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New Redshift Top Shelf Flat Handlebars With Crossbar (50 & 70mm)

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TL;DR: Redshift introduces 50 and 70mm Top Shelf flat handlebars with a crossbar, a component that feels like a small revelation.

Redshift Introduces 50 and 70 mm Top Shelf Flat Handlebars

By Kristina, Lead Editor at CyclingTrend.com

Every few seasons, a component shows up that feels less like a “new product” and more like a permission slip. Not permission to buy something shiny—permission to build the kind of bike you actually want to ride. Redshift’s new Top Shelf Flat Bar lands squarely in that category: a modern, wide riser bar with an old-school crossbar—except it’s not chasing nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s chasing function: more mounting real estate, more front-end stability, and a cockpit that suits today’s trail and all-road realities.

At a glance, the silhouette is pure moto-era throwback. But the dimensions are thoroughly contemporary. Redshift is offering two rise options (50 mm and 70 mm), a full 800 mm width with plenty of room to trim, a 31.8 mm clamp, and a sweep profile that trends toward comfort without drifting into cruiser territory. The crossbar isn’t decorative either—it’s sized as a genuine accessory tube, and that detail matters for riders who are trying to reconcile “mountain-bike control” with “bikepacking utility” on the same build.

Why a crossbar now?

For years, mountain bike cockpits have been moving in two directions at once: wider for leverage and stability, and cleaner for simplicity. Meanwhile, the way we use bikes has gotten messier (in a good way). Even short rides may involve a powerful light, a computer, maybe a phone, maybe a bell, maybe a camera—and if you’re running a dynamo setup or a long-distance bag system, you can quickly run out of tidy mounting options. The result is the modern handlebar paradox: we want minimalism, but we’re mounting more stuff than ever.

A crossbar is an elegant answer because it moves accessories into their own “zone,” freeing up the primary grip area for controls and body position. It also gives riders who hate bar clutter a chance to keep things centered and symmetrical. If you’ve ever tried to mount a big light and a GPS on a standard riser while still leaving room for hands, levers, and a dropper remote, you already understand why this design is having a quiet comeback.

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Fit and feel: rise, sweep, and width

Redshift’s choice to offer 50 mm and 70 mm rise options reads like a nod to real-world fit needs rather than catalog variety. The 50 mm version is the safer “do-it-most” option if you’re coming from a typical trail bar and don’t want to radically change your posture. The 70 mm bar, on the other hand, is a meaningful tool for riders who want a more upright stance, need to reduce reach, or are converting a frame that feels too long or too low in the front.

The sweep numbers are where the Top Shelf starts to sound like it was designed by people who actually ride longer days. A modest upsweep paired with a generous backsweep can reduce wrist strain and encourage a more natural elbow position—especially on endurance-oriented hardtails and flat-bar gravel builds. The trick is avoiding the “tiller effect” where too much backsweep makes the steering feel vague. On paper, Redshift is flirting with that line, but not crossing it. For riders who spend hours on mellow singletrack, dirt roads, and broken pavement, that’s likely a feature, not a bug.

As for width: 800 mm is the modern default for aggressive trail riding, but it’s also a practical starting point because you can cut it down. If you’re building an all-road monster-cross-ish rig or you ride tight trees, trimming toward the 740–760 mm zone can be a sweet spot. It’s also worth remembering that a crossbar visually “shrinks” the cockpit—wide bars can look less comically wide when there’s a structural element tying things together.

The mount zone is the story

What elevates the Top Shelf Flat Bar from “cool-looking” to “actually useful” is the crossbar’s role as a dedicated accessory platform. Think of it like an integrated mini light rack. That matters for anyone running:

  • High-output lights for commuting or night trail sessions
  • GPS head units for navigation and training
  • Action cameras for content or safety documentation
  • Aero extensions for long-distance mixed-surface rides
  • Bar bags that otherwise fight for space with mounts

If you want to outfit the cockpit without improvising a tower of clamps, a few staples can help. A reliable option for navigation is the Garmin Edge bike computer, paired with a stable mount like the K-Edge handlebar mount. For illumination, a strong, trail-capable beam such as the Light & Motion front light benefits from being centered and vibration-resistant—exactly the kind of placement a crossbar makes easier.

And because real builds always come down to the details, consider cockpit cleanup tools: a compact hex key set for fine adjustments, plus blue threadlocker for accessory bolts that love to loosen on washboard roads.

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Where this bar makes the most sense

Redshift is positioning the Top Shelf as mountain-bike sturdy, and that’s exactly how I’d treat it. But the most interesting applications might be outside the obvious trail bike build.

  • Flat-bar gravel: A wide, swept, riser cockpit can calm sketchy descents and keep you comfortable on long mixed routes.
  • ATB (all-terrain bike) builds: The crossbar practically begs for a light-and-GPS “dashboard,” especially if you’re running a basket, rack, or bar bag.
  • Commuter hardtails: Centered lights, bells, and computers without grip clutter is a daily quality-of-life win.
  • Adventure racing / ultra: If you use aero extensions on flat bars, the crossbar can simplify mounting and cable management.

If you’re planning on adding clip-on extensions for long gravel stretches, something like Profile Design aero bars can be a practical pairing, particularly when you’re trying to preserve a clean control area. And if your comfort plan includes thicker grips to tame chatter, the Ergon GP grips remain a reliable upgrade for long rides and rough surfaces.

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My take: retro shape, modern intent

There’s a temptation to dismiss crossbar bars as fashion, but that misses what’s happening in riding culture. More riders are building “do-everything” bikes and asking components to play multiple roles: control on technical terrain, comfort over distance, and compatibility with the devices and luggage that make modern riding possible. The Top Shelf Flat Bar feels like a response to that reality.

It also hints at a broader shift: the handlebar is becoming a true interface, not just a steering lever. As bikes absorb more tech and riders ask more from a single machine, the cockpit needs to be flexible, strong, and adaptable—without becoming a messy tangle of clamps. Redshift’s solution is refreshingly straightforward: add structure, add space, and let riders decide how “busy” their setup becomes.

FAQ: Redshift Top Shelf Flat Bar

Is the Top Shelf Flat Bar actually “flat”?

No. It’s a riser bar offered in 50 mm and 70 mm rise. The “Flat” name mainly distinguishes it from Redshift’s Top Shelf drop-bar lineup.

Can I cut the bar down from 800 mm?

Yes—800 mm is the stock width, and it’s designed to be trimmed. If you’re unsure, cut in small increments and test ride between cuts.

What is the benefit of the crossbar?

It provides a dedicated mounting location for accessories (lights, computers, cameras, and potentially extensions), helping keep the main grip area clear for controls and hand positions.

Will the crossbar interfere with cables or a bar bag?

It depends on your setup. The crossbar can help by creating a stable place for mounts, but you’ll want to check clearance if you run a tall front roll or very short head tube with tight cable routing.

Is this bar only for mountain bikes?

No. While it’s built to handle MTB forces, it’s arguably even more compelling for flat-bar gravel, ATB builds, and rugged commuters where accessory mounting and comfort matter.

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What stem clamp size does it use?

It uses a 31.8 mm stem clamp diameter, which is the most common modern standard for MTB and many flat-bar builds.

Editor’s note: Affiliate links above may earn CyclingTrend.com a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps fund our independent testing and editorial work.

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With more than a decade of hands-on cycling experience, Kristina writes practical, research backed content that helps cyclists make better decisions on and off the bike. Her expertise spans road cycling, gravel riding, bikepacking, commuting, maintenance, and cycling gear, with every article grounded in real riding experience rather than marketing claims. At Cycling Trend, Kristina focuses on creating clear, reliable guides for riders of all skill levels. Whether you're choosing your first road bike, comparing cycling accessories, improving bike maintenance, or planning longer rides, her articles are designed to provide honest advice you can trust. Browse her latest posts below to discover expert insights, detailed buying guides, and practical cycling tips for every type of rider. Kristina is the Lead Editor of CyclingTrend, where she has written or edited every review, ranking and race report on the site. Her testing spans road, gravel and mountain — from a 32-tire gravel test season to months-long e-MTB reviews — with a working rule that a verdict isn't ready until the honeymoon phase has worn off.

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