Are there any benefits to be had “upgrading” to oversized bars?

much stiffer front end, less ‘twangy’, stronger/lighter

its probably more of a benifit with suspension and stiff forks,

ridgids you’d probbaly appreciate the extra flex of normal bars.

IMO it looks nicer too.

wouldnt “upgrade” though, but when im buying new stuff i’d not buy normal bars/stem.

There are however a lot of mincers who would never notice standard bars flex.

I’m sticking with 25.4 as I think it looks nicer, and my Easton Carbons are stiff enough for me.

I’m afraid I’m one of those strange people who prefers the “twangy” feel of 25.4 bars.

I think the quality of the bars is more important than the diameter.

If you feel your bike needs a stiffer front end (fnarr) then yes, there are benefits.

If you don’t, I wouldn’t bother.

I know quite a few people who prefer the feel of standard 25.4bars so you are not that strange Dibbs. At least, not for that reason anyway…

25.4 on the ridged single, 31.8 on the full suss