WARNING: Installing this bicycle product requires expert in-depth knowledge of bicycle mechanics and professional-grade tools. If you do not have the proper tools or knowledge to perform this installation, please take your bicycle to your local bicycle dealer. Failure to appropriately install this product may lead to component failure, resulting in serious injury or death.

We recommend that you have this product installed, adjusted and maintained by a professional bicycle mechanic.

Specs

• Chromag OSX, OSX35, Vanguard, FU40, and FU50 bars are made from 7000 series alloy.
• Chromag BZA and Cutlass bars are made from premium quality unidirectional weaved carbon fibre.
• OSX, Vanguard, FU40, FU50, and Cutlass bars are 31.8mm in diameter. OSX35 and BZA bars are 35mm in diameter.

Compatibility

• OSX35 and BZA series handlebars are 35mm clamp only.
• OSX, FU40, FU50, Vanguard, and Cutlass series are 31.8 clamp only.

Stem Compatibility: WARNING – IMPORTANT!

• There are many stems on the market today. Some are better than others. We have determined that some stems can direct forces into a very small area on the handlebar, thereby increasing stress concentrations and reducing the strength and lifespan of the handlebar. As a result, our first recommendation with any Chromag bar is to use a Chromag stem.

Installation

***WARNING !! Installation and service by a qualified mechanic is always recommended***

WARNING: The rider assumes all risks upon installation and use of Chromag handlebars. Improper installation will void the warranty and may lead to component failure or damage, resulting in serious injury or death, as well as damage the bar which could cause serious injury or death.

Preparation:

Carefully inspect the bar for any damage that may have occurred during shipping and handling.  Do not fit or use the bar if it appears to be damaged.  Consult your local bike shop or Chromag directly if you have any concerns.

Inspect the stem for any sharp edges, or burrs that could come in contact with the bar.  Chromag stems are chamfered in the contact areas.  If the stem has a sharp edge or burr, it may be advisable to use some light sandpaper to remove it. Consult your local bike shop / mechanic.

Before installing, all surfaces should be clean and free of dirt or grease. For carbon handlebars, it is recommended to use carbon friction paste between contact areas.

Installation:

The handlebar should be oriented in the stem clamp such that the rise of the bar is in line with the angle of the fork. This is a good starting point and is the position in which the handlebars are designed to be used, but they can be rolled forwards or backwards slightly to suit the rider's personal preference if desired.

When tightening the stem bolts, be sure to do so in an even manner, following a crisscross pattern, torqueing each bolt a small amount towards the recommended torque value. 

Be sure to follow the requirements for stem faceplate gap when installing.  For example, Chromag stems are designed to have an even gap at both top and bottom of the stem.  Some stems are designed to have a closed gap at one side.  Note that uneven or incorrect tightening can damage or lead to premature damage of the handlebar.  Refer to stem guidelines for torque values however if they are higher than the handlebar values always refer to the lower value.

For all carbon bar models (Cutlass and BZA), the max torque value for stem faceplate bolts is 6NM. For all alloy bar models (FU40, FU50, OSX, OSX35) the max torque value is 6NM. For controls (shifters, brakes, grips etc) max torque value is 4NM.

Mount all shifters, brakes, and grips with care.  Ensure that component clamps have been loosened before installing and do not force or twist components onto bar (which could cause scratching).  Inspect all component clamps for burrs and sharp edges before installing.  Always mount components within the non tapered area of the bar.  Do not install components towards the center of the bar where the taper begins.

Use bar-end plugs or grips with closed ends to reduce damage to the handlebar and injury to the rider. NOTE: hammer-in style bar-end plugs should never be used with carbon bars.

Bar ends and plugs: 

Chromag bars are not intended to be used with bar ends.  Bar ends can be installed on alloy models.  Bar ends CANNOT be installed on carbon models.  Installation of bar ends on carbon bars will void the warranty. 
Bar-end plugs that need to be hammered into the bar are NOT to be used on carbon models. 
Lock on style grips can be used on alloy and carbon models provided they are tightened within torque specs.

Cutting:

Chromag bars can be cut down if a narrower width is desired. If you need to cut down your bars, make sure you do it a correct and safe way.

• Always double check measurements before cutting. The measure markers on the bar are a guide, but you should verify them with a tape measure or ruler.

• Also, double check your math! If you want to cut your bar down by 10mm, you only need to take half of this, 5mm, off each side.

• A cutting guide is recommended.

• Remove rough edges and burrs with a fine file or sandpaper after cutting.

Cutting carbon:

Wrapping tape around the bar at the cutting location can limit chips, splinters etc. A carbon-specific blade is recommended however a regular hacksaw (we recommend 32tpi) can also be used – with care. Note that aggressive cutting can cause a carbon bar to splinter. Cut slowly.

Care and Use

Keeping handlebars clean and dry will help preserve the quality of the surface finish.

Regularly check bolt torques (always tighten all bolts evenly).

Avoid storing and travel situations where the handlebars can be scratched by other bikes or foreign objects.  Deep scratches can lead to cracks and it is advisable to replace handlebars that have been compromised.

Inspect bars regularly for scratches and gouges, cracks or discoloration, particularly after a crash.  If you are unsure, refer to your local bike shop mechanic with any questions.  Never attempt to bend-back or “fix” the handlebar after a crash.

Always replace handlebars after significant impact and/or crash resulting in any kind of visual damage.  Do not attempt to straighten a bar or stem that has twisted in a crash without first loosening the bolts. As bars cannot be repaired following an impact, bars should be replaced immediately.

Lifespan varies depending on type of use, rider weight and frequency of riding.  For high level use including semi-professional or professional training and competition, high-frequency riding, lift access, and/or shuttle access, handlebars must be replaced after 1 year of use. For normal use, to which the previous description does not apply, handlebars must be replaced after 2 years of use. Inspect your handlebar frequently, especially after a crash or impact. Replace a scratched, scored, or otherwise damaged handlebar immediately.

Special Note to Lift Access Riders

Riding lift access bike parks can increase the frequency of use on our products tenfold. If you are a regular lift access rider it is imperative that you replace your bars yearly.

Aside from cutting the ends, do not attempt to modify any Chromag handlebar.

Use carbon friction past with carbon handlebars or clamped carbon components.

Handlebars are only compatible with the corresponding diameter stem.  Do not shim, modify or try to use a handlebar with a non-corresponding stem. Carbon handlebars are recommended to only be used with Chromag stems.

Lifespan

Lifespan varies depending on type of use, rider weight and frequency of riding.  For high level use including semi-professional or professional training and competition, hi-frequency enthusiast, lift access, shuttle access, all handlebars must be replaced after 1 year of use.

Crashing

One important place to look when you’ve had a crash is under any controls that may have taken a hit and transferred that force into the  bar, resulting in an impression.  This CAN compromise the bar so it’s an important thing to look for if you’ve taken a crash (especially one resulting in a broken lever).

We are happy to offer a crash replacement at half price (and free shipping inside NA) if you are concerned or see any damage.

Warranty

Chromag handlebars are covered under limited warranty for a period one year of the original date of purchase, or as per the laws of the local region of purchase.  The warranty applies only to the original owner and covers the product only in the case of manufacturing defect.  It does not cover products damaged due to normal wear and tear, abuse or negligence.  Damage resulting from crashing or extreme stunt riding is not covered under warranty.  Damage resulting from improper installation, over torqueing, repeated installations or incompatible components will not be covered under warranty. Surface finish, colour change or fading is not covered under warranty.  Warranty claims must be returned to Chromag or the dealer where the product was purchased.  Warranty claims must include the original purchase receipt.

Full warranty info available here: