Handlebars

Handlebars are what riders use to steer and control their bicycles. There are numerous styles of handlebars that cater to specific riding styles. Handlebars may also be made of various materials, depending upon their application.

Common Types of Bike Handlebars

Thee three most common types of handlebars are:

• cruiser handlebars: Cruiser handlebars are most commonly seen on beach cruisers and children's bicycles. These handlebars allow the rider to have an upright or slightly reclined posture for the greatest comfort.Cruiser handlebars have slightly less control than flat handlebars. Handlebar grips are added to cruiser handlebars, while brake levers and bicycle shifters are optional, depending on the design of the bicycle.
• drop handlebars: Drop handlebars are designed to allow the rider an aerodynamic posture for road and race riding. These handlebars offer many different hand positions so the rider may change their posture throughout their ride to reduce fatigue.The brake levers and gear shifters are placed at the front on the handlebars, along with an additional grip extension. These handlebars are generally wrapped with cotton or cushioned tape for grip and have end caps applied to protect the rider in the event of a crash.
• flat handlebars: Flat handlebars allow the greatest leverage for steering. Most commonly found on mountain bikes, flat handlebars give the rider an upright posture for vision and control. Flat handlebars are set up with handlebar grips at each end near, onto which the brake levers and gear shifters are attached. This allows the rider to control his bicycle without removing his hands from the handlebars.

Each bicycle handlebar design features different combinations of comfort, aerodynamics and leverage for steering.

Bicycle Handlebar Construction

Handlebars are generally constructed of aluminum alloy tubing that is bent to achieve the desired shape. Aluminum alloy allows the handlebars to be lightweight but also strong and durable. Handlebars may also be built out of steel, titanium and carbon fiber.

Titanium handlebars are extremely rigid and lightweight but are also expensive. Carbon fiber handlebars can be molded into custom bicycle handlebars, which make them ideal for racing and triathlon bicycles. Like titanium, carbon fiber handlebars are very expensive.

Bicycle Handlebar Adjustment

Handlebars may be adjusted to provide the rider with the most comfortable position for the type of riding he is performing. In general, the stem of the handlebar should not be higher than the top of the bicycle seat. Aerodynamics may be increased by lowering the stem but this does add increased pressure on the rider's neck.

The bike handlebars may further be adjusted to provide the most leverage and control by changing the angle of the drop on drop handlebars or by adding end bicycle handlebar grips onto flat handlebars.