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What Are The Different Types Of Bicycle Handlebars?

Bullhorn Handlebars

What Type Of Handlebars Are Available For Bicycles?

There are several types of bicycle handlebars available today. Some of them are very common, while others are quite rare. There are two main categories of handlebars: straight bars and curved bars.

Straight handlebars are usually found on road bikes, while curved handlebars are mostly associated with mountain biking. The following are the wide varieties of handlebars:

Straight Handlebars

Straight handlebars are typically made of steel or aluminum, while curved ones are usually made of carbon fiber. Both types come in various shapes, sizes and angles. You’ll find them on most bicycles, including racing bikes, touring bikes, city bikes, BMX bikes, cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, etc.

Straight handlebars are great for beginners since they require less strength to operate. However, if you’re already comfortable riding a bike, then you may prefer the look of drop bars. Both styles are available at any bicycle shop. This type of handlebar is very popular.

Curved Handlebars

Curved handlebars are generally wider at the ends than at the middle. This allows riders to lean forward and backward without hitting their heads against the frame. On the other hand, straight handlebars are narrower at the ends than at their center. Riders must sit upright to ride comfortably.

You’ll find curved handlebars on road bikes, touring bikes, cruiser bikes, BMX bikes, and mountain bikes. However, there are no standard rules regarding the shape of handlebars. Each manufacturer designs its own handlebars according to its own needs and preferences.

For instance, many manufacturers prefer curved handlebars because they provide better stability and balance. These handlebars are especially suitable for long-distance riding. Other manufacturers favor straight handlebars because they allow riders to lean forward and backward without hitting their heads against the frame.

A lot of factors influence the choice of handlebars, such as the rider’s height, weight, age, gender, skill level, riding style, terrain, weather conditions, etc. So, if you’re interested in buying a new bike, don’t forget to consider the type of handlebars you want.

Flat Handlebars

Flat handlebars are the most basic style of handlebars. They have grips at either end with brake levers at your fingers and thumb-operated gears. However, there are some exceptions. Some hybrid bicycles have no brakes or gear shifters. Others have flat bars with no brakes or gear shifters. And some road bikes have flat bars without any brakes or gear shifters, making them look like fixed-gear bikes.

A flat handlebar is great for recreational riding and city commutes. They are usually the cheapest option but can be hard on your wrists. Modern mountain bikes have started using flat bars made from strong lightweight materials.

This type of bicycle handlebar is one of those topics that everyone loves talking about. Everyone knows what a flat handlebar looks like, but not everyone knows where to find them.

Bullhorn Handlebars 2

Riser Handlebars

Riser handlebars are the simplest style of bike handlebars. They are characterized by a straight bar that has a dip at the center and rises up on both sides. Riser bars are great for beginners and those who prefer riding upright.

MTB handlebars are becoming increasingly popular. However, there are still plenty of riders out there who ride road bicycles exclusively. Regardless of whether you ride a mountain bike or road bike, risers are a great option if you want to sit upright while riding.

These are bicycle handlebars for standing upright and are commonly found in hybrids and city commuters. Because they place your hands in a higher position than the saddle, they require less effort to steer.

Wide riser bars are great for beginners, especially since they are easier to control than drop bars. You’ll find them on many beginner bikes, including children’s bikes, BMX bikes, and cruiser bikes.

Bullhorn Handlebars

Bullhorn handlebars are a type of bicycle bar that exits the stem horizontally and then bends away from the rider and upward on either end, imitating the horns of a bull, hence the name. These bars provide an aggressive cycling position, allowing cyclists to increase their speed and decrease drag.

Bullhorn handlebars were originally developed for time trials and track cyclists to provide an aero tuck position, which allowed them to pedal faster without losing any power. However, most time trials handlebars are now referred to as aero handlebars.

Bullhorn handlebar designs vary widely depending on the style of the bike being ridden. Some bikes feature a single horn at the front, others two, and still others four. There are also variations in the shape of the horns themselves, including straight, curved, and tapered.

Bullhorn handlebars are compatible with both time trial and road bicycles. They are typically found on racing bikes, although they do occasionally find their way onto mountain bikes.

Bullhorn bars are generally considered to be a performance enhancement rather than a safety device. They may cause discomfort if not properly fitted to a bicycle, however, and should only be used by experienced riders.

Bullhorn handlebars are a great choice if you want to ride a bike without gears. These handlebars give you the option of using either a flat or a side position. You’ll find them on most fixed-gear bikes, including fixies, drop bars, and cruiser bikes.

You may also see them on messenger bikes or city commuter bikes. They’re a common style of fixies, and they’re a great choice for longer rides.

They’re often seen with only a single front brake lever. Fixie bikes use back pedal brakes and have no gears, so there’s no need for multiple levers.

Bullhorn Handlebars 3

Drop Handlebars

Standard drop bars are the second-most common style of handlebars after flat bars. These are used primarily for racing, although many touring bikes also feature drop bars for the comfort and convenience of multiple hand positions.

Road bike handlebars come in three different styles – compact, traditional, and race.

Compact handlebars are usually shorter than traditional ones, which are longer and slimmer. They are great for commuting because they are easier to fit in tight spaces.

Traditional handlebars are wider and taller than compact ones. They are typically used for riding long distances at low speeds.

Race handlebars are narrower and shorter than traditional ones. They are usually used for racing.

There are three types of road bike handlebar tape:

  • Flat tape – Used for casual riding.
  • Grips tape – Used for racing.
  • Race tape – Used for racing only.

Handlebars come in three different sizes:

  • Compact – Usually between 30” and 34”.
  • Traditional – Between 35” and 40”.
  • Race – Over 40”.

Brakes and gears are under the same lever. You can adjust the angle of the seat post using spacers.

Aero, Time Trial & Triathlon Handlebars

Aero bars are a great choice if you’re interested in turning your road bike into a triathlon bike. These bars are designed to give you a more forward-leaning, aerodynamic position for maximum speeds and minimum wind resistance.

They work well for triathlons because they keep your hands closer to your chest, making it easier to maintain proper form during the swim portion of the race. You’ll find that they are also very comfortable to ride due to the lack of rubber grips.

Aero handlebars are similar to bullhorn handlebars, except that they don’t bend away from the cyclist and instead remain parallel to the ground. Instead of providing an aggressive cycling position, they provide a comfortable upright position for long-distance rides.

You can buy aero bars online at places like Amazon.com. They usually cost between $50-$100 depending on the brand and style.

Cruiser Handlebars

This cruiser handlebar is made out of aluminum and comes in two sizes. One size fits most riders, while the other is specifically made for women. These handlebars are great for cruisers, especially if you enjoy long rides along the coast.

These handlebars come in two sizes. One is meant for men and the other is meant for women. Both sizes fit comfortably on any bike, whether it’s a cruiser, road bike, or mountain bike.

They feature a mustache-style bend at the ends, making them look like mustaches. Because of this, they’re sometimes called mustache bars. However, there are no actual mustaches on the handlebars. Instead, they simply provide a stylish look to the bike.

While these handlebars may not give you a lot of control, they are still very comfortable. You’ll find that they work well for cruises along the coast, where you might spend hours enjoying the scenery.

Butterfly Or Trekking Handlebars

There are two main types of handlebars: butterfly and trekking. Both types are great options for cyclists, but there are pros and cons associated with each.

Trekking handlebars are typically used for longer-distance rides. They provide a comfortable ride and offer a variety of hand positions. However, they are heavy and require extra effort to mount and dismount.

Butterfly handlebars are lighter and easier to mount and dismount, but they lack the comfort of trekking handlebars. They also only offer limited hand-neutral positions.

Both types of handlebars are ideal for bike packing and bike tours, but butterfly handlebars are generally preferred for shorter distances.

You should consider your personal preferences and the terrain you plan to travel on before deciding between butterfly and trekking handlebars.

This butterfly or trekking handlebar is ideal for touring bikes. It provides a wide, comfortable, and slightly upright riding position.

Curved handlebars like these are quite rare and only found on touring bikes. They give the rider a sense of being in a big bus or RV. They also make great bicycle packing handlebars since they provide excellent control in rougher terrain.

Like straight handlebars, they feature standard brakes and thumb-operated gear shift levers.

BMX Handlebars

BMX handlebars are a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable bike that allows you to ride longer distances without getting tired. These handlebars give you a more upright sitting position and allow you to sit comfortably for long periods of time. You’ll also enjoy the extra grip provided by the handlebars.

You might not think that you’d ever need handlebars that are larger than those found on regular bicycles, but there are times when you may want to add a little extra support. For instance, if you’re riding uphill or downhill, you may want to use perfect handlebars that are a bit wider than those found on traditional bicycles.

Klunker bikes and other cruiser-style bikes often feature BMX handlebars. They come in two sizes: small and large. Smaller handlebars usually fit between 18 inches and 20 inches across, whereas larger handlebars typically measure 22 inches across.

These handlebars are made out of plastic and rubber, and they come with either slip-on rubber grips or standard levers at the fingertips. Some models include a crossbar at the top that can be used to attach various accessories, including bells, lights, or baskets.

Moustache Bars

Moustache bars are a great option for cyclists who prefer to ride without using different types of drop bars. They give you two options for braking, and they keep your hands out in front of your stem instead of behind it.

They may not be ideal for everyone though. Some people find it difficult to reach down and grab the brakes when riding with moustache bars. You might also find that they cause your hands to move forward, making it harder to steer.

That said, there are plenty of benefits to using moustache bars. One of the biggest advantages is that they prevent your hands from moving forward, which makes it easier to control your comfort bike. Another advantage is that they allow you to brake closer to your stem, which means you can squeeze the brakes harder.

You’ll notice that most moustache bars come equipped with a brake lever, so you won’t have to worry about fitting any extra hardware onto your frame. However, if you’d rather not use a brake lever, you can still purchase a moustache bar with no brakes.

There are several types of moustache bars available, including those made specifically for road bikes, mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, BMX bikes, and even triathlon bikes. Choose wisely because you don’t want to end up with a moustache bar that doesn’t fit properly or isn’t comfortable to use.

Bullmoose Handlebars

Bullmoose handlebars are great if you want to save space on your bike without sacrificing comfort. They eliminate the need for a stem, making them lighter and easier to install. You’ll still need a headset, though, since the bar doesn’t connect to the frame.

This type of bike handlebar is not cheap, however, so if you want to save money, consider buying a cheaper version of Bullmoose handlebars.

You may find yourself using them more frequently than you thought. They’re ideal for commuters who ride long distances every day since they reduce fatigue and provide a comfortable position.

Condorino Handlebars

These are the coolest handlebars ever made. They look like the wings of a little condor, hence the name. They’re not only cool, but they’re also functional. You’ll notice that they’re narrower than most handlebars, making them ideal for navigating tight city streets.

They’re also great for riding down hills and for commuting. Because they’re narrower, they won’t interfere with your steering. Plus, they’re comfortable to hold onto.

You can find these awesome handlebars at Amazon.com. They come in two sizes: 26 inches and 27 inches.

Whatton Handlebars

Whatton handlebars are unique bike handles that were invented in 1885 by William Whatton. These handlebars were originally created for penny farthings, but they’ve now come to be used on recumbents as well.

As you can imagine, these handles are rather difficult to ride due to their unusual shape. However, they’re still very popular among cyclists today.

Whatton handlebars were originally developed to prevent accidents involving penny-farthing bicycles. Because of this, they’re not commonly used nowadays. Instead, most cyclists prefer the conventional style of handlebars.

However, if you’re interested in learning more about Whatton handlebars, there’s plenty of info online.

What Is The Theory Behind Handlebars?

Handlebars are the part of a bicycle where we hold onto the handlebars. There are two main types of handlebars: Road bike bars and mountain bike bars. Both types are made out of metal and plastic, although there are differences between the two.

Road bike bars are usually found on road bikes. Mountain bike bars are usually found on mountain bikes. Some bicycles come with both types of handlebars.

There are several theories behind the development of handlebars. One theory suggests that the first handlebars were developed by Karl von Drais, who invented the dandy horse in 1818. He later improved upon his invention by creating the first safety bicycle. His original handlebars were wooden, and he added a second pair of handles at the front of the bicycle.

Another theory says that Percy Stenton invented the drop handlebars in the 1920s. Drop handlebars are still very common today.

A third theory states that the first handlebars had no brakes. Brakes were added to the handlebars during World War II.

Finally, another theory claims that the first handlebars did not have any brakes. Brakes were invented after World War II, and they were attached to the modern bike frame.

Regardless of which theory is true, handlebars have changed quite a bit throughout history. Nowadays, most handlebars are made out of aluminum and plastic. However, some handlebars are made out entirely of carbon fiber.

Today, there are many different styles of handlebars available. You can find handlebars that are flat, curved, sloped, straight, and even shaped like a banana.

You can also find handlebars that are designed specifically for certain sports. For example, there are handlebars that are designed for racing, touring, commuting, downhill biking, BMX biking, cross-country skiing, and even snowboarding.

Whatever kind of handlebars you decide to buy, make sure that they fit properly. Also, if you plan to ride off-road, make sure that the handlebars are strong enough to withstand the stress of rough terrain.

Mechanics Of Handle Bars

You should choose a handlebar that fits your body shape and riding style. A wider handlebar makes it easier to reach the brakes and shifters, but it may not fit comfortably if you have long arms. A narrow handlebar makes it harder to reach the brakes and shift gears.

There are two main types of handlebars: drop bars and flat bars. Drop bars are used on road bikes and mountain bikes, whereas flat bars are used on hybrids, cyclocross bikes, and triathlon bikes. There are also variations within those categories. You can find out more about the differences here.

Once you’ve chosen a handlebar, you’ll need to decide whether you want a drop or flat bar. Flat bars are usually found on hybrid bicycles, cyclocross bikes, triathlon bikes, and mountain bikes. Drop bars are typically found on road bikes and mountain bikers.

Drop bars are stronger than flat bars. However, they weigh more and require a longer stem. Some riders prefer the feel of a shorter stem. Others prefer the look of a long stem.

Flat bars are generally lighter than drop bars. However, they don’t provide the same level of support as drop bars. Many cyclists prefer flat bars because they are less expensive and easier to maintain.

Some cyclists prefer aero bars. Aerobars are designed specifically for cycling. They feature a curved seat post and a low center of gravity. Aerobars are great for climbing hills and sprints.

Aerobars are available in many shapes and sizes. They are commonly seen on racing bikes and triathlon bikes, but they are becoming increasingly common on road bikes.

If you’re interested in learning more about handlebars, check out our article on the mechanics of handlebars.

How Wide Should My Handlebars Be?

There are two types of bicycles: road bikes and mountain bikes. Road bikes are used for riding on roads and paths; mountain bikes are used for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes tend to have wider handlebars than road bikes. You’ll find that most road bikes come equipped with narrow handlebars, whereas most mountain bikes come equipped with wide handlebars.

Road bikes typically have narrower handlebars than mountain bikes. However, there are exceptions. Some road bikes come equipped with medium-sized handlebars, and some mountain bikes come equipped with narrow handles.

You should measure the distance between the center of your hands when seated on the bicycle seat. Then, multiply that number by 0.75 to determine the ideal width of your handlebars. For example, if your hands are 10 inches apart, then your handlebars should be 12 inches wide.

This measurement method works well for road bikes and mountain bikes alike. But keep in mind that the width of your handlebars depends on the style of bicycle you ride. So, if you plan on buying a second-hand bike, you may want to ask the owner how wide his/her handlebars are.

Road Bike Handlebar

There are two types of bicycle handlebars: Drop Bars and Road Bars. Both types come in various sizes, shapes, and designs. You’ll want to consider your style of cycling, whether you prefer aggressive racing or relaxed cruising, and your budget.

Drop Bar Handlebars

A drop bar handlebar is a single piece of tubing that attaches directly to the frame of the bicycle. These bars are typically used for mountain biking, cyclocross, BMX, and other off-road activities. Because they attach directly to the frame, they provide stability and support during high-speed maneuvers. However, they do not fit well with road bikes and may cause discomfort when riding at slower speeds.

Road Bar Handlebars

A road bar handlebar is made up of multiple pieces of tubing that connect to the frame via clamps. Road bars are usually found on touring bicycles, city bikes, and hybrid bikes. They are great for commuting, casual rides, and long-distance travel. Road bars are comfortable and stable at slow speeds but lack the strength needed for high-speed maneuvers.

You can buy a road bike with either type of handlebar depending on your needs. If you plan on using your road bike for recreational purposes, you might want to invest in a road bike with drop bars. If you plan on racing, you’ll probably want to purchase a road bike with road bars.

Mountain Bike Handlebar

There are several types of mountain bike handlebars out there. You’ll find them at any bike shop. Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, if you’re a rider who likes to manually steer your bike, narrow mountain bike handlebars may work well for you. Narrower handlebars give you greater control over your bike, allowing you to steer it more accurately. However, narrow handlebars limit your ability to lean forward and pull off jumps.

On the flip side, wide mountain bike handlebars give you less control over your bike, making it easier to jump and perform tricks. But, they let you lean forward and pull off bigger jumps.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Find the handlebars that work best for you and enjoy riding!

What Is the Best Bike Handlebar Material?

There are many factors to consider when deciding which bicycle handlebar material is right for you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making your decision.

  • Decide if you want to buy a new bike (or a demo bike) or just replace your old one. New bikes usually come with carbon fiber handles, whereas older bikes may only have aluminum or steel.
  • Decide whether you want to invest in a light or heavy-duty bike. Lightweight bikes tend to be cheaper, but they won’t last as long. Heavy-duty bikes are typically more durable, but they’ll cost you more money.
  • Decide between carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, or titanium. Each material offers its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Read below to find out which material is best suited for your needs.

Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight, strong, affordable

Carbon Fiber: Carbon handlebars are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable

Titanium: Stronger, lighter, more durable

Steel: Durable, strong, inexpensive

Last Updated on November 1, 2022 by Sai

Evan Medders

Evan Medders

I'm Evan an avid cyclist and bike consultant. Besides my biking, I enjoy being a dad to two, a husband to one. Cycling is a fun and sustainable means of transportation, something not only our planet but also your body craves. We need to stay in physical shape, and keep our Earth in a good condition so we face fewer natural disasters. Biking is our way to see we do our part :)

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