How to choose your MTB handlebar?

The MTB handlebar must not only provide you with comfort and precision for riding but also be robust enough to absorb all impacts. Here are all its secrets.

Standards

• Handlebar diameters: 25.4 mm; 31.8 mm or 35 mm
• Handlebar shapes: flat or rised (rise) with rearward bend (backsweep) or upward bend (upsweep)
• Handlebar widths: generally between 560 mm and 860 mm
• Handlebar materials: aluminium, carbon or titanium

Types of handlebars

The diameter stated corresponds to that of the MTB stem mounting area, i.e. at the centre of the handlebar. Previously 25.4 mm, the most widespread current standard is 31.8 mm. Some brands also offer models in 35 mm for very demanding disciplines.

For your information, regardless of the mounting diameter, the diameter at the level of the MTB grips and the gear shifters is always 22.2 mm.

There are various handlebar shapes to suit the demands of the MTB rider. It is important to know and understand the different characteristics and their effects on riding position in order to choose the one that suits you:

The rise (Rise, refers to the height of the curve of a handlebar, expressed in millimetres) : the greater it is, the more your position will be raised and moved back on the bike. Conversely, the lower the rise, the more you will be positioned over the front of the bike.

The backsweep (Rearward curve angle, expressed in degrees) : since arms are not perfectly symmetrical, this rearward curve helps achieve a more natural hand position on the handlebar. This value varies depending on your body shape.

The upsweep (Upward curve angle, expressed in degrees) : the explanation is the same as for the backsweep; indeed, the natural position of your hands requires the handlebar to be curved upward as well.

The old school determined the width of the MTB handlebar based on the distance between your shoulders. But as MTB practices and technologies have evolved, the choice is now made differently.

• The wider the handlebar, the more manoeuvrability and stability it will provide when riding.
• The narrower the handlebar, the more responsiveness it will provide for direction changes and the easier it will be to navigate tight passages.

Regarding the material, handlebars are generally made of aluminium, which offers the best strength/weight/price ratio. However, to improve the weight/rigidity ratio, some are made of carbon. You can also find some in titanium to optimise the comfort/weight ratio.

Which handlebar for my discipline?

The choice of handlebar will be influenced by the geometry of your bike, your body shape, your MTB discipline and your riding style.
Apart from the backsweep and upsweep, which will vary according to each rider's anatomy, here is what is commonly used:

• Touring
  When touring on your leisure MTB, it is not uncommon to choose a handlebar with a rise between 10 and 15 mm depending on the shape of your stem to provide comfort, and a width between 650 and 710 mm for a good compromise between responsiveness and stability.

• Cross-Country
  Suited to your hardtail MTB during XC rides, you will opt for a flat handlebar (or with a rise of 10 mm maximum) and a width between 600 and 680 mm, which will load the front of the bike for precise, incisive handling.

• All-Mountain
  The manoeuvrability and stability needed for descents will lead you to opt for a handlebar between 700 and 800 mm wide. A rise between 10 and 25 mm remains a good compromise for maintaining a comfortable position on your full-suspension MTB.

• Enduro
  The needs are similar to those of All-Mountain: a handlebar 700 to 800 mm wide with a rise of 10 to 25 mm. Unless you are aiming for the top of the podium, in which case you will prefer to load the front of the bike a little more with a lower, or even flat, handlebar.

• DH / Freeride
  You will generally turn to a rised handlebar between 20 and 40 mm for a more reassuring position on steep descents. A width beyond 750 mm ensures maximum stability in the most demanding sections.