Bicycle handlebar horns: purpose and selection features

Bicycle owners who often use this means of transportation prefer to choose various accessories and bicycle parts for it. One of them is the steering wheel horns. Opinions about the functionality of this attribute are divided, some users consider them useless. What are horns for, and what are their main features?

Users believe that the handlebar horns are an accessory designed to make the cyclist's life easier. They are attached at the edges. You can choose short, medium length and long models, the latter have several bends, due to which the grip can be carried out in different positions. The grip area is 70 to 120 millimeters.

So, first of all, the task of the horns is allow the cyclist to change the grip. This is especially true when driving uphill and driving for a long time. This accessory is often used for mountain bikes. Horns also perform a protective function and protect equipment, for example, during a fall. The landing becomes more elongated, which can also be considered a plus.

Various accessories such as a mirror, flashlight, etc. can be attached to the horns. In addition, when the bike needs to be put on the handlebars, for example, for repair, it will be much easier to do this, even without removing various additional elements. You can also hang various, not too heavy objects on the horns.

The steering horns will generally improve the aerodynamic properties of the "iron horse".In bad weather, under the influence of precipitation and excessive moisture, the hand sometimes slips off the steering wheel, which threatens with bruises and even injuries. With the use of horns, this nuisance is eliminated. Hands are comfortable, the grip can be periodically changed, which is especially important for those who are driving for a long time.

In general, it can be noted that special handles attached to the edges are called horns on the steering wheel. This accessory was not initially provided for by the design, therefore, apart from positive aspects, it also has disadvantages. One of them is the possibility of injury when using incorrectly installed horns. Experts also do not recommend bullying them too much. Better to give preference standard models.

If a cyclist moves on rough terrain, there is a risk of catching on something and falling, respectively, this also threatens injury. The weight of the structure increases, and there is not much space on the bike wheel. When driving on difficult terrain, it is best to keep your hands on the brake levers, in some cases this can save you from trouble.

There is also a risk that in case of an unsuccessful fall, the cyclist himself is injured by the horns. It can be difficult to place the bike for the winter. If a special cover is used for this, the horns will get in the way.

In terms of size, bicycle handlebar horns are short, medium and long. In some cases, short ones can be included with grips. They perform a protective function as well provide a firm grip... On medium models, only one grip is available. They are versatile and can be fitted to different bikes.

When using them, the body can be in different positions, for this it is enough just to change the angle of inclination. Due to this, they can be called the most popular among users. The difference between long horns is that they have a curved shape. Great for road bikes. They are preferred by users for whom long trips are relevant, when you can periodically change the grip options. Provides good hand protection.

Approaching the issue of choice, you need to decide what kind of accessory the user needs. Most often, anatomical is chosen. It is very comfortable and reliable. In this position, the hands do not get tired for a long time. The most expensive are the curved horns. Their advantage is that there are the maximum number of grips here. Very easy to use three-sided and geometric shapes.

There are many materials of manufacture. On sale you can find plastic, carbon, composite, titanium, metal and aluminum horns. They have several connection methods, the most reliable of which is welding. It can also be gluing and soldering. Among the models, manufacturers recommend giving preference to horns made of carbon or titanium.

They are the most reliable, but also the most expensive. The following price category contains products made of composite and aluminumwhich are also of high quality. Steel materials, of course, are strong, but very heavy. More and more gaining popularity plastic horns, however, they have a significant drawback - in the event of a breakdown, they are not repaired.

The bicycle wheel has 2 types of horn attachment. The first one is external. The horns are fixed using clamps.With internal fastening, they are placed using a spacer. It is worth stopping at the method that is more convenient for the cyclist.

The installation must be preceded by the removal or cutting of the grips. You also need to prepare clamps and hexagons. The horns are clamped with clamps. After that, the horns themselves are installed. The optimum tilt angle should be 45-50 degrees. If it is very different, it will lead to rapid fatigue of the cyclist's hands.

Choosing horns for a rudder is usually straightforward. A wide range of them are presented on the shelves of specialized stores. However, there are a number of factors that should be determined in advance. The main one is hardware compatibility. Better to use products from trusted and reliable manufacturers. Next, the issue with the type of attachment is being resolved. The value of the goods plays a significant role.

It is worth deciding which material of manufacture is more preferable for the user. Manufacturers also offer a wide range of shapes and sizes, they are responsible for ease of use. If relevant, the weight of the item is estimated. Users should take into account that there must be sufficient free space on the handlebars to install externally mounted bicycle horns. This condition can be achieved by cutting off the edges of the grips.... In the case when there is not enough space, it is better to abandon such models and choose the option with an internal mount.

Also, when buying, you need to consider the purpose. If you need as many grip options as possible, you should stop your attention on long models, while small ones will well close their hands when falling. Medium horns are versatile and will suit any user. In addition, the diameter of the handlebars must be measured. The horns should be assessed visually. They should have a flat surface free from defects and chips.

For information on how to install the horns on the bicycle handlebars, see the next video.