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Your mountain bike handlebar is an often-overlooked element that may remodel the way in which your bike handles and feels. As the first dealing with interface of your bike, your handlebar is crucial not just for management however can have a big affect in your consolation as nicely.
Whereas mountain bike handlebars all look comparatively comparable, there are some fairly important variations among the many myriad choices available on the market. Working with fashionable supplies and building strategies, manufacturers have been in a position to design handlebars with completely different efficiency traits to go well with nearly each want and choice, and that’s an awesome factor. It seems that the handlebar is, the truth is, a efficiency element that may present various advantages, whether or not you’re searching for one thing stiff and exact, compliant and forgiving, or when you’re attempting to loosen up your experience or dial within the match of your cockpit.
Today, there are such a lot of completely different mountain bike handlebars available on the market it might make your head spin. Comprised of supplies starting from carbon fiber to aluminum – even titanium, coming in 31.8mm and 35mm clamp sizes, and an entire vary of various rise and sweep choices, it may be laborious to determine which is the most effective handlebar for you. It doesn’t assist that each handlebar is claimed to be the most effective for (insert adjective right here) by their respective producers. So how do you select the suitable one?
Final 12 months, we teamed up with Faction Bike Studio to do a first-of-its-kind group compliance test of 42 different handlebars of their lab, adopted by rider testing to see how these findings translated to make use of out on the path. Armed with the knowledge gathered throughout lab and rider testing, together with months of testing the bars included right here in the actual world, we’ve acquired suggestions to go well with each want and price range.
Our favourite mountain bike handlebars are listed beneath, together with the most effective of the remaining that are additionally nice choices worthy of significant consideration. Our helpful comparison chart reveals the entire fashions we examined and their specs at a look. Our detailed buying advice has all the knowledge when you need assistance deciding what you want, adopted by our FAQ section with solutions to widespread questions.
The Greatest Mountain Bike Handlebars of 2024
Greatest General Carbon Mountain Bike Handlebar
-
MSRP
$160 -
Materials
Carbon fiber -
Measured Weight
228g (20mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm -
Rise Choices
20mm (examined), 35mm -
Sweep
8° again, 5° up
-
Honest worth for carbon -
Light-weight -
Gret vibration dampening -
Nicely balanced compliance and responsiveness
Greatest Worth Carbon Mountain Bike Handlebar
-
MSRP
$146 -
Materials
Carbon -
Measured Weight
237g (31.8mm clamp, 30mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
31.8mm (35mm additionally out there) -
Rise Choices
20mm, 30mm (examined) -
Sweep
8° again, 5° up
-
Fairly priced for carbon -
Light-weight -
Nice middle-of-the highway compliance (different sizes are a lot stiffer) -
Accessible in each clamp diameters
-
Fairly loud branding -
Different sizes examined a lot stiffer
Greatest General Aluminum Mountain Bike Handlebar
-
MSRP
$90 -
Materials
Aluminum -
Measured Weight
342g (35mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm -
Rise Choices
20mm, 35mm (examined) -
Sweep
8° again, 5° up
-
Barely extra compliant than the carbon model -
Cheaper than carbon -
Bought in bundles with stem, grips, and decals
-
Heavier weight -
Does not mute vibration in addition to the carbon model
Greatest Worth Aluminum Mountain Bike Handlebar
-
MSRP
$$69 (31.8mm) – $74 (35mm) -
Materials
Alloy -
Measured Weight
309g (35mm clamp) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm (31.8mm additionally out there) -
Rise Choices
30mm -
Sweep
10° again, 5° up
-
Inexpensive -
Is available in each clamp diameters (31.8 is extra compliant) -
Comfy, balanced really feel -
4 graphic colour choices
-
Heavier than carbon -
Just one rise choice – 30mm -
Measure a tad wider than 800mm
Greatest Mountain Bike Handlebar for Compliance
-
MSRP
$295 -
Materials
Titanium -
Measured Weight
303g (30mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
31.8mm -
Rise Choices
Flat, 20mm, 30mm (examined) -
Sweep
9° again, 5° up
-
Essentially the most compliant – snug on the arms -
Uncooked Titanium look is nice -
Claimed to be exceptionally sturdy
-
Costly -
Heavier than carbon
Greatest Mountain Bike Handlebar for XC Driving and Racing
-
MSRP
$180 -
Materials
Carbon -
Measured Weight
167g -
Width
740mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm -
Rise Choices
10mm -
Sweep
8° again, 5° again
-
Tremendous gentle -
Stiff and exact -
Surprisingly forgiving on the arms -
Good dimension and weight for XC bikes
-
740mm width could also be too slender for some riders
Greatest Mountain Bike Handlebar for Extra Again Sweep
-
MSRP
$320 -
Materials
Carbon (additionally is available in aluminum) -
Measured Weight
240g (45mm rise) -
Width
780mm -
Clamp Diameter
31.8mm -
Rise Choices
15mm, 30mm, 45mm (examined) -
Sweep
12° or 16° again, 4° up
-
12 or 16-degree choices for these searching for extra again sweep than most traditional bars provide -
Light-weight -
3 rise choices -
Stiff however not overly harsh -
Is available in aluminum model that prices lower than half
-
Very costly -
Additional again sweep will not be for everybody -
SQlab measures rise in a different way than different manufacturers
Better of the Relaxation
Stiff and Exact
-
MSRP
$150 -
Materials
Carbon -
Measured Weight
258g (25mm) -
Width
800mm (780mm additionally out there) -
Clamp Diameter
35mm (31.8mm additionally out there) -
Rise Choices
12mm, 25mm (examined), 38mm -
Sweep
9° again, 5° up
-
Honest worth for carbon -
Stiff and exact -
Accessible in each clamp diameters and a pair of widths -
Three rise choices
-
A bit of heavier than different carbon choices -
Much less forgiving than different carbon fashions examined
Stout However Balanced
-
MSRP
$200 -
Materials
Carbon fiber -
Measured Weight
230g (25mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm -
Rise Choices
15mm, 25mm (examined), 35mm -
Sweep
9° again, 5° up
-
Exact dealing with -
Light-weight -
Appears nice -
Accessible in 3 rise choices
-
Not fairly as compliant as some -
Pretty costly
A Burly Bar for Aggressive Driving
-
MSRP
$190 -
Materials
Carbon -
Measured Weight
243g (25mm rise) -
Width
800mm -
Clamp Diameter
35mm -
Rise Choices
10mm, 25mm (examined), 40mm -
Sweep
8° again, 4° up
-
Elegant seems -
Exact dealing with -
3 rise choices -
Comes with decal sheet for colour matching to wheels
-
Costly -
Does not mute suggestions fairly in addition to another carbon choices
A Tremendous Compliant Aluminum Choice
-
MSRP
$105 -
Materials
Alloy -
Measured Weight
317g (31.8mm clamp, 25mm rise) -
Width
810mm -
Clamp Diameter
31.8mm (35mm additionally out there) -
Rise Choices
12mm, 25mm (examined), 38mm, 50mm -
Sweep
8° again, 4° up
-
Very compliant -
Virtually as compliant as Titanium at roughly 1/3 the worth -
3 end choices out there – silver seems nice -
4 rise choices and is available in each clamp diameters
-
Reasonably costly for aluminum -
Heavier weight
Comparability Chart
Handlebar Mannequin | MSRP | Materials | Weight (dimension examined) | Width | Clamp Diameter | Rise Choices | Sweep | Stiffness Ranking (lbs/in) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OneUp Components Carbon | $160 | Carbon | 228g (20mm rise) | 800mm | 35mm | 20mm, 35mm | 8° again, 5°up | 371 |
FSA Gradient Carbon | $146.60 | Carbon | 237g (31.8 clamp/30mm rise) | 800mm | 31.8mm, 35mm | 20mm, 30mm | 8° again, 5°up | 388 |
OneUp Components Aluminum | $90 | Aluminum | 342g (35mm rise) | 800mm | 35mm | 20mm, 35mm | 8° again, 5°up | 351 |
PNW Range Gen 3 | $69 – $74 | Aluminum | 309g (35mm clamp) | 800mm | 31.8mm, 35mm | 30mm | 10° again, 5°up | 409 |
Roost Titanium Riser | $295 | Titanium | 303g (30mm rise) | 800mm | 31.8mm | Flat, 20mm, 30mm | 9° again, 5°up | 264 |
Race Face Next SL Carbon | $180 | Carbon | 167g | 740mm | 35mm | 10mm | 8° again, 5°up | 8° again, 5°up |
SQlab 30x Carbon Handlebar | $320 | Carbon | 240g (45mm rise) | 780mm | 31.8mm | 15mm, 30mm, 45mm | 12° or 16° again, 4° up | not lab examined |
Hope Carbon Handlebar | $215 | Carbon | 222g (31.8 clamp/20mm rise) | 800mm | 31.8mm, 35mm | 20mm | 7° again, 5°up | 355 |
Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon | $150 | Carbon | 258 g (25mm rise) | 780 or 800mm | 31.8mm, 35mm | 12mm, 25mm, 38mm | 9° again, 5°up | 451 |
Chromag BZA | $200 | Carbon | 230g (25mm rise) | 800mm | 35mm | 15mm, 25mm, 35mm | 9° again, 5°up | 409 |
ENVE M7 Handlebar | $190 | Carbon | 243g (25mm rise) | 800mm | 35mm | 10mm, 25mm, 40mm | 8° again, 4°up | 388 |
ProTaper A25 Aluminum | $109 | Aluminum | 317g (25mm rise) | 810mm | 31.8mm, 35mm | 12mm, 25mm, 38mm, 50mm | 8° again, 4°up | 299 |
Why You Ought to Belief Us
To say that the group at Bikerumor is gear-obsessed can be an understatement. Writing about biking gear is greater than only a job, using bikes can also be our ardour, and we’re all the time on the hunt for merchandise that may enhance our expertise out on the paths. Through the years, we discovered that even a element as seemingly easy because the handlebar can improve our consolation and management whereas mountain biking. And, we’ve been lucky to check out a lot of completely different handlebars to search out what we like greatest. Nonetheless, there are such a lot of handlebars available on the market with numerous claims about their efficiency traits, that it may be difficult to search out the proper handlebar for you.
To be taught extra, we teamed up with Faction Bike Studio to do compliance testing in their lab to get some actual knowledge on the stiffness and compliance of 42 completely different handlebars. Then, we rider-tested a collection of these handlebars to see if the variations in stiffness/compliance had been noticeable on the path and what affect it had on our consolation and management. We discovered that there are notable variations among the many bars we examined and that the lab findings lined up with the rider expertise. Overview creator, Jeremy Benson, was one of many take a look at riders for the handlebar testing undertaking. As somebody who has struggled with numb arms and arm pump whereas using, Jeremy has spent years trying to find the proper handlebar that gives the perfect steadiness of forgiveness and responsiveness, and he has tried over 30 completely different fashions prior to now few years.
We began our testing by gathering 42 handlebars and having them despatched to Faction Bike Studio in Granby, Quebec for compliance testing of their lab. Every handlebar was put by means of the identical compliance take a look at to measure the deflection, or flex, underneath a predetermined quantity of weight utilized. These numbers gave us knowledge to match the handlebars when it comes to stiffness and compliance, as there’s in any other case no normal ranking system or scale. After the lab testing, we selected 4 fashions for rider testing, and you’ll try this text and the accompanying video to see how we examined and what we discovered. Along with testing the handlebars within the lab and on the path for our video undertaking, Jeremy examined all twelve of the handlebars included on this purchaser’s information to get a really feel for a way every mannequin performs out on the path. Our suggestions are primarily based on his real-world testing expertise and are knowledgeable by the outcomes of the Faction Bike Studio lab testing.
Shopping for Recommendation: Tips on how to Select Mountain Bike Handlebars
For such a seemingly easy element, there’s a shocking quantity to think about when selecting a brand new mountain bike handlebar. Within the following sections, we’ll focus on essential elements like completely different supplies, geometries, stiffness/compliance, weight, and extra that can assist you wade by means of the multitude of choices available on the market when you’re in search of one thing new.
Materials
The 2 supplies which can be mostly utilized in mountain bike handlebars are carbon fiber and aluminum. In lots of circumstances, some manufacturers even make the identical handlebar in each choices. There are additionally a small handful of handlebars constituted of Titanium available on the market lately. One of many major elements that differentiates these supplies is worth, however there are different variations we’ll cowl beneath.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is broadly used within the building of mountain bike handlebars as a result of it has a wonderful strength-to-weight ratio and it may be manipulated into completely different shapes and layups to tune them to supply desired efficiency traits, significantly with reference to stiffness/compliance. One of many major advantages of carbon handlebars for a lot of riders is that they’re dramatically lighter than their aluminum counterparts, usually weighing within the neighborhood of 70 to 100 grams much less (relying on the fashions in query). Whereas that won’t matter to everybody, it is among the cheaper methods to shave that a lot weight off a whole bike. Moreover, carbon fiber has a superb means to soak up high-frequency vibration, comparatively talking.
It’s value noting that within the compliance (flex) testing on the Faction Bike Studio lab, the common stiffness of the carbon handlebars we examined was barely increased than the aluminum competitors. In fact, that’s a mean taken from our pattern of handlebars and doesn’t inform the entire story, significantly given carbon’s vibration-absorbing properties. In reality, we’d argue that many of the carbon handlebars in the midst of the stiffness compliance spectrum really do a greater job of dampening vibration and muting suggestions than equally compliant bars constituted of aluminum.
The first downside to carbon fiber as a handlebar materials is that it has a better manufacturing value that ends in costs that may be as a lot as double, or extra, than an equal aluminum choice. And, whereas carbon fiber handlebars are extremely robust, they are often extra inclined to break from blunt impacts, crashes, or presumably even the over-tightening of stem bolts or bar clamps to your controls. We all the time advocate utilizing a torque wrench when tightening something in your bike, significantly when coping with carbon elements.
Aluminum
Earlier than the industry-wide adoption of carbon fiber as a fabric to be used within the building of nearly every part, aluminum was nearly the one sport on the town for mountain bike handlebars. Comparatively talking, aluminum is cheaper as a fabric, and producing elements like frames and handlebars is less complicated and due to this fact more cost effective. Nonetheless, it may be manipulated into a big selection of sizes and shapes, though it is a little more restricted when it comes to tunability in comparison with carbon fiber. And, whereas it’s pretty light-weight, aluminum handlebars virtually all the time weigh fairly a bit greater than their carbon counterparts.
The outcomes of the Faction Bike Studio compliance testing within the lab confirmed us that, on common, aluminum handlebars are barely extra compliant than their carbon counterparts. That could be a very broad generalization after all, as some aluminum bars are tremendous stiff, however general, aluminum bars are a bit extra forgiving when it comes to stiffness. That mentioned, past the flex of an aluminum handlebar, the fabric itself doesn’t take up vibration fairly as readily as carbon fiber, in our expertise.
Titanium
Titanium is the least widespread materials utilized in mountain bike handlebars, however manufacturers have been making frames and handlebars out of it for a lot of a long time. In reality, I’ve a brilliant slender Bontrager Titec handlebar on my classic ’93 customized hardtail out in my storage. Titanium has lengthy been utilized in high-end bike frames, because it has a singular and forgiving experience high quality in comparison with metal or aluminum. Not surprisingly, that interprets fairly on to handlebars, and the Roost Titanium bars we examined are roughly 30% extra compliant on common in comparison with each the carbon and aluminum fashions we examined. In the event you’re after probably the most forgiving bar, significantly for larger impacts, the Roost Titanium bars are it.
Not surprisingly, Titanium is sort of costly, and the fashions we examined are among the most spendy handlebars available on the market. That mentioned, Titanium additionally has a fame for being extremely sturdy, so the upper worth could also be justified by its lengthy lifespan.
Clamp Diameter
Mountain bike handlebars are available both 31.8mm or 35mm clamp diameters, and fairly a couple of are supplied in each sizes. In the event you’re getting a brand new handlebar to exchange your present one (and also you don’t need to substitute your stem too), then you definitely’ll need to make certain you get the identical clamp dimension. The dimensions is often printed someplace on the handlebar, often within the clamp zone that will get coated by the stem, but when not, you’ll be able to measure the diameter with a caliper.
For a few years, the 31.8mm clamp diameter was thought of the “normal” till a number of manufacturers began making bars and stems with a 35mm clamp interface. Initially, the transfer to 35mm clamp diameters was to extend each the stiffness of the bar/stem interface and the handlebars themselves, and the final notion was that each one 35mm clamp bars had been stiffer than 31.8mm. Whereas which will have been true for a short while, it’s not at all a tough and quick rule and we’d name it an oversimplification. Today, the stiffness of a bar is dictated extra by its design and building than by its clamp diameter, and there are tremendous stiff and really compliant bars in each sizes.
That mentioned, we did discover within the outcomes of our lab testing within the pattern of bars we examined, that the common stiffness of these with a 35mm clamp was, the truth is, simply barely increased than these with a 31.8mm clamp. Once more, it is a broad generalization, however a notable pattern nonetheless. No matter clamp dimension, most riders ought to be capable to discover a handlebar that fits their preferences.
Stem
The stem of your mountain bike is a reasonably easy element that merely attaches your handlebar to your fork’s steerer tube. As such, alongside along with your handlebar, your stem is a part of a system that’s used to manage your bike. Mountain bike stems are available a big selection of sizes and shapes that may play a task in your bike match (bar top and attain), and ranging ranges of stiffness that may have a minor affect on the responsiveness of your dealing with. Relying on the stem, some can have a little bit of flex, whereas others are ultra-stiff, so that may be an element that’s value contemplating when upgrading your handlebar, particularly when you’re going to a special clamp dimension and have to buy a brand new stem anyway.
On the subject of motorbike match, altering the size of your stem is a simple strategy to successfully enhance or lower the size of your attain, which may play a big function in your consolation in addition to your bike’s dealing with.
Geometry
Mountain bike handlebars are available an enormous assortment of rises, sweeps, and widths, all of which may play a task in your physique place, wrist alignment, and general consolation on the bike. And, by making adjustments to any of these dimensions, you’ll be able to regulate the ergonomics and match of your cockpit to dial it into your particular wants.
Width
Over the previous couple of a long time, mountain bike handlebars have (fortunately) trended wider which has helped enhance each stability and dealing with leverage for our more and more succesful bikes. Whereas it varies considerably by model and mannequin, most handlebars for path or gravity using come within the neighborhood of 780mm to 800mm of their uncut, inventory width. Handlebars on XC bikes are usually a bit narrower, and the light-weight Race Face Next SL is an effective instance that is available in a 740mm width. Whereas the inventory width of a handlebar is likely to be an awesome match for some riders, our our bodies are available all completely different sizes and shapes, and most of the time, most riders may benefit from trimming a brand new handlebar to a extra applicable width to get a greater match.
Handlebars which can be too slender can lead to much less stability and management, whereas bars which can be too vast can stretch your arms out too far and negatively affect your dealing with or consolation in different methods. Figuring out the suitable width could be a little difficult, however in case you have a handlebar that you just already know is an effective match for you, it could possibly be as simple as measuring that one and trimming your new bar to match. In any other case, we propose utilizing a calculated method as a result of reducing your handlebar is everlasting. Keep in mind, you’ll be able to all the time make it narrower, however you’ll be able to’t put materials again on, so begin slowly until you might be assured that it’s proper.
Handlebar producers anticipate that their bars will likely be getting trimmed and most come marked with measurement strains on the ends to make it somewhat simpler. It isn’t too tough to trim a handlebar by yourself (there are some nice ideas on-line), however if you’re uncertain or don’t have the instruments, any native bike store ought to have the opportunity that can assist you out.
Rise
The rise of a handlebar refers to how excessive a handlebar rises over its size out towards each ends and it’s sometimes measured in millimeters. Rise is comparatively essential to think about as your handlebar top can have a big affect in your physique place, weight distribution, and general consolation on the bike. For that reason, many handlebars are supplied in a number of rise choices to go well with various wants and preferences, whereas others are solely supplied in a single rise.
Like the rest, there isn’t a one-rise-fits-all, and what works greatest is often a matter of non-public choice or doubtlessly the kind of bike that you just’re using. If, for instance, you’re feeling extreme stress in your arms whereas using, it could possibly be that your handlebar is somewhat low and that stress could possibly be relieved through the use of a bar with a better rise that shifts your physique place barely extra upright. Conversely, if the entrance finish of your bike feels too excessive, susceptible to wandering, otherwise you’re looping out on steep climbs, reducing your bar top with a lower-rise handlebar might assist repair the issue. It’s additionally value mentioning that adjusting the place of the spacers above or beneath the stem can have the same impact in your bar top.
The correct amount of rise may additionally be influenced by the kind of using you’re doing. Cross-country racers who prioritize pedaling velocity and effectivity will usually experience in a extra aggressive, forward-leaning place, so it’s not unusual to see flat or 10mm rise bars on light-weight XC bikes. Conversely, those that experience tremendous steep terrain continuously will usually go for a higher-rise handlebar to lift up the entrance finish of the bike and assist stop their physique weight from being too far ahead whereas descending steeper pitches. Once more preferences range, however discovering the suitable rise for you is a crucial side of getting your cockpit setup dialed in for consolation and efficiency.
Again Sweep and Upsweep
Transferring out from the middle of the handlebar, the ends of handlebars are angled each up and again, and these angles are known as upsweep and again sweep. These angles are meant to offer higher alignment of the arms and wrists when gripping the handlebar within the using place. There aren’t actually “normal” upsweep and again sweep angles, though the candy spot for many riders is round 8° or 9° again and 4° or 5° up as evidenced by the truth that nearly all of handlebars available on the market fall into that vary. There are outliers, after all, just like the Hope Carbon Handlebar with a barely extra aggressive 7° again sweep or the PNW Range Gen 3 which has a considerably extra relaxed 10° again sweep.
Some riders can profit from extra improved ergonomics and wrist alignment supplied by handlebars which have extra again sweep than the conventional vary talked about above, and luckily, a couple of manufacturers provide merchandise to fulfill that want. One such handlebar is the SQlab 30X Carbon (or aluminum) which could be bought with both 12° or 16° of again sweep. Whereas that a lot again sweep isn’t essentially splendid for everybody, it might be precisely what some riders have to experience extra comfortably. It’s value noting that rising again sweep successfully shortens attain, so these choosing extra excessive angles like 12° or 16° may have to think about adjusting stem size to compensate.
Bar Roll
Straight associated to again sweep and upsweep is bar roll. When organising your handlebar, you need to place it in order that the again sweep and upsweep are aligned within the place that feels greatest for you, and that’s performed by “rolling” the handlebar ahead or again within the stem. Even slight adjustments to bar roll can play a giant half in your wrist alignment and the way a handlebar feels towards your palms. Modifications to bar roll are fairly simple to make, so that is comparatively simple to experiment with to search out out what works greatest. Simply make sure you reposition your controls and grips to the right angles if you’re making adjustments to the bar roll.
Management Setup
Organising your controls (shifters and brake levers) correctly also can affect your wrist alignment and affect your consolation. Ideally, you need your shifter paddles and dropper lever to not intrude along with your thumb whereas gripping the handlebar however nonetheless be shut sufficient that you just don’t have to succeed in excessively to press on them. Equally, the lateral place and attain of your brake levers must be adjusted to go well with the size of your fingers so as to attain them simply. And, let’s not neglect your selection of mountain bike grips as that may affect your consolation as nicely.
The angle of your brake levers is arguably an important right here as it’s almost definitely to affect how your wrists are aligned when gripping the handlebar and reaching for the levers. In case your levers are too flat or too steep it will probably trigger your wrists to bend an excessive amount of in come what may. In fact, what works greatest is a matter of non-public choice and may additionally be dictated by the kind of using that you just’re doing. Identical to bar roll, adjusting the place and angles of your controls is fast and simple, so attempting various things to dial it in is fairly easy.
Stiffness vs Compliance
Compliance is a well-liked buzzword within the biking {industry} that’s used to explain elements that present some forgiveness by means of flex, and it’s utilized by many handlebar producers to characterize the efficiency of their merchandise. Compliance is actually the alternative of stiffness, and it refers to a fabric or object’s means to flex underneath load. Whereas flex might not sound like probably the most fascinating trait in a handlebar, compliance can work to soak up among the forces from affect which could be helpful and enhance rider consolation.
Developments in supplies and building strategies have allowed manufacturers to tune handlebars to attain desired efficiency traits whether or not that’s tremendous stiff, very compliant, or someplace in between. With out an industry-wide compliance take a look at “normal”, nonetheless, it’s laborious to know the place completely different handlebars line up on the stiffness/compliance scale in contrast to one another.
So, in 2023, we partnered with Faction Bike Studio to do a first-of-its-kind mountain bike handlebar compliance test. We examined 42 completely different handlebars in Faction’s lab with a standardized flex take a look at to see how they range when it comes to stiffness and compliance (see the graph beneath to match), after which we did some blind rider testing to see if the lab take a look at outcomes are noticeable in use and the way that interprets out on the path.
As you’ll be able to see, there are some fairly dramatic variations when it comes to stiffness, and in our testing, we decided that these variations are, the truth is, noticeable whereas using. Consider it or not, there are some handlebars that may present enhanced consolation by means of affect and vibration absorption, however, similar to the rest, how stiff or compliant your handlebar must be comes all the way down to rider choice.
Stiff handlebars are recognized for being tremendous exact and supply responsive dealing with, however typically it comes at the price of consolation. Then again, compliant handlebars are recognized for offering extra consolation, however typically at the price of dealing with precision. Handlebars in the midst of the stiffness scale will sometimes present probably the most balanced traits, the place they supply somewhat additional consolation with out sacrificing a lot when it comes to dealing with.
Many fashionable handlebars, significantly these constituted of carbon fiber, are being constructed with particular layups that enable for some vertical compliance to soak up affect whereas remaining horizontally stiff for dealing with and management. These efficiency traits could be laborious to steadiness, however some manufacturers and fashions of handlebars are doing it fairly successfully. Carbon fiber, and significantly the entire interfaces of composite buildings, does a greater job of absorbing vibration and serving to to dampen high-frequency suggestions which will in any other case be transferred to the arms in comparison with different supplies. However, as you’ll be able to see within the graph above, lots of the stiffest bars we examined additionally occur to be constituted of carbon. Nonetheless, one among our favourite carbon handlebars is the OneUp Components Carbon as its distinctive ovalized form and carbon building present an incredible steadiness of compliance, vibration absorption, and dealing with precision.
Identical to carbon handlebars, these constituted of aluminum range fairly dramatically when it comes to stiffness/compliance, however on common, we discovered them to be barely extra compliant within the lab testing. Regardless, there’s a wide array from tremendous stiff to extra compliant which could be seen within the graph above. Six of the ten most compliant bars are aluminum and two of the ten stiffest bars are aluminum, so you’ve got the choice to decide on your most popular stiffness. It’s value noting, nonetheless, that aluminum doesn’t take up high-frequency vibration fairly in addition to carbon fiber can, typically talking, though the bars on the extra compliant finish of the spectrum do assist take up larger impacts fairly successfully.
Titanium is far much less widespread as a fabric for handlebars, largely as a result of it’s costlier, however it’s recognized for offering a singular, snug experience really feel when used as a frame-building materials. This interprets fairly on to the handlebar software, and our lab testing confirmed that the three titanium fashions we examined had been probably the most compliant in comparison with aluminum or carbon fiber. On the path, that distinction is noticeable and so they positively do take up among the affect forces from bigger hits. And, whereas we discovered the dealing with to really feel a tiny bit obscure initially, it didn’t take lengthy in any respect to get used to it. The uncooked titanium additionally seems superior, which doesn’t damage both.
Weight
The load of a handlebar in all probability shouldn’t be an important think about deciding what to purchase, however for the weight-conscious amongst us, it’s doable to save lots of weight in your bike with an improve when you select. With most aluminum handlebars weighing in round 300g to 340g and most carbon bars starting from round 200g to 250g, it’s doable to cut back the general weight of your bike by round 100g (3.5 oz) or so. Whereas which will appear insignificant to many riders, there are many people who would possibly respect the advantages of getting a lighter general bike weight, and in comparison with another elements, the price-to-weight distinction between a carbon bar and an aluminum one is less complicated to abdomen.
For these riders trying to save probably the most weight on a light-weight XC race bike, for instance, there are a number of tremendous gentle handlebars available on the market. The lightest one we’ve examined is the Race Face Next SL which is available in at a scant 167g at its untrimmed 740mm width. Whereas that width received’t attraction to everybody, it’s nicely chosen for the XC software the place bars are usually a bit narrower than these utilized by path and enduro/gravity riders. Transferring up barely in weight, lots of the wider, burlier carbon bars are nonetheless very gentle with fashions just like the Hope Carbon handlebar (222g), Oneup Carbon (228g), Chromag BZA (230g), and the FSA Gradient carbon (237g) weighing shockingly little in comparison with comparably sized aluminum choices.
Worth
You don’t have to spend so much to get a handlebar that will likely be a efficiency improve over the inventory aluminum handlebars that come on a whole lot of full mountain bikes. The aluminum fashions we examined vary in worth from $69 to $109, and there are many different choices available on the market which can be priced equally and can outperform the essential choices that many producers spec on bikes to economize. The price of a handlebar rises as the fabric will get fancier and the load comes down, and carbon fiber handlebars fall in a worth vary of round $150 to $200. Whereas that’s clearly costlier than the aluminum choices, the load financial savings is pretty important and we really feel the efficiency helps to justify the upper price ticket. Going up a worth degree, area of interest merchandise constituted of unique supplies like Titanium or which have particular options like additional again sweep appear to command extra money. Whereas a Titanium handlebar or 12-16° again sweep received’t attraction to everybody, they exist for many who want or need them, simply know that you just’ll be paying somewhat additional to get it.
Incessantly Requested Questions
There are a variety of causes to improve your mountain bike handlebar. First, until you purchased a high-end full bike, the inventory handlebars that come on most bikes are tremendous fundamental aluminum choices chosen for his or her value financial savings and never their efficiency. Positive they work nice, however nearly any aftermarket handlebar will carry out higher.
Second, you’ll be able to alter the match and, due to this fact, your consolation on the bike by getting a handlebar that has a form that works nicely for you. By altering the rise, sweeps, and width of your handlebar, you’ll be able to dial it in completely to your using model, physique place, wrist alignment, and so on, for higher ergonomics, and finally improved consolation and management of your bike.
Third, handlebars range dramatically when it comes to stiffness, so it’s doable to get one that matches your required efficiency traits. Need one thing stiff and exact, compliant and forgiving, or one thing in between? Nicely, there are many choices to select from. And, similar to the suitable match can enhance consolation, you too can enhance hand, wrist, and higher physique consolation through the use of among the extra compliant handlebars that assist take up affect and vibration.
Fourth, you too can cut back the general weight of your bike by switching from aluminum to carbon fiber. That received’t matter to everybody, however it’s among the many cheaper methods to shave weight off your bike.
Whereas it in all probability received’t be value it for everybody, we predict that the efficiency advantages justify the asking worth of carbon or Titanium handlebars for severe riders. For carbon bars, the load financial savings is notable, and to us, carbon’s means to soak up high-frequency vibration is unquestionably noticeable in back-to-back comparisons (although it varies considerably by the mannequin in query). Additionally, the power for producers to tune carbon handlebars to carry out in particular methods means you’ll be able to in all probability discover a bar that meets your wants and desires and adjustments the general experience really feel of your bike. Realistically, a pleasant carbon handlebar prices about the identical as a brand new set of mountain bike tires (at retail costs), and it’ll final a heck of rather a lot longer, so we really feel it’s cash nicely spent.
Titanium handlebars are among the many costliest available on the market, however they will additionally present tangible advantages for some riders. Given their spectacular ranges of compliance, they could be a nice choice for these searching for a extra forgiving experience really feel that helps stop arm pump or your arms from going numb.
Roost’s Titanium handlebars proved to be probably the most compliant of all of the handlebars we examined in Faction Bike Studio’s lab by roughly 30% in comparison with the common compliance of the opposite handlebars constituted of aluminum or carbon fiber. This was additionally fairly noticeable on the path because the Roost bars supplied a snug experience high quality and helped take the sting off bigger impacts particularly.
A number of aluminum handlebars, however most notably the ProTaper A25 and A50 fashions had been virtually as compliant because the Roost Titanium bars within the lab testing and supplied the same experience really feel. Surprisingly, nonetheless, among the carbon handlebars that fall in the midst of the compliance spectrum present a extra damp, muted really feel attributable to carbon’s means to soak up high-frequency vibration extra successfully.
The stiffest handlebar we examined is the Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon (35mm clamp, 12mm rise). In reality, 4 of the ten stiffest bars we examined had been Nukeproof Horizon V2 carbon fashions in numerous clamp sizes and rises. These are burly handlebars made for precision on tough DH tracks at excessive speeds. To not be outdone, nonetheless, three FSA Gradient Carbon handlebars are within the high ten stiffest handlebars too. And, two Chromag OSX Aluminum fashions additionally compete among the many stiffest bars we examined in Faction’s lab. So, when you prioritize stiffness, you’ve acquired choices.
In the event you endure from hand numbness, wrist discomfort, or arm pump whereas using, a extra compliant handlebar can usually assist cut back the quantity of suggestions and vibration transmitted by means of the bars and into your arms and higher physique. Of the fashions we examined, the Roost Titanium bars had been probably the most compliant within the lab testing we did with Faction Bike Studio. Not far behind was the ProTaper A25 Aluminum handlebar, which additionally prices considerably much less. That mentioned, we’ve discovered among the carbon bars that fall in the midst of the stiffness/compliance spectrum, just like the OneUp Elements Carbon, to offer wonderful consolation attributable to carbon’s means to mute high-frequency vibration that will in any other case be transferred to the arms.
In the event you’re upgrading or changing your handlebar and also you don’t need to buy a brand new stem, then you definitely’ll need to get the identical dimension you have already got, both 31.8mm or 35mm. Typically, the clamp dimension is printed someplace on the handlebar, so have a look round and see if yow will discover it. Trace: it might be hidden underneath the stem within the clamp space, so it’s possible you’ll have to take away it from the stem to search out this data. In the event you don’t see it printed wherever, then utilizing a caliper, in case you have one, is a simple strategy to measure the diameter. In any other case, convey your bike to a neighborhood bike store, they need to have the opportunity that can assist you out.
Primarily based on the outcomes of the lab testing performed at Faction Bike Studio, we discovered that on common, 35mm clamp diameter handlebars are barely stiffer than 31.8mm. And, that these variations are barely extra pronounced in Aluminum handlebars than in carbon fiber. Nonetheless, these are simply averages, and the variations in common stiffness are comparatively minimal. Given the quantity of variability when it comes to stiffness, no matter clamp diameter, it shouldn’t be assumed {that a} explicit handlebar will likely be stiffer than one other primarily based on clamp dimension alone. The model, mannequin, materials, and rise additionally play a task in a handlebar’s stiffness.
Discovering the perfect rise could be difficult, however having your handlebar on the proper top is crucial for rider consolation and likewise efficiency. In the event you really feel an excessive amount of stress in your arms, then including rise can usually assist. Equally, when you discover your weight too far ahead on steep descents, including rise may additionally be helpful. On the flip facet, when you discover that your physique place is simply too informal or upright more often than not or that there isn’t sufficient weight on the entrance finish of the bike, decreasing your rise would possibly assist.
One strategy to experiment with out dropping money on a brand new handlebar is to maneuver the stem up or down by adjusting the place of the spacers above or beneath it. This successfully adjustments the peak of your handlebar and provides you an concept if roughly rise can be useful. In the event you’ve already maxed out or bottomed out your stem top and nonetheless really feel the necessity to go increased or decrease, then selecting a bar with roughly rise could possibly be the answer.
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