Road, mountain and city bike frames

Road handlebars and gravel handlebars: drop, reach, and flare

The road handlebars are defined by three measurements: their width, reach (the distance forwards to the hoods), and drop (the height difference between the top and bottom of the handlebars). The Pro LT Compact, with reduced reach and drop, makes the low position accessible for less flexible cyclists; the Pro Vibe Aero and the Vision Trimax, with a flattened top section, reduce drag and provide broad support for the hands. The gravel handlebars, like the Zipp Service Course XPLR or the Controltech, flare outwards downwards: the hands spread apart in the low position, giving more leverage and stability on paths while keeping a reasonable width at the top.

Other components

Components are also available in various forms:

• Stem.
• Handlebar tape.
• Handlebar extensions.
• Grips.
• Cable housing.
• Adapters.

All components are gathered on the peripheral components page.

Clamp diameter, material, and robustness level

The clamp diameter, at the centre of the handlebars, must match the stem: thirty-one point eight millimetres on most road bikes and mountain bikes, thirty-five on many enduro handlebars, and twenty-five point four on city bikes, like the Ergotec City and Country. Regarding material, the carbon of the Vision Trimax reduces weight and dampens vibrations, while the aluminium of the Easton or Gist remains robust and economical, and the steel of the Ergotec carrier handlebars can withstand the loads from a utility bike. Ergotec indicates a robustness level for each handlebar on a scale from one to six, detailing permitted uses and weights.

Width and rise of MTB and city handlebars

In mountain biking, handlebars have significantly widened: seven hundred sixty to eight hundred millimetres for trail and enduro, such as the Chromag Fubars at eight hundred, the Renthal Fatbar, or the Spank Spoon, for more leverage and control downhill. The rise adjusts the height of the hands without altering the spacers; the backsweep, an angle towards the back, aligns the wrists with the forearms. The Protaper comes from a brand that originated in motocross. In the city, a raised handlebar that curves back, like those from Ergotec, straightens the torso and relieves the wrists, allowing for an upright position that offers good visibility in traffic.

Good deals

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What width of handlebars should I choose for a road bike?

The width is usually set to match the shoulders, measured between the two bony protrusions. A handlebar that is too wide presents more wind resistance, while one that is too narrow compresses the chest and makes steering twitchy.

How do I cut down a mountain bike handlebar?

Remove the same length from each side using a tube cutter or a guided saw, in small increments of five to ten millimetres. For a carbon handlebar, use an appropriate blade and lightly sand the cut to prevent it from fraying.

Is a carbon handlebar fragile?

Carbon withstands expected stresses very well, but it doesn't handle excessive clamping or localized impacts well. Respect the torque settings for the stem and levers, and use a suitable assembly compound.

When should a bike handlebar be replaced?

After a severe fall, a crack, a deep mark, or any deformation, even slight, the handlebar should be replaced. A fatigued handlebar can fail without warning, and it's one of the components that is most dangerous to break.

Which handlebar should I choose for a touring bike?

Long days in the saddle require multiple hand positions to relieve the wrists. A flared road handlebar provides this variety, as does a raised city handlebar equipped with ergonomic grips for leisurely rides.