How do I know what size handlebars to get?

The rule of thumb when selecting the correct handlebar width is to measure the distance between the two bony bits on your shoulders – in more scientific terms the distance between your two acromioclavicular (AC) joints. This measurement gives you a baseline – if it’s 38cm, look for 38cm bars – and so on.

Are wider bars better?

Why are wider bars better? When it comes to mountain bike handlebars, wider is better. They offer you more control, easier breathing and better positioning for balance. This makes you more stable and slower to fatigue.

How wide should your drop handlebars be?

A reach of less than 80mm is short; 80-85mm is medium; 85mm or more is considered long. Width: Most companies measure a bar’s width between the center of each drop. Common sizes are 38, 40, 42, and 44cm.

What angle should mountain bike handlebars be set at?

It is typically between five and nine degrees.

1. Center the bar in your stem. This will be easiest if you evenly snug up the stem faceplate bolts until your handlebar isn’t flopping around.
2. Adjust the fore/aft angle.
3. Tighten the stem faceplate bolts down in an X pattern (eg.

Can you put different handlebars on a mountain bike?

Handlebars are arguably the most important contact point on your bike. With so many different handlebars available from a variety of different brands, mounting up two different handlebars on the same bike can drastically change your experience on the trail.

What angle should mountain bike handlebars be?

Most bars feature 4-6 degrees of upsweep with 7-9 degrees of backsweep. Time to get your hands dirty. Start by making sure that your handlebar is centered in the stem.

Do wider bars increase reach?

As your handlebar length increases your reach decreases. A wider bar will shift more of your weight forward. The general rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of handlebar width to stem length: for every 20mm increase in handlebar length you should reduce your stem length by 10mm.

Are 800mm bars too wide?

The short answer is “ yes.” The long answer is, well, kinda long. At six-foot-three-inches tall, an 800mm handlebar allows me to get into a super comfortable and stable position while maintaining a posture that is conducive to both shoulder strength and mobility. A perfect world right there.

Are my MTB bars too wide?

If the bars paired with that stem are too wide, the steering will feel even slower, you will be bent over too much at the hips, and a strong riding position will be compromised. Narrower bars are used in this case to keep your chest open even when leaning forward in a climbing position.

How should drop bars be positioned?

On drop handlebars, the ends should angle downward five to ten degrees. This flattens the part of the bar behind the brake levers, turning it into a good and comfortable place to put your hands. Never, ever rotate the bar up, so that the ends aim upward of horizontal.

How wide should hybrid handlebars be?

On hybrids and flat-bar road bikes (“fitness” bikes), comfort is usually the overriding concern, so these typically come with very wide handlebars of about 56cm to 70cm. Mountain bikers who still have a preference for narrower bars might use something in the range of 54cm or 55cm.