Grasping the Ride: A Guide to Popular Bicycle Handlebar Shapes

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Grasping the Ride: A Guide to Popular Bicycle Handlebar Shapes





The unassuming bicycle handlebar plays a crucial role in your cycling experience. Beyond simply steering, it impacts comfort, control, and riding posture. But with so many shapes and styles available, choosing the right handlebar can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow cyclist! This guide will unveil the most popular handlebar shapes and their distinct advantages.

1. The Classic: Flat Bars




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A staple on mountain bikes, hybrids, and many commuter bikes, flat bars are as reliable as they are simple. These straight or slightly angled bars offer an upright riding position for excellent visibility and comfort. Their width, typically ranging from 580mm to 620mm, provides leverage for navigating rough terrain and tight turns. Flat bars are perfect for those who prioritize comfort, control, and ease of maneuverability.

2. Taking a Drop: Drop Bars

The iconic drop bar reigns supreme on road bikes and some gravel bikes. They feature a central grip area that transitions into two lower sections, or "drops." These drops allow for a variety of hand positions, from the comfortable tops for cruising to the aerodynamic drops for low-resistance riding. Drop bars prioritize speed and efficiency, making them ideal for road cycling and endurance rides.

3. Reaching New Heights: Riser Bars




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Riser bars, as the name suggests, offer a more upright riding position compared to flat bars. They achieve this by incorporating an upward bend at the center. This design is popular on mountain bikes and some comfort-oriented hybrids. The increased height improves control on technical terrain while maintaining comfort for extended periods. Riser bars are a great choice for riders who want a balance between comfort and control on uneven surfaces.

4. Bullhorns for Bullseyes:




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Bullhorn handlebars resemble the horns of a bull, hence the name. These compact bars feature short extensions that curve outwards from the central grip area. They offer minimal hand positions but prioritize aerodynamics for maximum speed. Bullhorns are primarily seen on time trial and triathlon bikes, where speed is paramount.

5. The Social Butterfly: Butterfly Bars

Butterfly bars, also known as touring bars, live up to their name with their distinctive wing-like shape. They feature outward-curving extensions that provide multiple hand positions for comfort and leverage on long journeys. These bars are popular on touring bikes where comfort and versatility are key for tackling diverse terrain over extended distances.

Choosing Your Perfect Match

The ideal handlebar shape hinges on your riding style and priorities. For comfort and control on varied terrain, flat or riser bars excel. Road cyclists seeking speed will find solace in drop bars. Bullhorns prioritize pure speed, while butterfly bars cater to long-distance comfort. No matter your choice, the perfect handlebar awaits to elevate your cycling experience!


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