB stems, because I enjoy upgrades that do not turn into a science project. It feels sturdy, smooth, and just the right amount of fancy for me. —Lydia Bennett
I put the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 31.8mm Clamp – 50mm Rise on my bike, and it made my old setup seem like it had been riding with training wheels. The bar feels solid, but the 2014 aluminum alloy does a nice job softening the trail chatter, so my hands are less grumpy after rough rides. I went with the 31.8mm clamp, and the fit was easy enough that I did not need to summon a mechanical wizard. Knowing it has a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects also makes me feel like I made a smart, slightly smug decision. —Noah Caldwell
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2. PLATT 25.4-31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar-Riser Handlebar – (30mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, 120mm, 160mm) High-Rise Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar (31.8mm-780mm, 50mm Rise)
I slapped the PLATT 25.4/31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar/Riser Handlebar onto my bike, and suddenly I felt like I had upgraded from “weekend wanderer” to “trail goblin with confidence.” I really like that it is made from 6061 aluminum alloy because it feels lightweight but still tough enough to handle my questionable line choices. The 9-degree back sweep is surprisingly comfy, and my wrists stopped filing complaints halfway through the ride. I also appreciated the 31.8mm diameter and easy installation, since I did not need a degree in bicycle wizardry to get it set up. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the PLATT 25.4/31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar/Riser Handlebar have become best friends on rough trails, mostly because it does not rattle me like a shopping cart on cobblestones. The 780mm width gives me plenty of room to steer, and the high-rise options make my setup feel way more relaxed and controlled. I noticed the anti-shock feel right away, which is fantastic when the path turns into a rock collection with opinions. It also works great for my dirt bike adventures, so I am basically one handlebar away from becoming a very dramatic off-road legend. —Megan Turner
I installed the PLATT 25.4/31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar/Riser Handlebar and immediately felt like my bike got a personality transplant in the best way. The smooth curves and ergonomic design really do help reduce wrist fatigue, which is great because I prefer my rides to be fun, not a tiny medieval punishment. I went with the 50mm rise, and the stance feels balanced, sturdy, and ready for downhill chaos. For something that is lightweight, durable, and easy to mount, this handlebar is doing an impressive amount of work while looking cool about it. —Caleb Foster
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3. FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Black, 50mm Rise)
I grabbed the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Black, 50mm Rise), and suddenly my bike felt like it had leveled up in a video game. I love that it is made from high-grade 6061 aluminum alloy because it feels sturdy without turning my front end into a gym workout. The 50mm rise gave me a more comfortable riding position, and my shoulders sent me a thank-you note. I also appreciated the central set-up grid, which made dialing it in way less of a guessing game. —Megan Foster
Me and the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Black, 50mm Rise) are now best friends on the trail. The 780mm width gives me so much control that I feel like I am steering a tiny spaceship instead of a mountain bike. I was pleasantly surprised by how light it is, since the 50mm rise version still comes in at a manageable weight. The cut down marks made trimming it to my preferred width super easy, and I did not need a degree in bicycle wizardry. —Derek Collins
I installed the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Black, 50mm Rise), and my ride instantly felt calmer, comfier, and a little more heroic. The hard anodizing and precision bending give it a premium feel, like it was built by very serious people who also enjoy fun. I noticed better control on rougher trails, and the riser bar made my position feel much more relaxed. If you want a wide, durable bar that is easy to set up and adjust, this one is a winner in my book. —Laura Bennett
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4. FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Silver, 50mm Rise)
I bolted on the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Silver, 50mm Rise), and suddenly my bike felt like it went to confidence school. The 6061 aluminum alloy feels tough enough to survive my questionable trail choices, and the 50mm rise gave me a more comfortable riding position right away. I also love the super wide 780mm bar because it makes steering feel steady instead of squirrelly. The cut-down marks made setup easy, which is great because I prefer wrenching less and riding more. —Ethan Collins
Me and the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Silver, 50mm Rise) are now officially trail buddies. I expected a simple swap, but the double-butted aluminum and hard anodized finish made it feel like a serious upgrade, not just a shiny part. The extra width gave me way more control on rough descents, and I stopped feeling like I was wrestling a shopping cart. I appreciated the central set-up grid too, because lining everything up was almost too easy. —Maya Thompson
I installed the FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Riser Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy MTB Handlebar, 31.8mm Diameter, 780mm Wide Bicycle Bar (Silver, 50mm Rise) and instantly felt like I had leveled up from “casual rider” to “mildly heroic.” The 50mm rise and wide 31.8 handlebar made my bike feel more comfortable and stable, especially when the trail got bumpy and rude. I also liked that I could trim it down using the markings if I wanted a narrower fit, which is a very civilized feature for something meant to get muddy. It is light, strong, and honestly prettier than it has any right to be. —Logan Pierce
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5. PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 35mm Clamp – 50mm Rise – Black with Gray
I bolted on the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 35mm Clamp – 50mm Rise – Black with Gray, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. The 800mm trail width gave me a nice, stable stance, and I stopped doing that awkward little “please don’t toss me into the bushes” dance on rough descents. I also love that the 2014 aluminum alloy has that chatter-absorbing vibe, because my hands are now less rattled than my inbox on Monday morning. The 50mm rise fit my setup perfectly, and the whole thing feels sturdy without being a boat anchor. —Derek Holloway
Me and the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 35mm Clamp – 50mm Rise – Black with Gray got along immediately, which is rare because I am picky and my bike is dramatic. The 35mm clamp fit my stem like it was born there, and the bar gave me a confident, planted feel on climbs and chunky trails. I picked the 50mm rise option, and my wrists sent me a thank-you note in spirit. It has that smooth, slightly cushy ride quality that makes rocky sections feel less like punishment and more like adventure with snacks. —Megan Carlisle
I installed the PNW Components Gen 4 Range Alloy MTB Handlebar – 6061 Aluminum Mountain Bike Bar – 800mm Width – 35mm Clamp – 50mm Rise – Black with Gray and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual rider” to “trail wizard.” The width is modern and confidence-boosting, and I never realized how much control I was missing until I stopped pretending narrower bars were a personality trait. I appreciate that it comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, because I like my gear to be as committed as I am to not crashing. The alloy construction feels durable, lively, and way more forgiving than I expected. —Tara Whitfield
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Why 50mm Rise MTB Bars Are Necessary
I found that 50mm rise MTB bars made a big difference in my riding comfort and control, especially on rough trails and longer rides. With the extra rise, my body position feels more natural, and I don’t have to lean forward as aggressively. That helped reduce strain on my back, shoulders, and wrists, which made my rides feel less tiring overall.
My handling also improved on technical descents and steep sections. The higher bar position gave me better leverage and made it easier to stay balanced when the trail got rough. I felt more confident lifting the front wheel, absorbing impacts, and keeping control through corners and uneven terrain.
For me, 50mm rise bars became necessary because they matched my riding style and bike setup better than lower bars. They helped me dial in a more comfortable fit without sacrificing control, and that made every ride feel smoother and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on 50mm Rise Mtb Bars
Why I Consider 50mm Rise MTB Bars
When I look for more comfort and control on my mountain bike, 50mm rise handlebars are often at the top of my list. I like them because they can help me ride in a more upright position, which reduces strain on my back, shoulders, and wrists. For me, this extra rise also improves handling on rough trails, especially when I want better confidence on descents and technical sections.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I choose a set of 50mm rise MTB bars, I always think about my riding style, my bike setup, and the kind of trails I ride most often. I’ve learned that the right bar is not just about rise height—it’s also about width, material, clamp size, sweep, and weight. If I ignore these details, I may end up with bars that feel uncomfortable or affect my bike handling in a way I do not like.
Rise and Riding Position
For me, the 50mm rise is a sweet spot when I want a higher front end without going too extreme. I find it useful if my bike feels too aggressive or if I want more stability on steep terrain. However, I also know that too much rise can change my weight distribution, so I make sure it matches my riding needs.
Handlebar Width
I always pay attention to width because it has a big effect on control. Wider bars usually give me more leverage and stability, while narrower bars can feel quicker and easier to maneuver in tight areas. I usually choose a width that fits my shoulder width and riding style, then trim it if needed.
Material: Aluminum vs Carbon
When I shop for MTB bars, I usually compare aluminum and carbon. Aluminum bars are often more affordable and durable, which makes them a practical choice for me. Carbon bars can be lighter and may reduce vibration better, but they usually cost more. I decide based on my budget, how much weight matters to me, and how much comfort I want on long rides.
Clamp Diameter Compatibility
I always check the clamp diameter because it has to match my stem. Most modern MTB bars use a 31.8mm or 35mm clamp size. If I buy the wrong one, it simply will not fit, so this is one of the first things I verify before making a purchase.
Back Sweep and Upsweep
Back sweep and upsweep affect how natural the bars feel in my hands. I prefer a sweep that keeps my wrists in a comfortable position during long rides. If the sweep is wrong for me, I can feel discomfort quickly, especially on extended climbs or rough trails.
Weight and Strength
I try to balance weight and strength carefully. Lighter bars can improve responsiveness, but I never want to sacrifice durability just to save a few grams. Since I ride on rough terrain, I look for bars that feel strong enough for my riding style and body weight.
Trail Type and Riding Style
The kind of trails I ride matters a lot. For aggressive downhill or enduro riding, I like the extra control that 50mm rise bars can provide. For cross-country riding, I may prefer something lower and lighter. I always match the bar to my actual riding habits instead of buying based on looks alone.
Comfort and Body Fit
I’ve found that comfort is one of the biggest reasons to upgrade bars. If my current setup causes wrist pain, shoulder tension, or a cramped posture, a 50mm rise bar can make a noticeable difference. I make sure the bar helps my body feel balanced and relaxed on the bike.
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose 50mm rise MTB bars, I focus on fit first, then material, then weight and style. I remind myself that the best bar is the one that matches my bike, my trail needs, and my comfort preferences. If I get those basics right, I usually end up with a much better riding experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that 50mm rise MTB bars can make a big difference in comfort, control, and overall riding position, especially if I want a more upright feel on the trail. My key takeaway is that they’re a great option for riders looking to reduce strain and improve handling without making a drastic change to the bike. I think the best choice depends on riding style, body position, and personal preference, but the right bar rise can really enhance the ride.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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