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Explore Different Bike types of handlebars

There are many different Bike types of handlebars out there. Yet, it may be difficult for you to determine the specific purpose of each handlebar. so choosing the right types of handlebars is crucial to enhancing the riding experience. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider. understanding the features and comfort of the various handlebar types can help you find your configuration. From road racers to mountain bikers. different types of handlebars offer different levels of comfort, handling, and speed performance.

This article explores Different Bike types of handlebars. has helped you quickly make an informed choice, below, please dive!

types-of-handlebars

What types of handlebars are there?

From a professional cyclist’s perspective, there are several types of handlebars: drop bars, flat bars, butterfly bars, and aero bars. Drop bars, commonly found on road bikes, offer many hand positions with their curved design. ideal for high-speed and long-distance rides. Flat bars are typical on mountain bikes, offering simplicity, better control, and stability. Butterfly bars, often seen on touring bikes, provide many grip options to reduce fatigue during long rides. Aero bars are mainly used in racing to maintain a low aerodynamic position, reducing wind resistance.

If you’re a beginner, comfort and ease of use might be your primary focus. Flat bars, being straightforward to control, are perfect for casual riding and commuting. Or, if you enjoy long-distance rides, butterfly bars offer more hand positions. reducing the strain on your hands during extended journeys.

From a tech enthusiast’s perspective, different handlebar types not only affect the riding experience but also influence bike geometry. handling precision, and aerodynamics. Click here for the Best Handlebar Bag Review.

Related Articles: Carbon vs Aluminum Handlebars: Which is Best?

How to Choose Bike Handlebars

Handlebar theory

1. Comfort Level:

When you bend close to the handlebars for a long ride, the weight and pressure on your hands will increase. But if it is a carbon fiber road bike on the road, now the handlebars are lower. and the various positions of your hands are conducive to reducing your hand fatigue and stress.

The carbon fiber mountain bike generally uses a flat handle and a vertical handle, its hand position is only one. and the left stand is more upright, and generally will not cause great pressure on your hand comfort.

Handlebar comfort is crucial in riding as it directly affects the pressure distribution on the rider’s wrists, shoulders, and back. A comfortable handlebar can reduce fatigue on long rides. maintain good riding posture, and avoid unnecessary physical strain. If the handlebars are not designed to meet individual needs. riders may experience numbness in their hands, stiffness in their shoulders, or back pain, seriously affecting the riding experience. So, choosing a handlebar that suits your riding style and posture is key to ensuring comfort.

2. Leverage:

The lever principle of the handlebars plays a key role in riding, helping the rider to control the direction of the entire bike with less hand power. Archimedes once said that with enough leverage, you can move the world. So now the handlebars are the levers you use to turn.

The length and shape of the handlebars determine the efficiency of the lever: longer handlebars provide more leverage. making it easier for the rider to steer and stabilize the bike, especially at low speeds or when facing difficult terrain.

For example, flat or raised handlebars are generally wider and provide greater leverage. are suitable for off-road and mountain riding, and can help riders more easily maintain control over rough terrain. The short, compact road handlebars reduce leverage but improve aerodynamic performance for high-speed straight riding. When designing and using handlebars. the lever principle not only affects handling but is also directly related to the comfort and efficiency of riding.

3. Lift

As far as I know, road bikes do not need much lift to lift the front wheels over obstacles. The lift of the handlebars is one of the cornerstones to achieve handling performance.

  • Mountain bike: The center position of this model is relatively far back, so you can lift the front of the bike over obstacles. On downhill bikes and more dirt bikes, riders use risers. This puts the weight further back into the rear, allowing the rider to shift their center of gravity over the rear wheels.
  • Road bike: This model has a low center of gravity and a relatively flat and forward posture. This means that when you need to pull the handlebars back, you have too much leverage.

Handlebar Mechanics

General mountain bikes use flat handlebars, while most road vehicles use more curved handlebars. But there are big differences. As far as I know, triathlons generally use air miles to learn handlebars. commuters generally use risers, and dirt bikers generally use handlebars. If you have decided on the type of ride and the type of handlebars you will need to consider the following factors.

1. Handlebar width

You need to choose a handlebar that is close to your shoulder width according to your height and body width. This will ensure a good natural riding posture and reduce pressure on the wrists and shoulders. You can choose between carbon fiber curved handles and flat handles.

If you are a road car, then the narrow handlebars are more suitable for high-speed riding, the size is about 38-44 cm. which can help you reduce wind resistance and improve aerodynamics. Mountain bikes usually use wider handlebars to provide better control and stability. generally around 68-76 cm wide. In off-road terrain, the wide handle increases leverage and improves handling flexibility. General urban commuter cars use medium-width handlebars. usually 58-66 cm, suitable for frequent turning in urban environments.

Related Articles: How to Measure Bike Handlebar Width.

2. Weight

The weight of the handlebars has a significant impact on riding efficiency, handling, and comfort. Lightweight carbon fiber handlebars weigh around 160-250 grams. It increases efficiency and speed. It absorbs shock. The aluminum alloy handlebars weigh about 250-400 grams, are durable, and are the best choice for junior scholars. The heavier handlebars, while stable, are not suitable for riders seeking lightweight. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum, but it costs more. Both materials are perfect for handlebars. On the controversial topic between the two, you can get the answer here: Carbon vs Aluminum Handlebars: Which is Best?

Related Articles: How Much Does a Bike Weigh

Why choose Falcarbon Bike brand carbon fiber types of Handlebars?

falcarbon-Bike

There are many advantages to choosing a carbon fiber handlebar from Falcarbon. especially for cyclists who value performance, durability, and comfort. The brand offers high-quality carbon fiber material. you can customize your favorite handlebar shape. Provide quality service after-sales team, and has many years of rich experience.

First of all, the brand’s custom types of handlebars are made of carbon fiber material. with excellent strength and lightweight characteristics. which is lighter but not strong when riding. Secondly, the natural shock absorption effect of carbon fiber can effectively absorb road vibration and reduce hand fatigue during long-distance riding. Also, its rigid design improves the accuracy of the handling, especially on downhill or complex roads. Falcarbon also focuses on aerodynamics and ergonomics. and the handlebar shape not only effectively reduces wind resistance, but also provides a comfortable holding position. Finally, its stylish appearance also adds visual appeal to the vehicle.

So, choosing the Falcarbon Bike brand carbon fiber types of Handlebars is the best choice.

Regardless of the type of Bike, be sure to choose a Carbon Fiber Bike.

Explore Different Bike types of handlebars

See below for a quick list of Different Bike types of handlebars.

  1. Drop Handlebars: Curved design to provide a variety of grip positions. The best type of handlebars for road and race riders.
  2. Flat Handlebars: Linear design, common in mountain bikes and urban commuter cars. One of the best types of handlebars for mountain and commuters.
  3. Bullhorn Handlebars: The shape extends forward and upward. Is fixed gear and urban commuters choose the best types of handlebars.
  4. Aero Bars: Streamlined design for optimal aerodynamic performance. It is the choice of the best types of handlebars for triathletes and racing cyclists.
  5. Riser Handlebars: The middle part is slightly raised to improve handling comfort. Is the choice of the best types of handlebars for off-road and free riders.
  6. Cruiser Handlebars: Wide design with wide arm posture. Leisure and cruise car users choose the best types of handlebars.

Here I will introduce you to the relevant features and applicability of Different Bike types of handlebars in detail.

Drop Handlebars

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The Drop Handlebars originated in the late 19th century as a handlebar designed for use in competition. This handlebar shape is designed with a curved shape, mainly to cater for aerodynamic advantages. The handlebar features a downbend design, which allows the rider to switch many hand positions. allowing you to reduce hand fatigue and adjust posture. It can also reduce the amount of wind resistance, which can ensure your riding efficiency. Suitable for long periods of riding on flat roads. Speaking of Drop Handlebars, I’m reminded that Falcarbon Bike’s carbon fiber road handlebars are a worthy buy.

Pros

  • Improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce wind resistance.
  • Offer a variety of grip options.
  • Good for long rides, can relieve stress.
  • Speed advantage for high-speed cruising and sprinting.

Cons

  • Riding in a low position for a long time can cause discomfort
  • The grip is not as natural as the flat grip
  • Not suitable for difficult terrain

Related Articles: What Angle Should a Road Bike Fit?

Be suitable for the crowd

Ideal for road riders and race riders, the Drop Handlebars are designed for those looking for speed and efficiency. suitable for high-speed scenarios on long rides. Road bike riders use the handlebars to provide an aerodynamic advantage. taking the lead in a race or maintaining a high cruising speed on long rides. Competition riders can flexibly adjust hand movements and body posture through a variety of bending grips, reducing fatigue. So, the handlebar is usually the first choice of professional and semi-professional riders and road cyclists.

Flat Handlebars

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The origins of Flat Handlebars may need to be traced back to the early 20th century when they were originally designed primarily for off-road and mountain riding to cope with rugged mountain roads and replicated terrain. Its straight-line design provides greater leverage and flexibility in handling. It allows the rider to react and change direction and turn at the fastest speed, and to maintain stability on bumpy roads. Flat Handlebars are also now used by many people for commuter riding, because of their upright and natural riding position, so it is very popular. The width of the handlebars is usually larger, providing extra control, and is especially suitable for difficult terrain and urban riding environments. Often the best choice for mountain bikers, this type of Handlebars can also be called Carbon MTB Handlebars.

Pros

  • The control is flexible and can turn quickly.
  • Suitable for complex mountainous, muddy, or rugged roads.
  • It keeps your wrists in a natural position.

Cons

  • Compared with the curved handle, the flat grip is limited and simple.
  • Long-ride fatigue.

Be suitable for the crowd

Flat Handlebars are suitable for mountain bikers and daily commuters. This type of handlebar provides excellent control in mountainous areas and can handle complex terrain well. For people who commute in the city. its rapid change of direction and flexibility have been widely recognized, especially in short distances. and it is especially suitable for commuters who want to burn fat and lose weight.

Bullhorn Handlebars

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The origins of Bullhorn Handlebars can be traced back to around the 1980s and 1990s. With the week of urban cycling and fixed gear culture, the handlebars became increasingly popular. The main feature of the handlebars is the forward and upward extension of the shape, like the appearance of a bull horn, which allows the rider to ride in a more aerodynamic position. The Batmobile handlebars provide greater acceleration control for riding, especially for short sprints and city rides. It can reduce wind resistance and improve flexibility, although there are fewer grip options and general comfort. the speed and handling it provides in urban traffic make it an ideal choice for many cycling enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Provides higher acceleration control.
  • Suitable for short-distance sprints, it enhances cycling efficiency.
  • The forward-leaning grip reduces wind resistance and has aerodynamic advantages.

Cons

  • Long time use, less grip, easy to fatigue, poor comfort.
  • Bullhorn Handlebars have limited grip options and lack the variety of handlebars.

Be suitable for the crowd

Bullhorn Handlebars for fixed gear riders give you flexibility and speed in city views. If you are a commuter or fast rider, this type of handlebar is the most suitable, it can provide you with efficient control box speed.

Aero Bars

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The origins of Aero Bars probably date back to the late 1980s. when they were gradually adopted by professional riders with the rise of triathlons and cycling time trials. This type of handlebar is designed to cut wind resistance to help the rider gain a potential aerodynamic advantage during the race. Aero Bars is characterized by its streamlined structure, which allows the rider to adopt a lower posture. allowing you to keep your arms and body close to the frame, and less wind area, which helps you to increase your speed and efficiency. This type of handlebar has been used extensively in triathlons and time trials and is quite excellent. It’s good for long, efficient rides.

Pros

  • This type of handlebars is suitable for triathlons and time trials.
  • With a streamlined riding posture, there is less wind resistance.
  • Aerodynamically, high-speed riding can be maintained for long periods.

Cons

  • The handlebars are difficult to steer because the positions are fixed and steering is difficult.
  • Not suitable for beginners, or riders who need professional handling skills.

Be suitable for the crowd

Aero Bars are standard in triathlon events and competitions. helping competitors to ride at high speeds while conserving energy. For the pursuit of fast racing on flat roads, these types of handlebars can help you significantly improve speed and riding efficiency.

Related Articles: 6+Best Clip on Aero Bars.

Riser Handlebars

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The origins of Riser Handlebars date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, gaining popularity with the rise of mountain biking. This type of handlebars is designed primarily to enhance handling and comfort in off-road riding. and especially to perform well when dealing with rough terrain. The main feature of the handlebars is the slightly raised design in the middle. allowing the rider to maintain a more upright riding posture, reducing the pressure on the back and waist. and providing better comfort and control. Although the handlebars are not as aerodynamic as the handlebars. they are the best choice for riders off-road because they allow you to change direction quickly and the grip of the tires is good and stable.

Pros

  • The handlebar rise is designed to make the riding position more upright.
  • Make the arm and shoulder posture natural, and comfortable.
  • The wide handlebars and rise design provide superior control and swerve flexibility for off-road riding.

Cons

  • The upright position has a large windward area and does not have aerodynamic performance.
  • The lack of control of the acceleration of the bend bars, the upright position riding on the high-speed riding is more difficult.

Be suitable for the crowd

Riser Handlebars are designed for off-road riding and are especially suitable for riding on rough mountain roads. This Bike type of handlebar offers a comfortable and controllable experience for the free rider. suitable for long periods of easy riding in mountains and cities.

Related Articles: 6+ Best Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebar

Cruiser Handlebars

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Cruiser Handlebars originated in the United States in the 1930s. but Cruiser handlebar bikes slowly became popular, this type of handlebar was designed to provide a comfortable riding experience. especially for leisure and easy long-distance riding. It has been recognized by some riders for its wide and extended design. which allows the rider to maintain a naturally relaxed arm posture and adopt an upright riding position. But, this handlebar is very suitable for leisure riding in the city or the seaside, although the steering response is relatively slow. its comfort is worthy of recognition, and it is a landmark design of cruise bike riding culture.

Pros

  • The handlebars are wide and curved to keep the arms and back relaxed and comfortable.
  • Focus on comfort and ease of use, suitable for leisure riding.

Cons

  • Wide handlebars, weak handling, and slow steering.
  • Difficult to use to replicate rugged terrain and limited handling performance.

Be suitable for the crowd

This Bike type of handlebar is generally suitable for recreational riders and cruise car users. Because it is the standard of the cruise car. it is the best ideal choice for cyclists who do not pursue speed as the purpose and cyclists who pursue comfort.

The Effect of Different Bike Types of Handlebars on Riding

The design of Bike types of handlebars directly affects your riding style. because different handlebars have their advantages in speed, comfort, handling, and riding distance. and it will determine the rider’s hand posture and control mode due to the shape, width, Angle, and wind of their handlebars. For example, Drop Handlebars are better for high-speed and long-distance riding. while Flat Handlebars are better for off-road and city riding. Choosing the right handlebars can help the rider get the best performance in different riding environments. I will explain these questions in detail below.

The effect of Different types of handlebars on speed, handling, and riding distance

  1. Speed:
    • 1. Drop Handlebars: It is known for its excellent aerodynamic design, leaning forward to reduce wind resistance. Suitable for road racing, triathlons, and time trials, can effectively improve speed.
    • 2. Aero Bars: Designed for speed, with extremely low wind resistance, suitable for racing and high-speed riding.
    • 3. Riser Handlebars and Flat Handlebars: Provide better handling and upright posture. high wind resistance, speed is not as fast as bent bars, and suitable for off-road and commuting.
    • 4. Cruiser Handlebars: Wide and comfortable design. suitable for slow cruising, not for the pursuit of high-speed riding.
  2. Comfort:
    • Cruiser Handlebars: Designed for use by recreational riders in an upright position with reduced arm and back stress. Suitable for long rides.
    • Riser Handlebars and Flat Handlebars: Provide an upright position for high comfort. Ideal for short or off-road rides.
    • Drop Handlebars and Aero Bars: Efficient speed, long stays low. hands and back stress, less comfortable than flat Handlebars and Riser Handlebars.
  3. Operability:
    • Flat Handlebars and Riser Handlebars: Large design for excellent handling. Suitable for ordinary turning and copying terrain use.
    • Drop Handlebars and Aero Bars: Provide a linear handling experience, suitable for flat roads. not conducive to replicating steering in rough terrain, and less flexible than flat handlebars.
    • Cruiser Handlebars: Weak handling, slow steering, suitable for simple city riding.
  4. Cycling distance:
    • Drop Handlebars: Suitable for long-distance riding, many grips can be changed. and is the first choice for long-distance riding.
    • Cruiser Handlebars: Suitable for leisure riding, distance riding may be uncomfortable due to the lack of variety of grip.
    • Flat Handlebars and Riser Handlebars: Suitable for short and medium-distance performance. especially the word cross-country mountain. But, when riding long distances, flat handlebars may increase the pressure on the arms and back due to the single position.

If you want to make your handlebars feel more comfortable when riding, then you can choose some Handlebar covers or Bicycle Handlebar Tape to help you ease the shock of riding.

FAQ

Conclusion

Understanding how different types of handlebars affect riding can help you make better choices based on your riding style and needs. Whether it’s a road ride for speed, a steady mountain ride, or an easy city commute. the right handlebar design can significantly enhance your riding experience. When choosing, consider your riding purpose and personal preference. find the most suitable handle, and enjoy every ride. Here, I sincerely hope that you choose Falcarbon Bike brand carbon fiber handlebars, it is worth your buy of a handlebar type. Because of the light texture and characteristics of its material, it is valued by many experienced riders.

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