Durango, Colorado, in 1990: John Tomac competes in the first Downhill World Championships in history with racing bike handlebars. Tomac finishes fourth in the final. More importantly, however, the action made "Johnny T." a legend even back then - with this coup, he made the front pages of bike magazines all over the world. Perhaps the marketing effect was the real reason why Tomac presented the bike scene with racing bike handlebars. And even if his handlebars were too extreme to give product developers any serious impetus, the fact nevertheless raises the question: Why have most bikers so far been satisfied with just one standardised basic handlebar shape? Why has the industry been so reluctant to experiment? Despite all the endeavours to individualise, the human/bike interface in particular is extremely conservative: 5 to 9° offset, a width of 700 to 760 mm and between 0 and 30 mm rise. Many bikers suffer from wrist, shoulder and back pain on longer journeys. Complaints that are often related to an incorrect sitting position and arm posture. It therefore makes sense to consider alternatives to today's "standardised handlebars" when thinking about ergonomics - at least for certain target groups.
Wheel development shows that the industry is freeing itself from conventions and that the end consumer is also prepared to embrace paradigm shifts. It is therefore not surprising that more importance has recently been attached to avant-garde handlebar shapes. Nevertheless, the road bike handlebar will not make it to the cockpit of a mountain bike.
The handlebar width is also important
In the past, handlebars were rarely wider than 600 mm. But we have learnt a lot, and today we have reached an average width of 720 to 760 mm. And that's a good thing. After all, the handlebars are also the lever on which the rider leans and through which the steering impulses are transmitted. Wide handlebars are particularly advantageous in technical terrain. The width provides safety and control for beginners and experts alike. However, the width should also be adapted to the rider's stature. Handlebars that are too wide become unwieldy and require more physical effort than is sensible. Only real giants need over 800 mm. But even petite women often get on well with handlebars from 680 mm. Therefore: If in doubt, take a slightly wider handlebar and try out different grip widths at your leisure. You can always shorten the handlebars.
Interview with Dr Kim Tofaute (ergonomics expert)
Courage to individualise: Not all bikers are the same!
BIKE:
The industry is currently focussing on an almost standardised handlebar shape. Does it make sense to think so "narrowly"?
Dr Kim Tofaute: That's right, the mainstream follows a fairly uniform pattern. The spectrum of bikers ranges from petite women around 1.60 metres to tall men over 1.90 metres. To always install the same handlebars here is a rather crude compromise. Then there are the different riding styles, skill levels and route characteristics. I also wonder whether the industry isn't making things too easy for itself here.
From an anatomical point of view, are there good arguments for trying out alternative handlebar shapes?
The handlebar sweep is designed to help the biker adopt a natural arm and hand position. The rise can be used to adjust the riding position. If you have problems with your hands, arms, shoulders, neck and back in particular, you should definitely experiment with alternative shapes and explore the available optimisation potential.
Are there limitations where the current forms really have an advantage, or is it more a matter of individual preference as to what works better?
The handlebars are an important link to the body, but basically the body's ability to adapt is very high. That's why the current standards work for many people. But it makes sense and is simply more fun to ride pain-free in the long term with a customised position.
How does the area of application play into this?
One biker mainly rides downhill and has his arms almost stretched out, while another focusses on downhill riding and therefore has a completely different ideal position. The handlebars should therefore be selected according to anatomical as well as technical riding aspects. Handlebars away from the mainstream are often an interesting alternative for better ergonomics. Ergonomic grips are another way of tuning the cockpit. Here too, the hand position and riding position are optimised.
Your conclusion on the subject?
You can often get more out of it... but only if you are willing to experiment. Professional help from a dealer, bike fitter or riding technique coach makes sense in this respect.
The courage to try something new often pays off. (Chris Artmann, BIKE tester)
"As with all contact points, handlebars are also a matter of personal preference and subjective perception. That's why there are hardly any generalised statements here - everyone should decide for themselves what suits them best. However, I am convinced that many riders have not yet found their ideal handlebars. So it's better to try it out for yourself and only then make a judgement. Incidentally, I came across my new personal favourite during the test - the Answer."
SYNTACE Vector Carbon High10 12°
Info & distribution: www.syntace.de
Due to its traditional shape, the Syntace Vector is only recognised as unusual at second glance. Yet with its 12° offset, it is already beyond the current norm. With its very decent width, the Vector is versatile and suitable for even the most extreme trails. The variations in rise (-10 to +35 mm) allow additional customisation of the riding position. Not to mention the typical Syntace durability, as proven time and again in our handlebar tests. A lot of attention to detail such as the titanium grid on the stem clamp, high possible clamping forces or the option of shortening justify the price. The Vector is also available in aluminium at a significantly lower price. The moderately shortened seating position of approx. 20 mm compared to a comparable standard handlebar is intentional and is partially compensated for by the large width of the Vector.
ConclusionSyntace was a pioneer in the field of strong cranking for MTB handlebars and with the Vector in 12° offers an ergonomic hand position for every area of use.
RITCHEY WCS Flat 10D
Info: www.ritcheylogic.com - Distribution: www.cosmicsports.de
Modern classic. When the 10D handlebar was developed, a 10° sweep was still revolutionary. Back then, flat bars had between 3° and 5° sweep, and only riser bars offered more. The 10D was one of the rare, heavily offset flat bars. Today, it is one of the more restrained representatives of its genre. Remarkable: In order not to change the seating position any further compared to standard flat bars, the 10D was given a significant forward counter-bend. The result today is that even the rearmost grip position is further forwards than with the now common 8° handlebars - a kind of stem extension. In all other aspects, the relatively narrow Ritchey 10D is rather inconspicuous. The counter-bend offers a comfortable additional grip position.
ConclusionExcept for the double bend, the once revolutionary 10D can now almost be described as normal. With a moderate width, it is more suitable for less demanding terrain.
SQLAB 311
Info & distribution: www.sq-lab.com
The 311 handlebar is a prime example of complex bends. SQlab has copied the shape from motocross sport and wants to keep the wrist position as straight as possible - for more stability off-road. Due to the many bends, it takes some time to adjust the 311 to the optimum angle. Just like the ergonomically motivated rearward cranking, the upward cranking (upsweep) influences the posture on the bike. With the SQlab 311, you almost automatically adopt a dynamic arm position - with your elbows angled outwards. The very large rise is not always an advantage, but flatter versions are due to follow in summer 2015. Thanks to the counter-bend, the riding position otherwise remains largely neutral.
ConclusionThe ergonomics experts at SQlab have developed the 311, an exciting handlebar that combines an ergonomically optimised hand position with an aggressive arm position. Only the high rise reduces the range of use.
ANSWER Protaper Carbon 720 Enduro 20/20
Info: www.answerproducts.com - Distribution: www.mcg-parts.de
Developed in collaboration with the singlespeed world champion Evan Plews, the angled hand and arm position should ensure a high level of efficiency - especially when pedalling. A claim that has been confirmed as a subjective perception by some testers. The width and the sweep complement each other when physical effort is required. Although not the widest handlebar, the Answer never feels unsafe, even on demanding terrain. Mounted upside down, the 20/20 also offers the option of a lower riding position. In the practical test, the noticeable vertical flex was also noticeable, which earned the Answer additional points in the comfort rating. Thanks to the strong counter-bend, the riding position remains very neutral with a moderately stretched aero position towards the centre.
ConclusionDespite the 20° sweep, the handlebar proves to be very universal. A real alternative tip for singlespeed and rigid bikes, but also not out of place on all-mountain bikes for long tours.
JONES H-Bar 710 Loop Carbon
Info: www.jonesbikes.com - Distribution:
www.bikesteelborrow.com
Jeff Jones' products are an attack on established conventions. With the extreme sweep and approx. 20 cm (!) between the foremost and rearmost grip positions, the H-Bar is truly exceptional. The resulting seating positions range from very compact to extremely stretched. Due to the narrow grip width in the "neutral position" (marked in blue below), it is particularly recommended for long-distance adventures and more moderate trails. There it offers a lot of variety and therefore comfort. Positive: the many mounting options for lights, GPS and co. The latest development stage in carbon is now also extremely light. The steering angle is somewhat limited for technical trails. Our tip: it's best to order the extra-long ESI silicone grips as well.
ConclusionAs the most unconventional handlebar example, the H-Bar offers a wealth of grip positions and appeals above all to long-distance riders and adventurers. Comfort galore. A little too narrow and bulky for difficult trails.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 7/2015 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
