There is a wide variety of handlebar shapes. Some of them have memorable names such as bullhorn handlebars, racing handlebars or dovetail handlebars. But how, for example, can you categorise and distinguish between two handlebars that look relatively similar and are slightly bent backwards? Handlebars determine the position of the hands. This position can be described more precisely according to various criteria. Handlebars are categorised according to their width, their backward bend (called crank or backsweep), their upward or downward bend (upsweep or downsweep) and whether they are higher overall (riser) or not (flat bar).
Handlebars: Stiff or with flex?
There are also differences in the handlebar clamp (see "oversized = stiffer" on the right), the handlebar material and, of course, the price. Road cyclists and mountain bikers are increasingly using carbon handlebars, but trekking and touring bikes are (still) almost always equipped with aluminium handlebars. Inexpensive aluminium handlebars have thicker tubes and are heavier, while more expensive aluminium handlebars are made of thinner, double or triple butted tubes, sometimes even heat-treated. These handlebars are light, but still sufficiently stiff and safe.
There are already clear differences in width. Bullhorn and racing handlebars are usually only around 38 to 44 centimetres wide (centre-to-centre) and are primarily intended for the road. Many commuters and courier riders prefer to ride with relatively narrow, straight or curved handlebars that are around 50 to 58 centimetres wide, so they can easily get past cars. Typical trekking bikes often have handlebars that are over 58 centimetres wide so that you can ride safely even on bumpy roads. Mountain bikes are also being fitted with ever wider handlebars for better control; they are often over 70 cm wide, sometimes even up to 80 cm.i
Around the corner: handlebars with offset or rise?
The first straight mountain bike handlebars were an ergonomic disaster. Today, almost all handlebars have at least a slight bend of 5 or 6 degrees to the rear, often significantly more depending on the area of use. While sporty riders tend to favour relatively straight handlebars, relaxed cyclists prefer handlebars with more of a bend. It should be borne in mind that the steering becomes more nervous in the latter case because the hands are roughly on a horizontal axis with the headset. To minimise this effect, you can choose a handlebar that does not bring your hands quite so far back due to its pre-bend (Ergotec Boomerang), or you can simply install a longer stem.
Stems with more inclination and/or handlebars with more "rise" place the hands upwards; you sit more upright and put more weight on the saddle. A flat bar does not change the height. Racing handlebars allow the rider to adopt a somewhat strenuous but aerodynamically favourable position if necessary. As a compromise between comfort and efficiency, long-distance riders often choose a handlebar position that brings their hands roughly level with the saddle.
Some handlebars are bent a few degrees upwards or downwards. An upward bend brings the elbows further out, a downward bend is more relaxed. The more offset a handlebar has, the more the grip angle changes when you tilt the handlebar up or down.
Ultimately, everyone has to find out for themselves which form works best for them. Plan enough time for this: With a few wheels, an adjustable stem and a patient specialist dealer, you should be able to find a good solution.
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