HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR FOR YOUR BIKE?

Which handlebar for which practice?

There are 4 categories of hangers:

1 - The flat hanger

Widespread on mountain bikes as well as on general-purpose bikes, it stands out par the fact that it is curved at the back. There are two variants: it can be completely straight or very slightly curved backwards. This shape allows the cyclist to obtain optimal transfer of pedaling power and to enjoy perfect control on the bike. The straight flat handlebar is therefore perfectly suited to all types of mountain bikes, from full suspension mountain bikes for extreme off-roading to hardtail mountain bikes.

2 - The Curved Flat Hanger

This kind of handlebars are most of the time curved or even slightly raised. It is urban cyclists (city or touring) who use them most often.

The curved flat handlebar is indicated for use over short distances. Its curved shape allows for a more relaxed riding position, making it ideal for city bikes and touring bikes. Its rounded shape is chosen to favor a position of the hands towards the inside of the body. The more this handlebar is curved towards the rear, the more the riding position can be straightened and comfortable. This helps to reduce, or even eliminate, muscular strain in your wrists.

3 - The Multi-Position Hanger

Intended for long trips and short hikes, this handlebar has extensions that allow its user to have several positions during use. In general, it is the sporty cyclists who are seduced byar this kind of handlebar.

Le "bulhorn" or "cow horn" hanger looks like a straight coat hanger but is also equipped with an extension at the ends which gives it that characteristic shape of cow horns. This makes it possible to alternate driving positions and thus relax tense muscles.ar long hours on the bike. The bulhorn handlebar is perfectly suited for long distances and is therefore perfect for road bikes.

Another handlebar perfectly adapted to road bikes: the butterfly hanger. Particularly recognized for its rigidity and its resistance in the event of a fall, this type of handlebar offers a multitude of positions for the hands and thus makes it possible to alternate different riding positions. In both cases, you have a relatively raised posture and several possible positions for the hands in order to limit the numbness.

4 - The road bike handlebar

This handlebar is used to improve performance. It allows riders to choose from 3 hand positions to reduce muscle fatigue:

- Hands on the brake hoods.

- Hands on the bottom of the handlebar (on the rounded part): aerodynamic position improving air penetration).

- Hands on the top of the handlebars, on the right side: straighter and more relaxed posture, but without access to the brake levers, except in the case of the presence of dual brake controls.

How to choose the right handlebar width?

To choose your handlebar width, you have to start par measure the width of his shoulders at the level of the bone. It must be identical to the width of the bicycle handlebar which is measured between the axes of the two lower bars and generally varies from 38 to 44 cm. You can also grab the handlebars at the bend and have someone watch to see if your arms are straight in front of your body.

The width of the handlebar, end to end, often depends on the bike used and the discipline practised.

• A wide handlebar promotes maneuverability, downhill stability and dancer's balance on the bike and opens up your ribcage for better breathing.

• A narrow handlebar makes it easier to pass between tight trees and gives better aerodynamics on rolling parts.

The handlebar width for a mountain bike depends on the type of practice. If you do cross-country, a width between 600 and 680 mm is ideal. Go for a handlebar between 700 and 800 mm wide when All-mountain for more maneuverability and stability on the descent. In touring, a width between 650 and 710 mm can offer a good compromise between responsiveness and stability.

Component diameter and compatibility

Attention, there are several standard diameters. Majority of bikes are equipped with stem and handlebar which standard diameter is 31,8mm.

First of all, you have to make sure that the diameter in the center of the handlebar where you come to tighten your stem either well in 31.8 mm like 95% of the current cases in MTB. If your bike is older, entry-level, or has a very high-end extra light handlebar, you may have a 25.4mm diameter handlebar. Par elsewhere, a new format of 35mm in diameter has just emerged for a practice ofEnduro and DH.

Some handlebars offer internal routing to route cables inside the top tube. This will be the last thing to check before making your choice.

Conclusion

To choose your bike handlebars, you have to take into account your practice. The road handlebar is used on the racing bike mainly to optimize performance. The gravel handlebar is perfect for trail riding and all-around practice. Choose the curved flat design for a more relaxed position or the typical flat straight handlebar for precise control.

Warning

After a major fall, it is strongly recommended to change your handlebar to avoid an unfortunate break.ar this one could be damaged. It could jeopardize its resistance to fatigue without this being visible to the naked eye.

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