Compared to some sculpture-like grips or other high-end components on the bike, the handlebars seem to be a comparatively simple product. After all, they are not supposed to do much more than transmit the steering impulses. However, depending on the riding position and thus the pressure on the hands, the "handlebar" has an importance that should not be underestimated. Its grip height, together with the stem length and the rest of the frame geometry, determines how the body weight is distributed on the saddle and handlebars.
An ergonomically favourable ratio is around 50:50. If more than half of your body weight is on the handlebars, your hands can tire more quickly and it is advisable to counteract this. So-called rise handlebars increase the steering height by bending upwards.
Curved and bent - more comfort for hands and neck
Comfort handlebars for trekking bikes often have a certain rise so that the rider sits upright and can thus relieve the strain on their hands and neck. If, on the other hand, the bend leads backwards and/or downwards, the handlebars become a steering bar, which brings the wrists into a straighter line and the elbows slightly downwards. Both can protect nerve fibres, enable better absorption of impacts - and it feels more harmonious and comfortable for many everyday or touring cyclists. Handlebar ends create another grip position.
Straight handlebars
A flat and straight handlebar, also known as a flat bar, is usually found on fitness bikes or other sporty bikes. The reason: they promote an aerodynamic riding position and transmit steering movements very directly. However, the wrists have to bend on them so that more pressure is exerted on the outer sides. Ergonomically, this is not the ideal solution, but some people still get on well with the sports bar.
Curved handlebars
When the handlebars bend, the wrists don't have to. This means that the line of force from the arm to the hand is straighter when bent backwards. An angle of around 35 degrees is considered favourable. In addition, some ergo handlebars have an upward or downward bend of around 10 degrees. The handlebars shown here, for example, have the familiar swallow shape, which can be considered the ancestor of all ergo handlebars.
Handlebar ends
The best position is often not just one position: bar ends or bar ends allow you to reach round, allowing stressed areas to recover. Gripping the handlebars by the horns can also be more efficient in terms of power transmission when travelling uphill. The antler-like extensions of the past have mostly shrunk into grip stubs, which are mounted with an internal clamp and designed as a unit with the grip (e.g. Ergon GP4).
