Greatest mountain bike handlebars reviewed and rated by consultants

One of the best mountain bike handlebars are the proper width and kind to provide you management and luxury when using your bike, whether or not you’re climbing, descending, using cross-country or enduro. We’ve tried and examined many to carry you our decide of the perfect to go well with the wants and price range of each rider.

One other important a part of the puzzle is grips; be sure you get the greatest mountain bike grips you’ll be able to, as they’ll work along side the handlebars to make sure you have the perfect journey expertise doable. Mountain bike stems are additionally a part of the management and expertise image.

Bounce straight to the handlebar diameter you’re in search of;

Bounce to: Greatest 35mm diameter bars
Bounce to: Greatest 31.8mm diameter bars

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Greatest 35mm diameter bars

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Race Face Subsequent R handlebars

One of the best 35mm carbon handlebar

Weight: 218g | Width: 800mm  | Rise: 10, 20 or 35mm | Dimensions: 8° again, 5° up | Ranking: 10/10

Professionals: Good condition. Plenty of room for controls. Good journey really feel.

Cons: Prices greater than an alloy bar.

Like its stablemates, the Subsequent R is fashioned from unidirectional carbon and comes with a 35mm clamp dimension and Race Face’s glorious bar geometry, which incorporates 8° again sweep and 5° of up sweep. This places your palms in a impartial place, however there’s sufficient leeway so you’ll be able to roll the bar barely to tweak the place.

The bar has a easy transition on the rise so you’ll be able to wiggle a stem on with it scuffing the carbon, and the management centres (that’s the straight sections of bar) are additionally fairly lengthy, so there may be loads of room for all method of lever spacing, further controls and light-weight brackets.

In the event you’re trying to end off a boutique construct or need to take the sting off a harsh journey, the Race Face Subsequent R riser is a good way to try this. It additionally has a implausible form, is available in three rises and, better of all, six color choices.

Learn the total evaluate of the Race Face Subsequent R handlebars

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Among the finest 35mm carbon handlebar

Weight: 235g | Width: 780 or 800mm  | Rise: 12, 25 or 38mm | Dimensions: 9° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: Distinctive offset sweeps go well with trendy MTBs, Correct dealing with.

Cons: On the stiffer aspect. Offset sweeps might not go well with older bikes.

Nukeproof needed extra backsweep for enhanced consolation, and has executed one thing distinctive with the handlebar form to counteract how this locations palms nearer to the rider and successfully reduces the attain of your body. The bar is ‘clocked’ barely forwards so wrists sit on the identical angle, however the bar lies additional ahead than most rivals with the identical 9° backsweep.

Offsetting the bar barely like this provides extra choices to tune hand and using place as a result of rolling the bars within the stem makes extra distinction to grip place. Fact be informed, it’s not a large world of distinction; you possibly can get on these bars and never discover the distinctive sweep in any respect. But it surely definitely does no hurt and can little doubt be felt and appreciated by some riders greater than others.

Apart from this distinctive – and profitable – manner of doing the bar sweeps, this second technology Horizon bar has loads of different issues going for it. From a sensible and security viewpoint, the denser 3K carbon weave positioned on the management clamp areas is a good suggestion. So too is using a kind of ‘gritty’ particle paint the place the bar will get held by the stem, to stop any undue bar rotational slip.

Basically its journey really feel is indistinguishable from far dearer carbon bars and this, mixed with the smart trendy MTB sweep shaping, make the most recent Nukeproof Horizon bar a winner.

Learn our full check evaluate of Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon Riser

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35mm runner-up

Weight: 219g | Width: 800mm | Rise: 20, 35mm | Dimensions: 9° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: Light-weight and with a terrific journey really feel with out being a moist noodle

Cons: Not extraordinarily flexible for those who have been after that kind of flex

Ostensibly that is very epitome of a contemporary mountain bike handlebar: a whack full 800mm width, 35mm clamp diameter and out there in 20 or 35mm rise (we suggest the latter for contemporary, longer mountain bikes by the best way) and it comes within the virtually de rigeur 9° x 5° sweep combo.

What units this bar aside is its on-trail journey really feel. It isn’t a painful, overly stiff stick of a bar. Don’t get us improper, it isn’t as overtly flexy as some intentionally flexible bars (resembling made by One Up or Syncros) however it most positively does do this previous carbon cliche of not passing on vibration and chatter into the palms of your palms.

And, er… that’s that. An amazing handlebar is a tough factor to bang on about. It simply works. Is gentle. Rides properly. Doesn’t price a ridiculous sum of money. And has actually cool graphics while doing so.

Learn our full check evaluate of the E*13 Race Carbon

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Stunning and comfy

Weight: 224g | Width: 800mm | Rise: 20mm | Dimensions: 7° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: UK-made with stunning uncovered weave end and muted journey sensation.

Cons: Lacks again sweep for some. Just one rise possibility.

Handlebars have been one of many first issues that Hope received spherical ot making oonce they’d received the tech to make carbon stuff in-house. Their preliminary handlebar was a 31.8mm diameter and we actually rated it extremely (we nonetheless do, it’s listed under in the perfect 31.8mm diameter bars shortlist).

That is the newer addition to the Hope handlebar vary, an oversize 35mm carbon bar. It bears the identical sweep angles because the 31.8mm model, and likewise the only rise possibility (20mm) however Hope have been beneficiant sufficient to increase its width to the total 800mm trendy normal

Not solely that however hope additionally state that this 35mm diameter is definitely extra comfy than their 31.8mm diameter bar. That is the surprise of working with carbon fibre. You’ll be able to virtually do what you need with it. The ensuing bulgy, bulbous aesthetic is one thing of an opinion splitter, thoughts. So too is the carbon weave end which does look slightly noughties (though personally we secretly kinda like this contemporary retro vibe).

It’s nonetheless handcrafted in Barnoldswick, Lancashire and the result’s a stunningly stunning bar with uncovered carbon weave. The journey high quality matches the seems to be, with giving a really exact, direct management, however sufficient compliance within the materials to take the sting off harsh bumps.

Not low-cost. However good. And made within the UK, for those who like that kind of factor.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Hope Carbon Handlebar 35mm

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Full-on traditional riser

Weight: 318g | Width: 820mm | Rise: 20 or 35mm | Dimensions: 8° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: Tremendous robust with lengthy life expectancy. Extensive sufficient for all tastes.

Cons: Tremendous gloss end requires cautious brake/shifter/dropper clamping. Lacks angle-dangle markings for controls.

Not a fan of carbon? You’re not alone. Even taking apart the expense and environmental considerations of carbon (we don’t assume carbon bars are weaker than alloy bars by the best way, so we’re not factoring that in as a detrimental), there’s something actually nice concerning the really feel of an aluminium handlebar.

Race Face use 7075 collection alloy for this bar and it actually may be very, very skinny walled at sure components. Alloy bars might not do any magic vibration soaking-up as oft-claimed by carbon bars however they have to positively take care of the spikes and bangs of actual world tough stuff a complete lot higher.

Prior to now we’ve been huge believers in carbon bars that supplied a bit extra resilience, however as of late aluminium can really feel simply nearly as good and is normally half the worth. Clearly, carbon can save weight, however the 100g weight saving goes to be fairly insignificant on trendy path bike.

Let’s speak about bar width. We actually like that further 20mm width, because it provides a bit extra leverage when muscling round on techy singletrack. I’m not saying that is an enduro bike particular handlebar however it is a bit more versatile than most all-mountain/gravity handlebars.

Niggles? While we admire the coarse matt end of the bar the place the stem clamps on to it (to stop unintended rotational slippage) we do want Race Face had put some prolonged graphics or line markings within the center too. As it’s, it may be exhausting to align the bars just-so.

Learn our full check evaluate of Race Face Atlas handlebar

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Chromag Fubar OSX 35

Much less tiring than different outsized bars

Weight: 320g | Width: 800mm | Rise: 25mm | Dimensions: 8° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: Beautiful calm feeling for a 35mm bar. In-yer-face graphics.

Cons: Could really feel overly uninteresting for racers. In-yer-face graphics.

They don’t a lot credit score (or blame) for it, however Chromag have been one of many authentic proponents of the now ubiquitous 35mm diameter normal. Their bars have come on a great distance since 2012 and are far more subtle. They’re now not purely about energy and the outsized aesthetic.

Chromag truly declare to have their very own bespoke manner of drawing out alloy into tubing, with the power to be comparatively particular about the place the have extra/much less alloy thickness.

Chromag Fubar OSX is much less harsh and extra comfy on longer descents than rival bars, whereas feeling simply as optimistic by way of management; a vital profit that makes it probably much less tiring than numerous different outsized, super-strong alloy bars

Some riders won’t just like the garish graphics – or the comparatively vast central fats part – however for those who reckon you’ll be able to carry off the Chromag look, goferrit.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Chromag Fubar OSX 35 handlebars

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Greatest 31.8mm diameter handlebars

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At residence on path or downhill

Weight: 364g | Width: 780mm | Rise: 10, 20, 30 or 38mm | Dimensions: 7° again, 5° up | Ranking: 9/10

Professionals: Trendy traditional that also cuts it. A great deal of rise choices.

Cons: Not as vast as extra trendy choices.

A contemporary traditional handlebar. There’s a motive why so {many professional} racers run Renthal bars, it’s not (simply) as a result of they’re paid to, it’s as a result of they are surely supreme by way of really feel and form.

The mix of stiffness-to-flexness is spot-on for all sorts of mountain biking. You don’t should be railing World Cup downhills to get the advantages. And the enduring colourway and logos at all times increase a smile too.

There may be nothing that rides like a Renthal bar. Particularly for those who’re into using extraordinarily quick. They ain’t precisely gentle however they’re fantastically made and actually maintain on to their exhausting anodised attractiveness for years.

Regardless of what you’d anticipate, the beguiling bronze colourway does appear to flatter each bike it will get put with. You’d assume there can be some body paintjobs that conflict with Renthal bars however we’ve but to see one. Magic.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Renthal FatBar handlebar

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31.8mm winner!

Weight: 322g | Width: 780, 800mm | Rise: 20, 35mm | Dimensions: 8° again, 5° up | Ranking: 10/10

Professionals: Does what it says on the tin, because it have been

Cons: Can be even higher if it got here in the next rise possibility for large riders/bikes

DMR have had a handlebar referred to as the Wingbar within the line-up for aeons and whereas this Mk4 is markedly completely different from the Mk1 Wingbar, it doesn’t seem like any materially completely different to the earlier Mk3 Wingbar. The gloss black end and brand seems to be the one factor that’s completely different right here. Good. The Mk3 Wingbar was glorious (we truly warded the Mk3 a full 10/10 ranking).

From what we are able to see the one distinction is that the Mk4 Wingbar is now out there in a 780mm width in addition to the full-on 800mm width as earlier than. The 8° x 5° sweep combo is impartial and the £55 asking value appears extraordinarily cheap. The 2 rise choices (20 and 35mm) are par for the course.

It’s the on-trail journey expertise that makes us give the Wingbar Mk4 the nod over all the opposite 31.8mm diameter bars right here. We simply assume it strikes the perfect stability of management and luxury.

Learn our full check evaluate of the DMR Wingbar Mk4

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31.8mm runner-up

Weight: 330g | Width: 800mm | Rise: 15, 30, 50mm | Dimensions: 8° again, 4° up | Ranking: 10/10

Professionals: Preferrred for these in search of flatter grip angle. Distinctive Vibrocore ‘filling’ genuinely reduces discomfort.

Cons: Graphics are wanting a bit dated. Shallow up sweep can really feel odd to some riders.

By way of stiffness, the Spike is strong and steers exactly, however there’s a distinctly deadened, uninteresting sensation that’s related, but by some means completely different, to the sensation you get from the best-damped carbon bars. Excessive frequency path chatter was noticeably extra muted, leaving our palms more energizing and fewer sore on the backside of robust descents.

How is this sense achieved? Basically by pumping the bar full of froth. No actually. The important thought right here is that the froth can dissipate tiny vibration and chatter, leaving the metallic handlebar having the ability to be made actually stiff and rigid. This Vibrocore foam buzz killing expertise has since discovered its manner into Spank’s different elements (principally their wheel rims). The Vibrocore filling solely provides round 25g to the burden of those bars bythe manner.

Most impressively, Spank don’t appear to be overly interested by overcharging for this distinctive function and as such we actually commend the sub-£80 price ticket.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Spank Spike 800 Vibrocore Race handlebar

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Appears to be like good and feels nice

Weight: 225g | Width: 780mm | Rise: 20mm | Dimensions: 7° again, 5° up | Ranking: 8/10

Professionals: Rides even higher than it seems to be. UK made stylish carbon.

Cons: Costly. One dimension solely.

No, you’re not seeing double. We did already record a Hope handlebar above within the shortlist of the perfect 35mm diameter handlebars. This bar right here is the unique 31.8mm model.

Carbon handlebars within the ‘previous’ 31.8mm clamp dimension seem like one thing of a dying breed however this one is an efficient alternative. For the cash a carbon bar isn’t essentially the most prices efficient solution to save weight however it’s a pleasant addition as a result of it’s one thing you’re going to be each time you journey. Hope’s Carbon riser does look good and feels nice however the excessive value (and lack of rise choices) does rely in opposition to it.

Learn evaluate of Hope Carbon handlebars

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How to decide on the perfect mountain bike handlebars

We’ve come a great distance from the shoulder-width steerers of the nineties and trendy geometry theorists will let you know that vast bars are the best way to go. It’s at all times a query of non-public desire although, and different elements embody issues like the place you journey. Tight and twisty trails with a great deal of timber shut collectively? You might desire to go a bit of narrower…although nonetheless wider than the previous days of mountain biking!

Width

We expect you ought to be aiming for at the least 760mm. Whereas this will likely appear excessive, within the majority of circumstances they may add a degree of management and stability that may remodel the best way your bike rides. Plus, a wider bar doesn’t price any further and you may at all times minimize it down.

Rise

The form of a bar is dictated by three key measurements: rise, backsweep and upsweep. Rise is typical measured in millimetres — therefore 20 or 30mm rise — and principally signifies the bar’s peak.

In the event you’re tall and/otherwise you’ve not modified your bar rise for a number of years however have moved on to longer and longer attain bikes, we’d strongly suggest going for the next rise bar than you’ve used beforehand i.e. 35mm rise or greater.

Clamp diameter

The vast majority of handlebars are 35mm or 31.8mm stem clamp diameter ie. they slot in a 31.8mm stem. You’ll need to even have/purchase a stem to go together with them so don’t neglect to price range for that too when shopping for new bars, except you have already got one the proper dimension.

Carbon or aluminium

Aluminium or carbon is the selection. Aluminium is cheaper. Carbon is lighter. Carbon bars could be stiffer – some may even be uncomfortably stiff.

Clearly there’s a unfold of costs and supplies right here, which implies there’s something for each pocket. Carbon bars are pricy, however they’re beautifully made and also you’re roughly a 150 gram weight saving over the aluminium alternate options

What you’re in search of is an ideal stability between stiffness, consolation and resilience. If it’s also possible to get a bar that’s gentle and vast sufficient, then you definately’re in all probability a winner.

Sweep angles

Backsweep and upsweep are measured in levels and so they have an effect on the angle of the bit you maintain.

Not all producers produce bars in a number of rises, and it is advisable contemplate stem angle and bar rise collectively to attain your excellent bar peak. All of our favorite bars mix upsweep and backsweep, so we’d keep away from any which might be too flat or angled too far again.

Reduce marks and reference marks

It’s best to know tips on how to get your controls on the identical angle by eye, however to scale back the guesswork a number of producers print reference marks on the bar.

Reduce marks are a useful addition if you wish to trim the bar and don’t personal a tape measure. In addition they assist you to ignore the previous maxim ‘measure twice, minimize as soon as.’