On-One Mary Handlebar

4.7/5

(27 Reviews)

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MSRP : $48.00

Product Description

Meet Mary... Our classic alt-bar. We like to think of it as an extreme sweep riser bar. It's a bit odd, but makes a lot of sense once you give it a go.

37mm rise (measured center to center)

645mm width

22.2mm outside diameter (MTB levers fit fine)

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Reviews 1 - 15 (27 Reviews Total)

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Submitted by DaveS29er a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: May 28, 2012

Strengths:    I used to be a biker. Then, I was into running for about 20-25 years. When I got back into biking, I found I had a lot of wrist pain and hand numbness that didn't used to bother me. I put this On-One Mary bar on a hybrid bike I use for bike paths and graded dirt roads (700C x 32 tires). This bar, plus raising the stem several inches to reduce the pressure on my hands, has been a big help. The wrist pain is my less. I still get hand numbness on rides of several hours, but that is anatomy and age, not the bar's fault. This bar was not available from any distributor in the US when I was looking for one in 2011, but I found one at my favorite bike store--eBay. I went with a Hitec J-bar on my single speed mountain bike. I like the J-bar more, but it requires a stem with a 4-bolt face plate.

Weaknesses:    I have a 15-20 year old Girvin Flexstem on this old hybrid. It was difficult to get the wide clamp around the bend in the handlebar. My stem clamp is 35mm wide (NOT the clamp diameter, which is 25.4mm on my bike). If your stem is 2 or 3 mm narrower, you will have no difficulty. Do pay attention to clamp diameter. I read on the Internet that this handlebar is available in both 31.8mm and 25.4mm. On my road bike, my hands and wrists still feel most comfortable riding the hoods on dropbars.

Bottom Line:

A very comfortable bar which helps with wrist and hand problems that occur with straight bars. My choice for a mountain bike or hybrid when your stem does not have a 4-bolt face plate.

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Purchased At: eBay

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Submitted by barnbig a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: May 18, 2012

Strengths:    Comfy backsweep
Stiffness
Cool factor of not running conventional straight or risers for my 29er hardtail
No more sore wrists, numb hands

Weaknesses:    None.

Bottom Line:

I have been using this with gt karakoram hardtail. This is really a great bar, have also the 720mm fleegle for my rip9. I use this bar primarily for my 29er commuter hardtail, but once i tried it on the trails, will never go back to straight or risers again. Control was amazing on rocky, loose, any trails. Planning on replacing my fleegle with another mary for my rip9. If there was carnegies here in the philippines will use it for my rip9. Wish it was a bit wider around 720mm, then it is perfect.

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Favorite Trail:   timberland, la mesa watershed

Similar Products Used:   Fleegle, da bomb apache

Bike Setup:   Gt karakoram frame, 2012 deore groupset, converted to 2x10 with bbg bashguard, hope pro2 evo hubs, velocity p35 rims, panaracer CG 29x2.25 tires. Niner rip 9, slx groupset, converted to 1x10 with bbg bashwich, same wheelsets and tires, fleegle bar

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Submitted by dgw2jr

Date Reviewed: April 10, 2012

Strengths:    Exceptional control over rocks and roots, track stands are easier, and the front end is more stable during climbs

Weaknesses:    Might not be wide enough for some people

Bottom Line:

I am using the Polished Black 31.8 clamp Mary bar, mounted on my 2011 Salsa Mukluk with a 110mm 6 degree stem.

I have tried several types of bars, flat and riser and some alt-bars with anywhere between 11 and 23 degrees back sweep. I keep coming back to the Mary bar. I feel like I'm riding slower with the Mary but the GPS and my wrists don't lie. I am at least half a mile an hour faster when riding with the Mary bar. Midwest single track is all about weaving in and out of trees and bounding over roots, and the Mary is narrow enough to fit between the trees while giving the leverage required to keep the front wheel under control when riding over large roots, rocks, and logs. Other bars require that I shed a lot of speed when negotiating tight single track or risk bashing my knuckles. I do have to use a stem that is about 20mm longer in order to fit comfortably but it's worth it. I can ride considerably farther with this bar since I no longer experience wrist or elbow pain. It's even comfy enough for long boring bike path/road rides.

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Submitted by rockcrusher a Weekend Warrior from Tucson, AZ, USA

Date Reviewed: May 13, 2011

Strengths:    This is my rigid bike enabler. With out these bars I have pain in my hands, calluses and the like. With them I can ride for hours and hours on rocky technical terrain without a worry, pain or calluses building.

Weaknesses:    They are weird looking and there is barely enough room for a full size lock on grip, brake and shifter.

Bottom Line:

If you find that you have hand pain I suggest going right to these and bypassing the mid range bend bars (fleegle, salsa etc). They will take some getting used to but I use them on everything, including very technical rocky descents and ascents.

They in no way hinder my ability to descend technically or ascend technically.

If i had a full suspension bike I would use these or ragley carnegies in a heart beat. They just really work for me and my hands.

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Favorite Trail:   Rocky ones

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $50.00

Purchased At:   Pricepoint

Similar Products Used:   On-One Fleegle

Bike Setup:   Salsa El Mariachi Rigid.

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Submitted by UberClyde a Cross Country Rider from Silver Spring, MD

Date Reviewed: October 14, 2010

Strengths:    Comfort, leverage, finish

Weaknesses:    Perhaps 3-5 degrees more sweep than ideal, at least for me

Bottom Line:

I originally bought these for a commuter, and then decided to try them on a 29er project build. They have been there ever since. I have raced this setup three times, and put many many hours on these bars. I can never use straight bars again. Ideally, a tiny bit less sweep would be perfect for me, but I have no hand numbness or wrist soreness even after 4 hours. More telling, I don't get the pumped up forearm problem on long technical downhill sections. The only problem with the version I purchased is that there is basically no section of this bar that is perpendicular to the direction of travel, making it awkward to mount a computer or a light, let alone both. The bars were a bit expensive when they first came out, but I see that you can get these for considerably less now.

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Favorite Trail:   Bushy Aeta Bonecrusher

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $60.00

Similar Products Used:   Nothing like it

Bike Setup:   Felt Nine Pro, XT trigger shifters, Avid BB7, Thomson, etc.

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Submitted by jeffreyjhsu a Cross Country Rider from Boston, MA

Date Reviewed: March 21, 2010

Strengths:    They put my hands into a much more comfortable position.

Weaknesses:    For some people they might be too narrow or too wide. Unlike traditional bars, you can't cut them down to make them narrower.

285 grams.

Bottom Line:

I can ride for a much longer time without getting tired or numb hands with these bars.

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Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $49.00

Purchased At:   Bike Barn, Whitman,

Similar Products Used:   Nothing like these bars anywhere.

Bike Setup:   2010 Specialized StumpJumper 29r.

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Submitted by Dr. D a Cross Country Rider from Chicago/San Antonio

Date Reviewed: February 14, 2010

Strengths:    Comfort, control & multiple hand positions.

Weaknesses:    Heavy I guess, there are much lighter options for sure. Because of the sweep of the bars, depending on what brake levers you have, and the placement, the cable/hose is sticking out is waiting to get damaged in a crash. This is honestly can be a big issue. I have broken a few Avid SD7 levers. Then again I crash often and very hard. This is also an issue that I will happily live with in exchange for the comfort the bars bring to my life. NO MORE NUMB HANDS!

Bottom Line:

This is my second review of the Marys. I have used these bars for a couple years now and have to say it's the best money I have spent. Comfortable, especially if you ride for hours. If you get numb hands during your rides, this is the answer, period.

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Favorite Trail:   OP Schnabel

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $55.00

Purchased At:   Price Point

Similar Products Used:   All the other regular bars, nothing with this much sweep.

Bike Setup:   Formerly on a C'dale F600 commuter. Now on a C'dale Prophet FS that bombs the woods and deserts.

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Submitted by cakake a Cross Country Rider from Ft Collins, CO, USA

Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009

Weaknesses: Awkward position, pushes elbows in

Bottom Line:

Some people love 'em, I didn't. Too much sweep/angle, either puts my elbows into my ribs, or makes me kink my wrists, or not grab the bar with my whole hand. Handlebars are a personal thing, but I found these very uncomfortable.

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Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Similar Products Used:   Bunch of low riser bars

Bike Setup:   Haro Mary SS

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Submitted by Jekyll Rider NO.1 a Racer from Cheltenham, England

Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009

Strengths:    Very comfortable

Weaknesses:    None noticeable yet

Bottom Line:

I am a road rider and never venture off the tarmac so this review is aimed at riders like myself.

I was tired and frustrated with the general discomfort of straight bars with a slight rise. My elbows always seemed to be forced outward causing endless re-adjusting in the saddle.I had been saying to a friend for an age that this kind of standard handlebar just does not seem right and being an ex motorcyclist I noticed most of their bars sweep back and slightly down. So after 7 years(!) I started researching alternatives. Reviews of the Mary bars were almost all positive so I took a chance and bought a set.

With only a couple of weeks of use I can safely say these bars are worth the money and worth a try.

The comfort they bring is unbelieveable, I now realise how out of control the straight bars felt especially when braking very hard from high speed. Now I feel balanced and relaxed when the front end dives. Being a wheelie nut I wondered how the change would effect the fun ? Of course it feels slightly odd at first but once again a more relaxed and balanced feel has been gained. Cornering at speed with the bike leant over has been the most noticeable change of feeling, though not a problem just a case of getting use to the new sensation. I added a Renthal bar brace which dilutes the 'cruiser' look and useful for attaching lights. The XT shifters fit ok, felt odd for a moment but work fine. Being a sucker for bikes and their accessories looking good and not awkward the hardest thing to get use too with the Mary bar is the 'bat wing' look especially on a mountain/hybrid bike. Take time setting them at the correct angle for maximum comfort and you wont be disappointed. I hope this lengthy review helps. 46

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Favorite Trail:   The street

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Purchased At:   On-One online

Bike Setup:   2002 Cannondale 800, Lefty Speed 2, Fox RL, Kappa Xentis carbon fibre wheels, Hope Mini brakes,XT drive train, Easton EC70 carbon seatpost, 2.5 Maxxis Hookworm tyres, Topeak Panoram V12 computer, On-One Mary bars with Renthal bar brace.

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Submitted by t0mislav a Cross Country Rider from Ft. Collins, Colorado

Date Reviewed: January 17, 2009

Strengths:    Ergonomic, boosts performance, seems strong enough

Weaknesses:    Heavyish, looks "different", lengthens all your cable and hose runs

Bottom Line:

These really are great bars, don't be afraid of trying them on a FS 26er. There is a small learning curve but it's just reprogramming your reactions. Wheelies and off-cambers required a bit more thought until they got familiar.
If you have arms, these put them in a better position. It's more relaxed- I think I can breathe easier, and with these your forearms don't do the pulling on climbs, your biceps and upper arms do. No hand numbness anymore either. I recommend these 100%, if you can endure getting a longer stem (+20mm for me), finding your position, lengthening your cables and hoses, and the occasional heckling in Moab, from German XC dorks painted in lycra and cologne (but you'll pass them on the downhill or anything technical anyway).

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Favorite Trail:   ?

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $45.00

Purchased At:   LBS

Bike Setup:   5" Ventana El Saltamontes, '06 Nixon fork

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Submitted by Doc D a Weekend Warrior from Chicago

Date Reviewed: July 2, 2008

Strengths:    Releived my hand numbness, much more comfortable than any riser or flatbar I have used. Very nice looking finish. Multiple hand positions is nice for long rides. Stable controled handling feel. Soaks up some chatter from the road.

Weaknesses:    Little bit of flex while pumping hard in a standing position. Put's the shifters in a weird position, but you get used to it rather quickly.

Bottom Line:

Perfect for what I'm using it for, which is commuting. I'm 100% satisfied with the improvement in comfort over "regular" bars, feel and control have improved too.

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Favorite Trail:   Palos

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $55.00

Purchased At:   pricepoint

Similar Products Used:   Various flat and riser bars, nothing like this though.

Bike Setup:   C'dale F600 set-up with 700c wheels, 1x9, commuter bike.

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Submitted by jodemeister a Cross Country Rider from Austin, TX, USA

Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008

Strengths:    Control, control, control, comfort, confidence.

Weaknesses:    Don't have a 31.8 size

Bottom Line:

15 (now 16) reviews and one curmudgeon. I can't believe the difference with these bars. I'm going down stuff I used to walk before because I feel completely in control. They're really phenomenal.

I also switched to Ergon grips at the same time. I'm not sure if the combination is a 1+1 = 5 kinda thing or if they both just rock in their own ways. but whatever, go buy both and make yourself a better rider instantly.

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Favorite Trail:   BCGB

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $54.00

Purchased At:   Price point

Similar Products Used:   riser bars, flat bars - but nothing else like it

Bike Setup:   Asylum XXL 29er

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Submitted by Jay a Cross Country Rider from Lake County, Ohio

Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008

Strengths:    Comfort and stability, length of gripping area. Most natural hand extension of any bar so far.

Weaknesses:    None so far. Weight, Maybe? Cables need made to made longer, Shimano trigger shifters end up in a funky position. Grips that fit the length.

Bottom Line:

It started with the Planet X bike. Just as something relaxed to ride without being hunch over(road bars) or twitchy (flat bars). Put them on and it was like WHY on earth have I never use these before. I put my hands down by my side and the bars fit my hands without turning my wrist or flanking my elbows to fit. It has not been this natural since my moto-X days. These bars also made my race steed fun relaxed and dependable. I gave up my Easton carbon bars for these. Absolutely no regrets. Ps. Grips Planet-X =funky bar tape w/gel pad. Ritchey = 2 sets of Specialized sidewinders grip. One cut shorter(beautifully) with a pipe cutter and one at full length. One of the best cycling purchases I've made in 15 years.

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Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $50.00

Similar Products Used:   Salsa 7,11 degree bars, Easton 5 degree flat and riser. Ritchey, Titec and Specialized.

Bike Setup:   Ritchey with full XTR and weight weeny ti parts and bolts. Planet X Kaffenback Set-up as 8 speed rear with single 36 up front. About the town bike.

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Submitted by johnnyb a Cross Country Rider from Fairfax, Cali

Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008

Strengths:    Well, I liked the ergonomic feel and light weight.

Weaknesses:    Flexy, broke in half. 25.4, not stiff enough for singlespeed

Bottom Line:

Hey where are all the other reviews? I posted earlier and need to post again.

I bought the bars because of rave performance reviews and initial comments I saw on On-One's website. I'm a big, 220lb, 6'2" singlespeeder with 20 years of mountain biking and build up my own bikes. I torque everything right, yadda, yadda.

That said, I used these bars for 6 months singlespeeding, 3 months on a 1X9 climbing steep stuff, mostly cross-country with an occasional steep downhill excitement on the singletrack. The bars flexed, they flexed in the garage while I was just sitting there. I thought it was okay, until they snapped while just riding along. I survived without a scratch.

Some may say it was the stems fault, but I say they are flexy. Not good for a big singlespeeding fanatic. Check it carefully!

What a waste of money. Get a 31.8 something and something stiff for singlespeeding. Zeroes all around

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Favorite Trail:   Any thing singletrack

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Purchased At:   55

Similar Products Used:   Ritchy, Titec, Easton

Bike Setup:   Redline Flight and monocog SS, rigid.

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Submitted by sparky a Weekend Warrior from N. Ireland

Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007

Strengths:    ergonomic shape

Weaknesses:    25.4mm clamp area, new cost

Bottom Line:

Is there anybody out there who spends a lot of time on the bike and honestly doesn't have sore thumbs? I've holes on the palms of my gloves from resting my hands on the ends of the bars whilst climbing or cruising. These bars are brill. Only just got them, never wanted to pay full price so got them used but had to go and get another stem because I couldn't pick up a shim anywhere to fit the existing oversize clamp on my bike. However, my new stem does let the world see the pretty little Mary peering out!
A lot of my friends use them so I knew what I was getting into, they are super comfortable on long and short rides, feel slightly different from normal but anybody can get used to them quickly! FORGET THUMB AND WRIST PAIN WITH THESE BABIES! Plus they look cool.

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Favorite Trail:   Anything with everything

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $40.00

Purchased At:   used off a guy on an on-one forum

Similar Products Used:   usual riser bars; titec el norte, kona DH, specialized riser xc etc.

Bike Setup:   2006 stumpjumper fsr comp upgraded cassette and chain but that's all apart from the bars

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On-One Mary Handlebar

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