Former BMX athlete and motocross and 4X expert Tibor Simai had a hand in the "3OX" handlebars from SQLab and with his wealth of experience, the ergonomics specialist is now also offering products for the suspension-rich segment after the trekking and cross-country segment. The new handlebars with their width of 780 millimeters and the three rise variants speak for themselves: These handlebars are designed for difficult terrain. The Zedler Institute also speaks a clear language: this bicycle and parts tester certifies that the handlebars have the very best durability and safety values. The most striking feature - apart from the high-quality finish - is certainly the backsweep values. While 12 degrees backsweep is still reasonably well known, 16 degrees backsweep on the "3OX" is already a unique selling point.

The new Ergo handlebar is available in these variants:

3OX in aluminum with 12° backsweep in rise 15mm / 30mm / 45 mm
3OX in aluminum with 16° backsweep in rise 15mm / 30mm / 45 mm

Weight: approx. 325 g
Width: 780 mm (can also be shortened)
Clamping: 31.8 mm
Upsweep: 4°

3OX in carbon with 12° backsweep in rise 15mm / 30mm / 45 mm
3OX in carbon with 16° backsweep in rise 15mm / 30mm / 45 mm

Weight: approx. 235 g
Width: 780 mm (can also be shortened)
Clamping: 31.8 mm
Upsweep: 4°

First riding impressions, from Sacha Steiner, including on the Biel Trail:

"I've already had the opportunity to test the potential of the new SQlab 30X on a few rides. For the test model, we chose the version with 12 degrees backsweep and 15 millimeters rise and mounted it on a long-stroke 29er bike. Although the strong backsweep seemed very unusual for the first few minutes, I quickly got used to it. The handlebars feel very comfortable in the hand on technical terrain or in tight berms where physical effort is required. You never get the feeling that your hands are too bent in any riding situation. But this is exactly the feeling I remember with 12 degree backsweep handlebars from other manufacturers.

The 3OX stem is first bent slightly forwards and then backwards, similar to the shape of an arrow bow. This means that your hands are only slightly closer to your body than with conventional handlebars. The handlebars have a pleasant flex: fine vibrations are absorbed without the feeling that the handlebars are twisting too much. In tight and long bends at high speed, it is easy to feel that the 12 degree backsweep makes it easier to push the bike into berms and corners. Especially with the 29er bike and longer wheelbase, where a little physical effort is required. There is also the positive feeling of having less influence on the body and a little more control in rough terrain."

Conclusion: Changing from conventional handlebars with an 8/9 degree backsweep to 12 is easier than you might think, you just have to try it. We have not yet noticed any disadvantages. On the contrary - the SQlab 3OX has some advantages, especially for bikes that require more physical effort.

We still have the day tours with long climbs ahead of us. We are curious to see how the "more" backsweep will make itself felt. After all, a 90-minute after-work tour and a few descents on the Biel Trail do not yet allow us to make a final judgment. Only then will we see what the optimized ergonomics really bring.