The handlebar, comprising the bar, stem, and grips or tape, is essential for bike control. Choosing the right handlebar enhances comfort and control. This article outlines the pros and cons of 9 different handlebar types for various bike models to help you make an informed choice.
What is the Right Handlebar Style for Me?
Depending on the type of bike, handlebars are mainly divided into mountain bike handlebars and road bike handlebars.
Road bike handlebar types:
Drop Handlebars (Drop Bars)
Bullhorn Bars
TT Bars
Mountain bike handlebar types:
Flat Handlebars (Flat Bars)
Riser Handlebars (Riser Bars)
H-Bar
Cruiser Bars
Butterfly Bars
BMX Bars
To choose the right handlebar, you need to decide based on your riding needs and riding environment:
Mountain Bike Handlebars: Suitable for off-road and uneven terrain riding. Flat bars and riser bars offer good control and comfort, while butterfly bars are suitable for long-distance riding.
Road Bike Handlebars: Suitable for flat roads and high-speed riding. Drop bars provide good aerodynamic performance, suitable for fast riding; flat bars focus more on comfort and ease of operation, suitable for casual riding.
9 Different Types of Bike Handlebars
Here are nine main types of handlebars and their characteristics:
1. Drop Handlebars ( Drop Bars)
Drop bars have good aerodynamic performance, flexible hand positions, and make it easy to exert force when pedaling. Drop bars are commonly seen on road bikes, suitable for flat roads and high-speed riding environments. However, the low crouched position can be uncomfortable and can easily put pressure on the hands and waist during riding.
2. Flat Handlebars ( Flat Bars)
Flat bars provide more hand space and easy braking power, emphasizing comfort and personalization. They are simple to control, require less technical skill from the rider, and have enough expansion capability to install various accessories. However, due to the more upright riding position, they have greater wind resistance and are not suitable for climbing. These handlebars are common on leisure and entry-level bikes.
3. Riser Handlebars ( Riser Bars)
Riser bars offer high control and relatively lower pressure on the wrists, with relatively high climbing efficiency. However, these handlebars put more pressure on the waist and hips and are usually heavier and more expensive than flat bars.
4. H-Bar
H-bars have high comfort and offer multiple hand positions, but their non-mainstream design has poor compatibility.
5. Bullhorn Bars
Bullhorn bars provide multiple hand positions and have a narrow design, making them convenient for urban riding with good aerodynamic performance. However, the narrow profile can feel bumpy, and the hands are farther from the brakes.
6. TT Bars
TT bars offer the best aerodynamic performance and are lightweight but are not suitable for beginners, climbing, and are very expensive.
7. Cruiser Bars
Cruiser bars allow for an upright and comfortable position, making steering easy, but they are generally heavy.
8. Butterfly Bars
Butterfly bars offer a wide range of hand positions and riding postures, suitable for long-distance riding, but are heavy and create significant riding resistance.
9. BMX Bars
BMX bars are suitable for performing stunts and are very sturdy, but only suitable for specific groups of riders.
I hope you can find the handlebars that are most suitable for you, enhancing your riding experience and comfort.
