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| >Road vs. Mountain What is the difference between road and mountain handlebars? While mountain bikes usually have flat handlebars or riser bars that bend up on both sides of the stem connection, road bikes almost always feature “drop bars”, which allow for a variety of hand positions. Mountain bikes, particularly with riser bars, will typically give you a more upright riding position than the drop bars on a road bike . Go Back >Flat vs. Riser What are the advantages/disadvantages to riser bars versus flat handlebars? The advantage to riser bars is the position that it places the rider in. Riser bars put the rider in a more upright position and generally are 2-3 inches wider. By raising the hand position, some of the rider's weight is transferred back. Most people feel more comfortable descending in this position. The wider bars also create a feeling of stability (longer lever means less steering effort at the grip). The disadvantages of a riser bar are weight, width, and also position. Generally these bars are heavier than straight bars. When the weight is transferred to the rear of the bike, steep climbing can become tricky. As weight is removed from the front of the bike, there is a tendency for the front wheel to want to lift, and wander all over the trail. In most cases this can be countered by transferring weight forward (leaning further forward) while climbing . Go Back >Materials What kinds of materials are handlebars made from? Most handlebars are alloy, a lightweight but durable metal mixture, but carbon fiber handlebars are increasingly popular too. Carbon fiber has a great strength-to-weight ratio for bicycle components, but can be expensive, and requires caution when used for a critical part such as a handlebar. Carbon bars should be inspected regularly for any scratches or gouges, which can compromise the integrity of the carbon fiber and lead to failure. Go Back >Sizing How do I determine handlebar clamp diameter so it will be compatible with my stem? Virtually all mountain bike stems use the same handlebar clamp diameter, thus, any mountain bike stem can usually be used with any mountain bike handlebar. Road bike stems and handlebars can vary slightly. The most common size for the handlebar clamp is 26.0 mm, although 26.4 and 31.7 are also common. When in doubt, measure your equipment to be certain prior to ordering. How do I determine the correct size for my road handlebars? Road handlebars are produced in various widths. The width of a handlebar is measured in centimeters across the drops (this is the bottom of the curved portion of the bars, pointing toward the rider). Most companies measure their bars center to center but others, TTT's bars for example, measure outside to outside. As a general rule, the size of your handlebars should be equal to the width of your shoulders at a line through the shoulder from the armpit. Some riders prefer wider handlebars for easier breathing while other riders prefer narrower handlebars for greater aerodynamics and maneuverability. A properly sized bar should strike a balance between comfort, aerodynamics and your particular riding style. |
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Handlebars
