MTB handlebars and raised bars

Riser or flat bar: the shape of the mountain bike handlebars

The riser handlebars, with the ends raised in relation to the centre, are fitted on most trail, enduro, and downhill mountain bikes: they straighten the torso and shift the weight back on steep slopes. The flat handlebars, like the Gist Switch Light, are still favoured in cross-country for shifting weight forward when climbing. Among the references, Renthal, founded in 1969 in England by Andrew Renshaw and Henry Rosenthal, built its reputation in motorcycles before designing the Fatbar; Chromag, launched in 2003 in Whistler, Canada, produces the Fubars, popular among bike park riders.

Components

Mountain bike components also come in:

• Grips and Bar Ends.
• Stems.
• Forks.
• Headsets and Cups.
• Saddles.
• Seat Posts.
• Pedals.

All components are gathered on the peripheral components page.

Width, rise, backsweep and clamp diameter

The width of mountain bike handlebars ranges from about seven hundred and twenty millimetres in cross-country to eight hundred millimetres in enduro and downhill; it is then trimmed in small increments according to the rider's physique. The rise, from zero to about forty millimetres, adjusts the height of the hands without changing the stem. The backsweep, an angle towards the back, and the upsweep, an angle upwards, position the wrists naturally and relieve the forearms. Finally, the clamp diameter must match the stem: thirty-one point eight or thirty-five millimetres, the latter offering more rigidity.

Carbon or aluminium, and Vibrocore damping

The carbon handlebars, like the Renthal Fatbar carbon, lighten the front and filter out small vibrations, provided you respect the torque and use appropriate mounting paste. Aluminium, being more economical and more tolerant of impacts, dominates among trail handlebars, including the Spank Spoon, Pro LT, Reverse Lead, or Protaper, a brand originating from motocross. The Spank Spike incorporates Vibrocore technology: a foam injected inside the tube, which absorbs some vibrations and relieves the forearms during long descents. After a fall, check your handlebars and replace them at the slightest doubt.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, the French Days in spring, then summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

How to cut down a mountain bike handlebar?

Remove the grips and controls, mark the length to be removed from each side, and cut with a guide and a fine blade, a few millimetres at a time. Never exceed the cutting limit indicated by the manufacturer and carefully deburr.

What torque to apply to a mountain bike handlebar?

It is engraved on the stem, often around five to six newton-metres, and should be respected with a torque wrench. Tighten the screws in a cross pattern, gradually, to distribute the pressure and leave an equal gap at the top and bottom.

Is a wider handlebar always more effective?

A wide handlebar stabilises direction when descending, but if it is too wide, it tires the shoulders and gets stuck between trees. The right width depends on physique, terrain, and stem length, hence the importance of gradually cutting down.

How to adjust the angle of a mountain bike handlebar?

Rotate the handlebar in the stem until the rise is aligned with the fork's axis, or slightly back. The wrists should remain in line with the forearms, without being bent upwards or downwards.

What are the markings at the centre of a mountain bike handlebar for?

They help to centre the handlebar in the stem and to reproduce the chosen angle exactly after disassembly. Some brands also indicate the allowed clamping area for controls and brake levers.