Getting the right handlebar for your mountain bike is essential for a comfortable and safe ride. Finding the perfect handlebar can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. You should select the right handlebar for your mountain bike, depending on your riding style, terrain, height, and preferences.
When choosing the ideal handlebar for your mountain bike, the three basic categories of handlebars you’ll find are flat, risers, and drops. Flat handlebars are the most common, with an even surface and straight ends. They’re great for casual riders, and offer minimal control. Riser handlebars feature an increase in height from the stem to the ends of the bars. This is beneficial because when your handlebars rise, your stem gets shorter, meaning more control and comfort on the trail. Finally, drop handlebars are characterized by their “horns” pointing forward. These handlebars typically feature a short stem, allowing for increased control at higher speeds.
No matter which type of handlebar you choose, the most important factor to consider is width. A handlebar that’s too wide will force your arms and shoulders to spread too far, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. A handlebar that’s too narrow will cause your wrists to become too bent, leading to stiffness and aches. The best width for your handlebar will depend on the width of your shoulders. A good rule of thumb is that the width of your handlebar should equal the width of your shoulders.
The material of the handlebar is equally important. The most popular handlebars in mountain biking are made of aluminum. Aluminum is light, strong, and relatively affordable. carbon handlebar mtb are gaining popularity as well, due to their lightweight and strong nature. However, they’re usually several times more expensive than aluminum, so many riders prefer the cheaper but still effective aluminum.
In addition to the material, you should also consider the clamp diameter. Most mountain bikes feature a 31.8mm clamp diameter, which makes finding compatible handlebars easy. If your bike features a smaller clamp diameter, this will also impact the type of handlebar you can install.
Finally, when choosing the right handlebar for your mountain bike, you should pay attention to the backsweep and upsweep. Many riders prefer to have their handlebars slightly arched; this is known as backsweep. Backsweep provides a comfortable grip on the handlebars when you’re riding, and allows you to support your body more easily. Upsweep, on the other hand, is when the handlebars are angled upward. This provides more control over the front end of your bike, as well as better suspension.
At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for trying out different handlebars and seeing which one works best for you. However, understanding the basic variables – width, material, clamp diameter, and backsweep and upsweep – can help you narrow down your search and find the perfect handlebar for your mountain bike. With the right handlebar, you’ll be able to enjoy the trails with ease and comfort.