Spoke & Volt

Bicycle Suspension Cockpit: Which Part Should You Upgrade First?

Compare four bicycle suspension cockpit parts: two aluminum handlebars, a lock-on grip set, and a used Manitou suspension fork. See which one matches your width, clamp, and service needs.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Deciding where to put your money in a bicycle suspension cockpit usually comes down to which part is actually holding you back. Maybe the handlebar is too narrow, the grips are worn, or you want front suspension on a mountain bike. The four parts here cover two aluminum riser handlebars, a lock-on grip set, and one used suspension fork. Each one answers a different front-end problem, so the right pick depends on what your bike needs most.

Quick take

If you want a wide riser bar, the Mountain Bike High Handlebar is the one to compare. If you want a more compact bar, the ZOOM handlebar is the shorter option. For a grip refresh, the Ergonomic MTB grip set is the direct fit. The Manitou Mars 1 is the only suspension fork here, and it is sold as a used part.

Listed price comparison

ProductListed PricePrice Bar
Ergonomic MTB Lock-On GripsUSD 14.39
ZOOM Mountain Bike HandlebarUSD 18.50
Mountain Bike High HandlebarUSD 25.08
Manitou Mars 1 Mountain Bike Suspension ForkUSD 69.99

Decision matrix

NeedBest matchWhy
Wide riser bar for mountain bike controlMountain Bike High Handlebar31.8mm clamp, 720mm width, 30/90mm bend height
More compact cockpitZOOM Mountain Bike Handlebar25.4mm clamp, 620mm width, 40mm rise
Grip refreshErgonomic MTB Rubber GripsLock-on pair with bar ends, end plugs, and locking rings
Front suspension as a project partManitou Mars 1100mm travel, 1 1/8 straight steerer, used

Product notes

Mountain Bike High Handlebar

Mountain Bike High Handlebar 31.8mm Length 720mm Rise 30/90mm Aluminium Alloy US

The Mountain Bike High Handlebar is the only bar in this group with a 31.8mm clamp diameter and a 720mm width. The aluminum construction and the 30/90mm bend height give it a riser profile rather than a flat-bar position. It is described as new and the black finish is noted. The main limitation is the width: if you want a narrower cockpit, the 620mm ZOOM bar is the shorter alternative. This bar is a good match for riders who want a wider platform.

ZOOM Mountain Bike Handlebar

ZOOM Mountain Bike Handlebar 25.4mm Clamp 40mm rise Aluminum Black or Silver

The ZOOM handlebar is the more compact bar in this group. It has a 25.4mm clamp, a 620mm width, and a 40mm rise, and the title says it comes in black or silver. The aluminum build and the 22.2mm grip diameter are also listed. If you want a less extended front end, this is the one to compare against the 720mm bar. The limitation is the narrower width: it will not give you the same wide leverage as the 720mm handlebar.

Ergonomic MTB Lock-On Grips

Ergonomic MTB Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebar Rubber Grips Cycling Lock-On Ends

These Ergonomic MTB lock-on grips are the only grip set in this comparison. They are made from rubber and aluminum alloy, and the package includes a pair of bar ends, end plugs, and locking rings. The listed grip length is 138mm and the diameter is 30-45mm. Compatibility is described for a wide range of bikes, including city, cyclocross, dirt jumper, downhill, mountain, racing, road, touring, and trekking. The limitation is that they only replace the grips; they do not change your handlebar width or add suspension.

Manitou Mars 1 Fork

Manitou Mars 1 Mountain Bike Suspension Fork 100mm 1 1/8

The Manitou Mars 1 is the only suspension fork in this set. It is described as used, with 100mm travel, a 1 1/8 straight steerer, and compatibility with both V-brake and disc brakes. The description also notes that it is leaking oil and has been stored, so seals or service are likely required before use. That makes this fork a project part for someone comfortable with maintenance. If you are not planning to service a fork, the handlebars and grips are the simpler cockpit updates.

Final recommendation by use case

Choose the Mountain Bike High Handlebar when a wider riser bar is your goal. Pick the ZOOM handlebar if you prefer a more compact bar. Go with the Ergonomic MTB grips when the grips are the worn part. The Manitou Mars 1 fork is the right choice only if you are ready to take on a used suspension fork.

Products in this article
Mountain Bike High Handlebar 31.8mm Length 720mm Rise 30/90mm Aluminium Alloy USUSD 25.08View on eBayZOOM Mountain Bike Handlebar 25.4mm Clamp 40mm rise Aluminum Black or SilverUSD 18.50View on eBayErgonomic MTB Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebar Rubber Grips Cycling Lock-On EndsUSD 14.39View on eBayManitou Mars 1 Mountain Bike Suspension Fork 100mm 1 1/8USD 69.99View on eBay
Mountain Bike High Handlebar 31.8mm Length 720mm Rise 30/90mm Aluminium Alloy USUSD 25.08View on eBayZOOM Mountain Bike Handlebar 25.4mm Clamp 40mm rise Aluminum Black or SilverUSD 18.50View on eBayErgonomic MTB Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebar Rubber Grips Cycling Lock-On EndsUSD 14.39View on eBayManitou Mars 1 Mountain Bike Suspension Fork 100mm 1 1/8USD 69.99View on eBay

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