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The Race Face Next R 35 Carbon is aimed directly at weight-conscious trail and all-mountain riders who want an exceptionally light cockpit without sacrificing the wide leverage and durability required for aggressive descending. Derived from Race Face's gravity-focused SixC lineup, the 'Next R' designation blends cross-country weight savings with all-mountain impact strength. At a verified weight around 215 grams, it stands as one of the absolute lightest full-width 35mm carbon bars on the market. On the bike, that low mass is immediately apparent when lifting the front wheel over obstacles or making rapid directional shifts. Steering precision is instantaneous; the 35mm clamp zone and unilateral carbon layup resist flex under heavy out-of-the-saddle sprinting and hard cornering loads. However, because Race Face engineered this bar to be stiff and featherweight, it delivers a firmer ride than compliance-focused options like the OneUp V2 or PNW Loam. While it cuts out basic surface chatter better than aluminum, heavier braking bumps and sharp rock impacts are communicated directly to the rider. Retailing around $180, it commands top-tier carbon pricing. It is an ideal choice for fit, fast riders who prioritize a snappy, direct steering feel and raw weight reduction on long climbs over maximum downhill damping. Riders prone to arm pump, however, may want to look toward more vertically compliant alternatives. **Highlights** - Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, weighing an impressively low 215 grams. - 35mm clamp interface provides rapid, direct steering response with minimal flex. - Built with high-strength carbon fiber tested for aggressive all-mountain duty. - Clean matte aesthetic with distinct Race Face graphic treatments. - Available in various rise heights to accommodate different rider preferences. **Watch-outs** - Firmer vertical ride quality communicates more trail feedback than tuned-flex rivals. - Premium price point of roughly $180.
Pros
- Class-leading weight at roughly 215 grams for a 35mm all-mountain bar
- Exceptional torsional stiffness provides immediate and precise steering
- Rated for aggressive trail and all-mountain duty despite ultralight build
- Effective attenuation of high-frequency surface vibration over aluminum
Cons
- Noticeably stiffer vertical ride quality transmits sharp impacts to rider
- Commands a premium price point near $180
- Requires a 35mm clamp stem, limiting compatibility with older cockpits
Best uses
- Aggressive trail riding
- All-mountain weight reduction
- Downcountry and aggressive cross-country
- Technical climbing and sprinting
Specifications
- Clamp Diameter
- 35mm
- Claimed Weight
- 215 grams
- Material
- Unidirectional carbon fiber
- Intended Discipline
- Trail and all-mountain
- Approximate Price
- $180
Pricing
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Best for
Aggressive trail riding, All-mountain weight reduction, Downcountry and aggressive cross-country, Technical climbing and sprinting
Where to buy the Face Next R 35 Carbon
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The Race Face Next R 35 Carbon occupies a distinct niche in the mountain bike cockpit category, bridging the gap between ultralight cross-country components and burly gravity bars. Designed for aggressive trail and all-mountain riding, it takes construction cues from the brand's downhill-proven SixC line while trimming material to achieve a verified weight of approximately 215 grams. Independent testing frequently highlights it as a top benchmark for riders looking to shave grams without downgrading to fragile cross-country equipment. That low weight translates into immediate handling agility, especially when lifting the front wheel over obstacles or initiating sharp steering inputs on technical climbs. The 35mm clamp diameter paired with unidirectional carbon ensures high torsional rigidity, resulting in precise line holding under hard cornering loads. However, the structural stiffness that yields such accurate steering also results in a firmer ride feel compared to modern compliance-engineered carbon bars. While it effectively mutes high-frequency trail buzz, it transfers noticeably more hard impact force back to the rider than competitors tuned specifically for vertical flex. At an MSRP around $180, it targets performance riders who prioritize lightweight steering precision over plush vibration absorption.
Intended Rider and Riding Style
The Next R 35 is engineered for trail riders, aggressive all-mountain riders, and weight-conscious enduro racers who demand uncompromising steering accuracy. Traditional cross-country handlebars often limit width and lack the impact margins required for rough descending, whereas dedicated downhill bars carry noticeable weight penalties. Race Face developed the Next R designation specifically to resolve this conflict. It suits riders who actively work the bike over rough terrain, sprint out of corners, and spend significant time climbing where reduced cockpit weight makes a tangible difference in front-end agility. Conversely, casual trail riders or those who prioritize maximum downhill comfort over uphill efficiency will find little benefit in its specific strength-to-weight tuning. If an aggressive rider frequently encounters wrist fatigue or arm pump on extended rocky descents, the uncompromising rigidity of this cockpit might prove overly punishing over a full day of riding.
Carbon Construction and Layup
Race Face constructs the Next R 35 using unidirectional carbon fiber, tailoring the wall thickness across the bar to handle high stress points while eliminating excess resin. The 35mm clamping zone allows the bar to maintain structural integrity under severe bending loads, drawing directly on engineering developed for the brand's downhill-rated SixC lineup. Unidirectional cloth provides high tensile strength along the primary load paths, which keeps the cockpit from twisting when torqued heavily during standing sprints or aggressive cornering. The manufacturing process ensures uniform internal walls without structural voids, contributing to long-term impact resistance. While some newer carbon designs incorporate ovalized cross-sections to introduce deliberate vertical flex, Race Face maintains a more traditional profile here. This focus ensures consistent strength in all directions, delivering extreme torsional stability at a weight that undercuts many dedicated cross-country handlebars.
Handling Precision and Ride Feel
On the trail, the most defining characteristic of the Next R 35 is its immediacy. Steering input is direct and instantaneous, giving riders a precise feel for front-wheel traction when pushing hard through berms or navigating tight switchbacks. The low 215-gram mass subtly reduces the effort required to lift the front end over sudden trail obstacles, which adds to a nimble front-end sensation. In terms of vibration damping, the carbon layup filters out minor trail buzz better than traditional aluminum alternatives. However, when navigating sustained rock gardens, braking bumps, or heavy drops, the bar delivers a notably firm platform. Unlike bars designed with engineered vertical compliance, the Next R transfers more harsh energy into the hands and forearms. Riders who prefer a plush, forgiving cockpit may experience accelerated fatigue during long descents compared to softer alternatives.
Fit, Dimensions, and Tuning
Proper cockpit ergonomics depend heavily on handlebar geometry and setup adjustments. The Next R 35 features a standard trail sweep profile designed to place wrists in a natural, neutral position during active riding. Race Face typically offers this bar in multiple rise configurations, allowing riders to dial in their front-end height according to frame reach, fork travel, and riding posture. Because the bar utilizes a 35mm clamp diameter, riders upgrading from a traditional 31.8mm setup will also need a compatible stem. The stem clamp zone and brake lever clamping areas feature textured finishes to prevent slipping without requiring excessive bolt torque. Adhering strictly to manufacturer torque specs is critical with lightweight carbon components to avoid crushing the fibers. Trimming the bar width is possible using a carbon-specific hacksaw blade, though riders should carefully measure their preferred stance before cutting down the stock width.
Durability and Impact Resistance
Because carbon handlebars carry safety concerns regarding sudden failure, impact tolerance is a paramount design consideration. The Next R 35 is specifically rated for all-mountain and light enduro punishment, separating it from fragile cross-country race options. Laboratory tests and review assessments consistently show that Race Face builds substantial safety margins into the Next R architecture, ensuring it resists typical trail strikes and washouts that might otherwise crack a lightweight bar. However, carbon fiber remains susceptible to surface gouging and crash damage from sharp rocks. Riders must inspect the bar thoroughly following severe impacts or crashes. Clamping controls too tightly or over-tightening stem faceplates can cause localized fractures that compromise structural integrity. When installed correctly and checked regularly for deep abrasions, the bar delivers multi-season reliability under aggressive riding conditions.
Market Alternatives and Trade-offs
At around $180, the Next R 35 sits squarely in the premium carbon price tier, competing against compliance-focused models and slightly heavier all-rounders. The OneUp Carbon Handlebar is the most prominent direct alternative; OneUp shapes its bar to maximize vertical compliance, delivering significantly more vibration damping at the expense of roughly 10 to 15 grams and a slightly softer steering sensation under extreme loads. Another competitor, the Renthal Fatbar Carbon, offers a similarly stiff and precise feel, but typically weighs more across comparable widths. For riders prioritizing pure weight savings and unyielding steering precision for aggressive trail riding, the Next R 35 represents one of the lightest options available that does not compromise all-mountain durability. The primary compromise remains ride comfort: riders seeking plush relief from trail chatter will find better vertical forgiveness elsewhere in the category.
How we picked
We started with a long list of mountain bike handlebars that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Face Next R 35 Carbon — frequently asked questions
- Is the Face Next R 35 Carbon worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Mountain Bike Handlebars. The Race Face Next R 35 Carbon is aimed directly at weight-conscious trail and all-mountain riders who want an exceptionally light cockpit without sacrificing the wide leverage and durability required for aggressive descending. Derived from Race Face's gravity-focused SixC lineup, the 'Next R' designation blends…
- What is the Face Next R 35 Carbon best for?
- Best for aggressive trail riding, all-mountain weight reduction, downcountry and aggressive cross-country and technical climbing and sprinting. Standouts: class-leading weight at roughly 215 grams for a 35mm all-mountain bar and exceptional torsional stiffness provides immediate and precise steering.
- What are the downsides of the Face Next R 35 Carbon?
- Noticeably stiffer vertical ride quality transmits sharp impacts to rider, Commands a premium price point near $180 and Requires a 35mm clamp stem, limiting compatibility with older cockpits.
- What are the key specs of the Face Next R 35 Carbon?
- Clamp Diameter: 35mm · Claimed Weight: 215 grams · Material: Unidirectional carbon fiber · Intended Discipline: Trail and all-mountain · Approximate Price: $180
- Intended Rider and Riding Style — what should I know about the Face Next R 35 Carbon?
- The Next R 35 is engineered for trail riders, aggressive all-mountain riders, and weight-conscious enduro racers who demand uncompromising steering accuracy. Traditional cross-country handlebars often limit width and lack the impact margins required for rough descending, whereas dedicated downhill bars carry…
- Carbon Construction and Layup — what should I know about the Face Next R 35 Carbon?
- Race Face constructs the Next R 35 using unidirectional carbon fiber, tailoring the wall thickness across the bar to handle high stress points while eliminating excess resin. The 35mm clamping zone allows the bar to maintain structural integrity under severe bending loads, drawing directly on engineering developed…
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