Bike handlebars types are at the heart of finding your perfect ride, helping you optimize comfort, control, and performance from commute to adventure.
Finding the right handlebar for your riding style is crucial to make sure you’ll have an aerodynamic and comfortable ride.
Also, an incorrect handlebar shape and fit might even be the culprit for your neck pain!
Handlebars come from loads of different shapes and sizes, and sometimes it’s hard to understand how they differ from each other.
So today, we’ll answer some of the most common questions bikers have about handlebars, and we’ll take you through the best handlebar options specific to your riding style.
Flat Handlebars
A flat handlebar is a standard handlebar type on mountain bikes and some road bikes. They are more upright thus making your riding position more comfortable. Its versatility also makes it a popular choice among MTB cyclists.
Flat bars are also best for beginners and commuters as it requires less flexibility, it has great visibility, easier to control, and it’s conducive to riding with a backpack. Its width ranges from 580mm for standard MTBs and 720mm for downhill MTBs.
PROS
- Easy to Control: Flat handlebars are wider which makes the bike feel more stable and easier to control. It’s also very easy to handle making steering very precise and predictable. So, when you’re navigating off-road, flat handlebars will help you have a more precise steer of the bike.
- Lesser Lower Back Pain: Are you suffering from lower back pains? Lesser pressure is put on your spine if your weight is evenly distributed between the handlebar and your bike seat, lesser pressure. So if you want a pain-free ride, shift to flat bars.
CONS
- Limited to One-Hand-Position: Unfortunately, hand position in flat handlebars is limited to just one. This is the common reason why cyclists with a flat handlebar experience numbness and pain in the wrist because of being in the same position for long rides.
- Less Aerodynamic: Flat bars are not made for speed. Well, you can still go fast as long as you get low, but going quick wouldn’t feel nice either because you’d need to exert more effort to speed up!
Riser Bars
Just like flat handlebars, riser bars are great for beginners and allows you to be in an upright position when riding. You can ride wide or narrow using a riser handlebar, but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Read also: Best Mountain Bike Handlebars
PROS
- Great for Staying Upright: Risers are one of the best for people who want an upright position when riding because it’s generally more comfortable and ergonomic.
- Perfect for Beginners: Beginners will also love risers because it allows them to have more control and stability over the bike.
CONS
- Limited Hand Positions: Riser handlebars have very limited hand positions causing cyclists to feel wrist pain and numbness after 20 miles of riding.
- Not Aerodynamic: Just like flat bars, risers aren’t the most aerodynamic. Cyclists will struggle against headwinds since risers mean sitting in an upright position, thus, bad aerodynamics.
Cruiser Bars
Nothing beats cruisers when it comes to total comfort safety and convenience because it allows cyclists to ride completely upright. These types of handlebars are also known as upright handlebars.
PROS
- Comfortable: Cruiser bars are known for their ergonomic design allowing your wrist to rest in a natural position.
- Perfect for Baskets: Cruiser bars have a swept-back handlebar design allowing lots of space in front where you can place a basket.
CONS
- Poor Aerodynamics: It’s one of the least aerodynamic handlebars out there and you’ll struggle pretty bad climbing a mountain with cruiser handlebars since your arms are spread wide while riding allowing very little opportunity to tuck and speed up.
- Heavy: Cruiser handlebars are big and take a lot of materials to make, thus adding weight to your bike.
Drop Bars
This type of handlebar is popular among racers and road cyclists because of its flexible hand positions, which results in a more aerodynamic ride and palm comfort.
There are different types of drop bars depending on the reach, drop, and width: Classic, Compass, and Ergo.
PROS
- Superior Aerodynamics: Drop handlebars allow you to tuck down to reduce drag, and this helps you ride faster.
- Efficient: Cyclists won’t need to exert too much effort when using a drop handlebar because of its aerodynamic feature. It also allows cyclists to travel longer and at the same time save energy.
- Multiple Hand Positions: Drop bars allow you to have various hand positions when cycling. You can either ride in the drops, the bar, or on the hoods.
CONS
- Expensive: Drop bars cost more than the standard flat bars because the parts it requires like levers and shifters are usually more pricey.
- Poor visibility: Since cyclists using drop bars are in a forward-leaning position with their head tilted downwards, they’ll have a lesser view of the road ahead.
Other Handlebar Types for Adventure & Urban Riding
- Aero Bars (TT Bars): Designed for time trials and triathlons, aero bars enable a forward-leaning, aerodynamic position to minimize wind resistance.
- Bullhorn & Pursuit Bars: Characterized by a forward and upward curve, these bars are popular in urban and fixed-gear cycling for sprinting and aggressive riding.
- Mustache & Butterfly Bars: With ergonomic curves, these handlebar shapes offer multiple hand positions and excellent leverage—ideal for bike-packing, long tours, and mixed-terrain adventures.
Key Statistics and Facts on Bicycle Handlebar Types
Market and Usage Trends
The global bicycle handlebar market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 1.5 billion by 2029 (CAGR ~4.5%), driven by innovations in materials, ergonomics, and design.
Ergonomics & Injury Prevention
Research shows handlebar height and configuration significantly affect posture, muscle activity, and injury risk. Adjustable bars that allow height and angle tweaks can reduce neck inflammation and nerve compression.
Performance & Maneuverability
A comparative study found high-rise and standard handlebars offer better maneuverability (circles, figure-eights, slaloms) than racing bars; standard bars excel at slow-speed control and straight-line stability.
Choosing Ergonomic Handlebars
The type of handlebar you choose and its position will determine your posture while riding. To get the perfect handlebar, you should customize it according to your measurements, preference, and riding style.
The following terms will help you choose the handlebars that will allow you to find the best comfortable position according to your riding style.
Width
Width is the distance between the two ends of the bar.
Generally, riders with broad shoulders can benefit more from wider bars because it will give them better stability and breathing capacity, although going too wide may cause them neck and shoulder pains.
Traditionally measuring the distance between your AC joints is the general rule when choosing the appropriate handlebar width.
That means, if you have a 38mm measurement, then you should get 38mm handlebars.
Using this method may not result in an optimal biking set-up, but it can serve as a good baseline for getting your handlebar fit and size.
- Why Width Matters: A handlebar that’s too wide can make you feel stretched out, while one that’s too narrow can feel cramped. Finding the right width ensures better control and comfort.
- Shape Sensation: From flat to drop to everything in between, the shape of your handlebar affects your posture and how you steer. It’s all about finding what feels natural to you.
Material
Carbon Handlebars are for weight weenies. They are very lightweight (sometimes even half the weight of standard aluminum bars, and they can absorb vibrations when riding in off-road terrains. Although, the majority of cyclists still prefer aluminum handlebars because of their durability.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and affordable, it’s a popular choice for many riders.
- Carbon Fiber: If you’re looking for something super light and strong (and don’t mind splurging a bit), carbon fiber is the way to go.
- Steel: Old school and durable, steel handlebars have a certain charm and sturdiness to them.
Reach
An important concept in choosing a handlebar is the reach. Taller riders are generally larger, so they’d need a longer reach, while smaller riders will have a shorter reach.
Reach distances range from 80mm to 85mm, where: 80mm is considered a short reach, 80-85mm is a medium reach, and 85mm is considered as the longest reach.
Setup
Setting up your handlebar correctly is crucial. It’s not just about bolting it on and going. Consider the angle and height to ensure your wrists are in a natural position. And hey, don’t hesitate to tweak things until it feels just right!
Benefits and Drawbacks: Bike Handlebars Types
Flared Handlebars
- Pros: Gives you a wider grip, which can be great for control, especially off-road.
- Cons: Might feel a bit too wide for some, especially on narrow city streets.
Narrow Handlebars
- Pros: Sleek and aerodynamic, these are perfect for speed demons and city riders.
- Cons: Less control on rough terrains and might feel a bit twitchy for new riders.
Medium-sized Handlebars
- Pros: A balanced choice, offering both control and comfort for everyday riders.
- Cons: Jack of all trades but master of none; might not be specialized enough for some riders.
Summary: Common Handlebar Types & Features
- Drop Bars: Width 38–46 cm; narrower (38–40 cm) for aerodynamics, wider (42–46 cm) for stability.
- Flat Bars: Width 680–800 mm; downhill disciplines favor 740–800 mm.
- Riser Bars: Rise 20–40 mm with 7–12° sweep for off-road control.
- Gravel Bars: Width 42–52 cm with flared drops for mixed terrain.
- Clamp Diameters: 22.2 mm (BMX/older MTBs), 25.4 mm (commuters), 31.8 mm (modern bikes), 35 mm (high-end MTBs).
References
- PubMed. (n.d.). The relationship of bicycle manoeuvrability to handlebar configuration. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15677217/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022, May 28). The effect of handlebar height and bicycle frame length on muscle activity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9180202/
