Flat bar handle bars are a popular option on commuter bikes, mountain bikes and for bike packing thanks to their stability. The Redshift Sports Top Shelf Flat Handlebar is a twist on the classic flat bar that adds rise and some sweep to optimize comfort and ergonomics. Retail price for the handlebar is $129.99 and it is offered in either a 50mm or 70 mm rise option. The handlebars have a 14 degree backsweep along with a 5 degree upsweep. From the factory, the handlebars are 800 mm wide and the 6061 T6 aluminum bars can be trimmed to a rider’s preference.
The Redshift Top Shelf Flat Handlebars take the classic bike riser flat handlebar and add subtle improvements for more comfort and stability.
| Retail Price | $129.99 |
| Rating | 9.7 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 554 (Uncut 70mm rise version) |
| Likes | + Ergonomic design with constant diameter upper bar for easy accessory installation + Additional rise and sweep improve comfort and stability + High quality black anodized finish and uniform welds between riser pieces |
| Dislikes | – N/A |
| Where to Buy (US) | Redshift |
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Redshift Top Shelf Flat Handlebar has a classic riser bar style that is more common with BMX or kids bikes. Redshift offers the handle bars with either 50mm or 70mm rise options and a very wide 800mm length out of the box. The handlebar uses constant diameter 22.2 mm aluminum top tubing which makes it easy to trim the ends or attach accessories to the bike with a standard 31.8 mm tube for the stem attachment portion. A black anodized finish is used on the handlebars for a clean appearance with only a small Redshift logo on the top of the bars. The center rise section helps bring the handlebars upward for a more comfortable upright riding position.
One of the key features of the bars is the combination of backsweep and upsweep. After the riser portion, the bars gently curve back at 14 degrees and upward at 5 degrees. That helps bring the handle bars closer toward you while slightly widening your grip for more stability. Redshift has also built the bars to be tough with clean welds between that risers and an ASTM Condition 3 rating which is rated for jumps less than 24 inches or 61cm. Redshift even offers their own optional metal shims to allow other bike accessories such as GPS or handlebars to be easily installed if they are not designed for 22.2 mm bars.
ON THE ROAD
We decided to install the bars onto our Priority Ace of Spades which is primarily an around town or cruising bike. Installing the bars is simple as you just undo your previous bars and swap these in their place. Thanks to the constant diameter design of the bars there are also no “dead zones” – transition areas where you cannot attach accessories. From our first ride, we were impressed with how comfortable the bars felt. The additional rise results in a more upright position while the combination of back and up sweep create a stable riding position. Combined with the ergonomic Ergon grips, the result is a much more comfortable hand position.
While we prefer a more aggressive position on our road bikes, for a commuter or around-town setup the more upright position feels more natural and can help alleviate pressure points. Out of the box, the handlebars are a generous 800 mm width which felt too wide for our preference but gives you a stable stance. We’d recommend giving it a few miles before trimming the bars to see what feels comfortable for you. Aside from that, the bars are a simple and nice upgrade from standard flat bars.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Redshift Top Shelf Flat Handlebar to be a comfortable and well made handle bar upgrade. Redshift has taken the classic riser handlebar and improved it with carefully calibrated upsweep and backsweep for more stability. Small details like the black anodized finish and constant diameter upper and lower bar give the handlebar a premium look and make it easier to install accessories. We like the more upright and stable riding position the handlebars create compared to our stock flat bars. On the road and light gravel riding, the handlebars felt more ergonomic and stable which result in more confidence while riding.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Redshift. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.