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A Comprehensive Guide to Mountain Bike Handlebars
As you gear up for your next off-road adventure, one crucial element often overlooked is the choice of handlebars for your mountain bike (MTB). While many riders opt for the default handlebar that comes with their bike, upgrading your cockpit to align with both your preferences and riding style can significantly enhance your trail experience. The handlebar of your bike plays a crucial role in steering, and overall bike handling, and is a pivotal component in achieving the right mountain bike fit, influencing your comfort during rides.
As a general guideline, the technicality and aggressiveness of your bike and riding style determine the width and robustness of the handlebar. Riders engaging in downhill, trail, or enduro activities often prefer a wider bar for increased control. Wider bars, typically accompanied by a rise, prove beneficial for positioning your weight over the back of the bike, especially in challenging terrain. Conversely, cross-country riders seek a more responsive posture and weight efficiency. They favor lighter, narrower, and flat bars that position more of their weight over the front of the bike, aiding in conquering steep XC-style climbs.
This guide will delve into the essential considerations and recommend the top 4 handlebars for 2023! Let’s check it out!
Things to Consider When Choosing MTB Handlebars
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Handlebars Diameter
Your handlebars' diameter, typically 31.8 mm or 35 mm, plays a pivotal role in your biking experience. Originally, all bikes featured 31.8 mm bars, but the introduction of 35 mm bars addressed rigidity issues, offering enhanced stiffness without a significant weight increase. While 31.8 mm bars are suitable for most riders, those tackling technical terrain might prefer the added control of 35 mm bars. Choose a diameter compatible with your current stem, typically indicated on the stem itself or available through your local bike shop.
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Handlebars Material
Once you've chosen the diameter, the next decision involves material: Carbon or Aluminum. Carbon bars are pricier, lighter, and stiffer, while Aluminum bars are more budget-friendly and slightly heavier. The differences are subtle, making either a viable option. Ensure precise installation with a torque wrench to prevent over-torquing, which could lead to inconvenient failures.
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Width
Handlebar width significantly influences bike feel and steering. Most bars come at a standard 800 mm width, adjustable to your desired width. Wider bars enhance stability, while narrower ones improve maneuverability. Consider factors like height, wingspan, bike geometry, stem length, and riding style. Experimentation is encouraged, starting with wider widths and trimming down based on preferences.
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Rise
Handlebar rise, the elevation of grips above the center of the bar, is crucial for natural handling. Ideal rise varies based on personal preference and riding style. Higher rise aids balance during descents, while lower rise enhances handling during climbs. Most riders find a moderate choice, around 20 mm, suitable. Adjustment is easy by rearranging headset spacers.
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Upsweep and Backsweep
Upsweep and backsweep influence wrist position and overall comfort. Experiment with different positions by rolling the bars forward or backward. A standard upsweep of 5° works well for most, but individuals with wrist issues may explore varying degrees. Similarly, backsweep, ranging from 6 to 10°, can be adjusted based on comfort.
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Compliance and Vibrating Damping
Modern handlebars emphasize vibration damping for a smoother ride. These advancements combine the vertical stiffness of 35 mm bars with the damping properties of 31.8 mm bars. While subtle, this technology proves beneficial, especially for riders facing wrist pain after challenging descents. Consider bars with specific vibration-damping properties, coupled with comfortable grips and suspension adjustments.
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Choosing a Stem
Having found the ideal handlebar, selecting a compatible stem is the next step. Initially, stick with the stem that came with your bike, ensuring compatibility. If a new stem is desired, focus on length and rise. A stem with more rise aids in descents, while a negative rise enhances climbing precision. Avoid deviating more than 10 mm from the stock stem length. Use a torque wrench during installation for secure attachment.
Top 4 MTB Handlebars in 2023
1. Deity MTB Speedway 35mm Handlebar
DEITY's carbon handlebars outperform all others on the market not just in strength but also in providing riders with the ability to push their limits while retaining full control. With a width of 810mm and a 30mm rise, this 35mm bore handlebar strikes an impressive balance between responsiveness and comfort. Positioned at the sweet spot, it effectively absorbs vibrations, chatter, and impact, all while preserving a stiff and reactive feel. This design allows riders to confidently approach the edge of potential challenges, continually fueling their desire for increased speed.
2. Deity MTB Skyline 31.8 mm Handlebar
DEITY's expanded range of aluminum handlebars introduces the Skyline 787, designed for MTB, Enduro, and Trail enthusiasts. Drawing from extensive expertise in crafting durable handlebars, DEITY now offers a featherweight version poised to conquer mountain peaks. Crafted from Gradient Butted 7075 T73 Aluminum, the handlebar features an ultra-sleek two-tone bead blast finish and is the epitome of lightweight design. It is a Rise Bar type with a 31.8 mm barbore.
This commitment results in the lightest premium aluminum handlebar in the DEITY lineup, boasting a 20% increase in strength across all models. The dedication to this extra step underscores DEITY's relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring riders can ascend, descend, and repeat with confidence.
3. Deity MTB Skywire 35mm Handlebar
The all-new Skywire Carbon Trail handlebar from DEITY maintains the expected levels of strength and comfort while emphasizing improved performance and extended ride time. Explore the distinctive feel of the Skywire Carbon, perfectly configured at 800mm width, and featuring 15mm and 25mm rise options for a personalized experience.
Crafted from robust unidirectional carbon, it provides durability and outstanding ride quality. The handlebar boasts comfortable dimensions with 9 degrees of back-sweep and 5 degrees of up-sweep, along with a textured non-slip stem clamping surface. Follow the recommended MAX Torque Spec Range (4 – 4.5 NM) for optimal performance.
4. Deity CZ40 Cameron Zink Signature Handlebar
The Zink signature handlebar showcases a distinctive 9.5 x 4.5-degree bend and sweep, meticulously crafted to emulate the feel of his preferred motocross handlebar. Introducing the CZ40, the latest addition to the Cameron Zink Signature Handlebar series, designed to excel in All Mountain, Downhill, Freeride, and Trail disciplines. Boasting an 800mm width and a 40mm rise, the CZ40 incorporates our exclusive Gradient Butting Technology for optimal performance. The handlebar features a bead blast finish and eye-catching graphics, along with cut marks allowing customization to Zink's preferred widths for Slopestyle, Dirt Jumping, Downhill, and Trail riding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your mountain bike handlebar is more than a component—it's your link to the trail. This guide equips you with the insights to make informed choices, ensuring your handlebar complements your unique riding style. Tackle the trails confidently and comfortably, knowing your handlebar is optimized for an unparalleled biking experience.
Ready to elevate your MTB experience? Look no further than Rodalink, your go-to destination for top-notch biking gear. Among the premium brands available, we recommend exploring the Deity range for unmatched quality and performance. Visit Rodalink Malaysia to browse an extensive collection of MTB handlebars, including the recommended Deity models. Your next adventure awaits – equip yourself with the best gear for the ride of a lifetime!
Deity 31.8 Super Deal
