How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebar
- Why are choosing handlebars important?
- What is a Mountain Bike Handlebar
- What to look for when choosing a mountain bike handlebar?
- How to Choose a Mountain Bike Handlebar?
- Measure Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter 3 Ways
- How to Measure Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter?
- What is the Standard Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
If you are a cycling enthusiast who loves challenges, choosing a suitable mountain bike handlebar and the appropriate mountain bike handlebar diameter is crucial. The mountain bike handlebar is not only one of the key components of a bicycle. but its diameter, shape, width, and material all directly affect your riding comfort and handling performance. So, selecting the right handlebar can not only improve your riding efficiency and safety but also help you avoid potential dangers.
Whether you are a professional rider or an amateur enthusiast. understanding how to choose Mountain bike handlebar and how to measure the mountain bike handlebar diameter. as described in this article, is essential knowledge. Follow along to learn more as I guide you through each aspect step by step!

Why are choosing handlebars important?
Bike Handlebar is a very important part of a bicycle. Among them, Mountain Bike Handlebar and Road Bike Handlebar are the best choices for current cycling. Choosing the right Mountain bike handlebar diameter is also crucial. Choosing the right Bike Handlebar can not only improve the comfort and handling performance of the ride but also enhance the efficiency and safety of the ride, which can let you bid farewell to potential health problems. Over time, as the Handlebar Grips wear out, become damaged, or lose traction, you will need to Remove and Replace the Bike Handlebar Grips to improve safety.
What is a Mountain Bike Handlebar
The mountain bike handlebar is an essential component of a mountain bike. primarily designed to enhance control, stability, and comfort while riding on rough and uneven terrain. It is characterized by a combination of shape, width, material, handlebar diameter, rise and drop, and bar ends.
Related Articles: How to Measure Bike Handlebar Sizes and Carbon MTB Handlebars: What You Need to Know
What to look for when choosing a mountain bike handlebar?

When choosing a mountain bike handlebar, several factors need to be considered to ensure it meets your riding needs and enhances your riding experience. Although there are no strict rules about the exact specifications for carbon bike handlebars. you can test based on personal needs, riding style, handlebar shape, material, handlebar diameter, and handlebar diameter sizes.
You should consider the following points to select the most suitable mountain bike handlebar:
- Shape: There are flat handles, raised handles, and curved handles to choose from.
- Width: Wide handlebars are suitable for rough terrain The width is usually between 680-800mm, and narrow handlebars are easy to operate. but not as stable as wide handlebars.
- Material: Carbon fiber material shock absorption performance is good, high price, strong performance. Aluminum alloy material is cost-effective, and cheap price.
- Mountain bike handlebar diameter: The most common diameter is 31.8mm, which is suitable for most modern mountain bikes.
- Rise and fall
- The position of the end of the handlebars
- Personal needs and riding style considerations.
Check out the Top 7 Bike Handlebar Types and 6+ Best Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebar For 2024 here.
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Handlebar?
As someone who’s spent plenty of hours on the trails, I’ve seen mountain bike handlebars evolve quite a bit over the years. One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in width, which gives you better control over your bike. The wider the handlebars, the less leverage you have on the front wheel, making it easier to push the bike onto a more aggressive line. It’s not about style—it’s about performance, too.
Now, a lot of riders still stick to handlebars with the same diameter as they’ve always used. The typical setup I see is around 20 to 30 mm in rise, a 5° top angle, and an 8° back sweep, usually made of aluminum. and with a width of about 800 mm (though you can always shorten them to fit your preference). This is the most basic and simple standard handlebar you’ll find, and it gets the job done for most riders.
But as mountain biking has progressed, a lot of us are stepping up our game. These days, more riders are opting for carbon fiber handlebars. Sure, they’re pricier, but the performance boost is worth it. Carbon fiber bars offer better shock absorption and reduced weight. and improved handling—perfect for tackling those rough trails.
If you’re in the market for a new handlebar that fits your riding style, stick around. I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of handlebar diameter sizes, materials, and everything else you need to know to make the best choice for your ride.
To find out which of the two materials is better, click here: Carbon vs Aluminum Handlebars.
Read also: What Angle Should a Road Bike Fit?
Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter

As someone who loves hitting the trails and pushing my mountain bike to its limits, I’ve learned a thing or two about handlebar diameter. The diameter refers to the outer size of the handlebar at the point where it’s clamped by the stem. There are two main sizes for mountain bike handlebars: 31.8mm and 35mm. The 31.8mm is the classic size, one that most riders have used for years. But, as bikes and forks have become sturdier, handlebars around 31.8mm can sometimes flex more, which. depending on the ride might feel a little uncomfortable, especially when you’re riding rougher terrain.
These days, many riders—including myself—are shifting to handlebars with a 35mm clamp diameter. This size has its advantages, and while each size comes with its pros and cons, it’s worth considering. A 35mm handlebar and stem combo tends to offer better stiffness and durability, which is great if you’re pushing your bike on challenging trails. For us pro riders, with the right handling, a 35mm bar can be lighter than a 31.8mm one while still offering the same strength. Of course, the weight of both might be similar, but the 35mm will generally be stiffer, which can give you more precise control on technical sections.
That said, for most riders, the 31.8mm bar is plenty. The slightly smaller diameter helps absorb vibrations better when you’re off-roading, making for a smoother ride. But if you’re a heavier rider or someone who pushes hard through technical terrain, the 35mm bar might be a better fit for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. As for me, I prefer a handlebar diameter of around 31.8mm—it’s been working perfectly for my riding style and the kind of trails I love to conquer.
Mountain Bike Handlebar Material

Well, now that you have confirmed the Mountain bike handlebar diameter. you will face another material problem, that is, carbon fiber or aluminum alloy? Aluminum mountain bikes are cheap and bulky, but their hardness will be low. The Carbon Bike Handlebars are more expensive, lightweight, and have good performance. If you are a person with high cycling requirements, then Carbon Bike Handlebars will be your best choice. If you have a limited budget, then you choose the former aluminum alloy material. Although Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebars are not as durable as aluminum alloy handlebars. due to its lightweight and high cost, the design is in line with artificial stereoscopic and wind mechanical design. It has a shock-absorbing effect, and because of its special material, it can ensure a firm grip. Will allow riders to ride smoothly on rough mountain roads. So Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebars might be your best bet.
Mountain Bike Handlebar Width

I’ve realized that handlebar width is a highly personal choice. It depends on your height, build, and riding style, making it a key factor in dialing in your bike’s fit and performance. For me, wider handlebars have always provided better control, especially on steep downhills and technical terrain. They improve stability, and balance, and make standing maneuvers feel much more natural. So, I know some riders who prefer narrower bars for weaving through tight trees or navigating narrow trails—something I’ve encountered on dense forest paths.
If you’re riding a 29er, I’d recommend going for wider handlebars compared to a 26-inch bike. The larger wheels and added inertia of a 29er enjoy that extra leverage and control.
In my experience, picking the right width also comes down to your build. If you’re shorter or stockier, slightly narrower handlebars might feel more comfortable and responsive. Taller or slimmer riders, though, often prefer wider bars to match their natural reach. When it comes to riding disciplines. cross-country (XC) riders typically stick to narrower bars for efficiency over long distances. while downhill (DH) and freeride riders go wide for most control on technical descents.
Right now, I’ve noticed a trend among pros—most are choosing handlebars around 750 mm-760 mm for high-speed racing. For everyday riders like myself, I find widths in the 770 mm-780 mm range strike the perfect balance between control and comfort. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for your style of riding and the trails you love.
Here is the current trend for handlebar widths:
- 600-650mm (XC 26″)
- 660-710mm (XC 29″)
- 690-740mm (Endurance/All Mountain)
- 740-800mm (DH/Freeride)
This ensures that riders select handlebars that enhance their performance based on their specific riding requirements.
Rise
As an experienced mountain biker, I’ve noticed that most mountain bike handlebars aren’t completely flat—they typically rise slightly higher at the grips compared to the center. This rise, known as the height, is the vertical distance from the handlebar’s central clamping point to the tips. You’ll often see it paired with the width in specs, like “730x15mm,” which means the handlebar is 730mm wide with a 15mm rise.
For me, the height of the handlebars plays a big role in how the bike handles and how I feel during a ride. A higher rise tends to put me in a more upright and relaxed position, which is perfect for maintaining balance and control on steep descents. So, lower-rise handlebars make it easier to shift my weight forward when climbing, giving me better control and power transfer.
Most riders, including myself, tend to stick to a rise within the 20mm range—it’s a versatile sweet spot that works well for both climbing and descending. Of course, the right choice ultimately depends on your riding style and terrain. but fine-tuning your handlebar height can make a world of difference in comfort and performance.
Upsweep
I’ve come to appreciate the importance of “upsweep” in handlebars, especially for Enduro and All-Mountain riding. Upsweep is like Rise but offers an ergonomic advantage—it’s designed to align your wrist and hand bones more naturally while riding. This small detail can make a big difference in comfort and control.
Most mountain bike handlebars aren’t completely parallel to the ground. Instead, they tilt slightly upward from the center, creating a natural position for your wrists to rest. Typically, the upsweep angle is around 5°, which works well for most riders. But, if you feel the angle isn’t quite right for you, it’s easy to tweak by rotating the handlebars slightly forward or backward.
I’ve found that fine-tuning the upsweep angle makes my rides much more comfortable and reduces strain on my wrists. especially on longer or more technical trails. It’s one of those small adjustments that can have a big impact on your riding experience. Come here to choose Change Bike Stem.
Backsweep
When it comes to the sweep angle of handlebars, I’ve learned it’s as important as the upsweep angle but works in a different direction. Instead of angling upward, the sweep angle bends backward toward you from the handlebar tips. This design brings your hands closer to the front fork while keeping them slightly behind the front of the bike. It creates a natural, comfortable position for your wrists and arms.
Most mountain bike handlebars have a standard sweep angle between 6° and 10°, with 8° being the sweet spot for many riders. But, finding the right sweep angle is a personal process—it depends on your body structure and riding preferences. Adjusting this angle to suit your anatomy is essential for a more comfortable and efficient ride.
For me, dialing in the sweep angle has been a game-changer, especially on longer rides. It reduces wrist fatigue and gives me better control, making my rides smoother and more enjoyable.
Related Articles: How to Adjust Bike Handlebar Height
Measure Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter 3 Ways
Use the most intuitive way to quickly understand the Measure Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter 3 Ways before looking at the detailed tutorial guide below.
Related articles: Gravel Handlebars: Features and Best Picks.
How to Measure Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter?
Measuring Mountain bike handlebar diameter is a simple process operation as follows.
You will need to prepare the mountain bike handlebar diameter sizes for measurement:
- Calipers: Vernier calipers or digital calipers are the most accurate tools for measuring diameters.
- Ruler or tape measure: If you don’t have a caliper, you can also use a ruler or tape measure, but with less accuracy.
Steps to measure the Diameter size of a Mountain Bike Handlebar:
1. Use a digital caliper to measure the Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter

- Find the central part of the Mountain bike handlebar that is clamped vertically. This part is usually thicker and is the area you need to measure.
- Open your digital caliper clamp and place it around the clamping area of the handlebars.
- Close the mouth of the caliper until it touches the handlebars but does not compress them.
- Please read the measurements on the digital caliper. this value in millimeters is what we call the standard mountain bike handlebar diameter.
2. Use Measuring Tape for the Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter

If you do not find a suitable digital caliper, then you can also complete the Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter Sizes by simply Measuring Tape. You need to wrap a tape measure around the location where you want to link the Oi to get the circumference size. And then divide by Pi… mmm) to get the diameter, for example, 99.9mm / 𝜋 = 31.8mm. This is the standard mountain bike handlebar diameter measured with a tape measure.
For example, if the circumference is 99.96 mm, the diameter is about 31.8 mm (99.96 ÷ 3.14).
3. Use a Pen, Paper, and Ruler to measure the Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter

If you do not find a suitable digital caliper and Measuring Tape, then you can choose a strip of tape. If you don’t have tape, you can use a piece of paper or a piece of string. The measurement method is the same as the second method, simply wrap the paper around the position where you want to connect the Oi. make a mark with a pen where the paper meets, and measure against a ruler. To get the standard mountain bike handlebar diameter, you need to divide by pi (…). mmm) to get the diameter, for example, 99.9mm / 𝜋 = 31.8mm.
What is the Standard Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter?
You can measure the standard mountain bike handlebar diameter using the following data:
Diameter | Description |
---|---|
31.8mm | This is the most common diameter for modern mountain bike handlebars. |
35mm | This diameter is increasingly popular due to its added stiffness and strength. |
25.4mm | This is an older standard, now less common in mountain bikes but still found on some bikes. |
Falcarbon Bike Tips:
- If you are buying a Mountain bike handlebar from our Falcarbonbike brand. Then you can check the specifications, generally, the diameter will be printed on the handlebars or in the bicycle manual. or directly go to the specified product page on the Falcarbonbike website to see the detailed data size map.
- When measuring the Mountain bike handlebar diameter. be sure to measure the thickest part of the handlebar (where the riser is clamped) to get an accurate reading.
So which Bike is better for off-road riding, Gravel Bike or Mountain Bike? Check out the comparison here: Gravel Bike VS Mountain Bike.
Read Also: 10+ Essential Bike Handlebar Accessories Type and How to Wrap Handlebar Tape.
FAQ
Conclusion
Through the detailed description in this article, you already know what factors need to be taken into account when choosing a Mountain bike handlebar. and the needs of individuals to choose the right bicycle handlebar for their own. Whether it is choosing the right Mountain Bike Handlebar Diameter Sizes, and materials. or adjusting the width, elevation, and Angle of the handlebar, it needs to be fully tested and tried. Because a handlebar that suits you will make you feel comfortable and safe riding in all kinds of terrain. I hope the content of this article helps you, if you are still struggling to choose which brand of Mountain Bike Handlebar, please do not worry! Here I recommend a bicycle brand for you: Falcarbon Bike.