Bicycle handlebars: types and choices

Summer is the time of the year when a lot of people ride their bicycles. Although it is not as expensive transport as a car, it also needs to be monitored. It is necessary to lubricate the mechanisms and be fully equipped in order for the ride to be safe. Today we will focus on bicycle handlebars.

The main purpose of the steering wheel is directional adjustment while driving. With this piece, you can maintain balance and have a fulcrum. Without a handlebar, you will not be able to ride a bike comfortably. It can also accommodate hand brakes, signaling equipment, lights, grips and much more. In addition to the direct meaning, they also try to make this element of the bicycle beautiful.

Now we will analyze all the main types of handlebars, including those for high-speed bicycles.

This device is intended for rough terrain. The straight position of the structure allows the rudder to be very strong and not have weak points. Previously, such parts were not made from special materials, since the already simple structure provided suitable strength. Now you can find mountain rudders made of carbon, metal alloys or titanium.

It is very important for the cyclist to feel comfortable, but due to this shape of the handlebar, the hands begin to tire quickly, therefore mountain bike type is used only for fast arrivals and small trails... Also, the too primitive device of such a part does not allow the cyclist to change the position of the arms and back, which can cause numbness. It is worth mentioning that there is a straight V-shaped handlebar with additional support. It is best suited for extreme riding.

One of the most common options for a part. Rise handlebars were made for bicycles of yesteryear and have become classics. From itself, this type of device is a curved pipe so that there is enough room for grips. Some cyclists themselves make such handlebars from several tubes, thereby increasing their strength.

The main advantage of these handlebars is that their height can be easily adjusted and have an even posture while riding.... Basically, the price of these parts is low, so they are found on the simplest bicycles, which are designed only to safely ride around the city.

Standard road racing handlebars... Outwardly, it has a flat base and special curved handles at the bottom, which look like ram's horns. The special structure of this part allows the rider to adopt an athletic posture (when the back is horizontal), with the help of which you can fully use the muscles of the legs, overcome wind resistance and gain high speed.

Instead of grips, such handlebars are wrapped so that there is good grip. Some cyclists set an aerodynamic handlebar in the center, on which you can rest your elbows so that they do not get too tired.

Also called "drop". The structure is as follows: after the base, where the handles are located, there is a curved pipe. It forms a semicircle that is parallel to the bike frame. A special feature of this steering wheel is that it can be held from several sides.... Either for the base or for the down tube with handles. This variety allows you to change the grip for the wrists so that they do not become numb. The pipe of this part is of a smaller diameter than that of the mountain type, therefore you cannot use them on the same bike.

Can be called a "travel" rudder. Its design is somewhat similar to a ram-type steering wheel, as the handles are bent in different shapes, but reduced to the main frame. If bike handlebars for road racing are made in order to gain high speed, then this device is designed for long distance riding... The large number of grips and grips allows your wrists to rest, which is essential for a long ride. For more convenience, you can expand the stem and reposition your body. You can also use a sporty or simple type of riding.

It differs in that it is very small and is located at the level of the saddle. This is done so that the cyclist can have an almost upright posture. It is she who is used for the stunts that the BMX bike is famous for.

The type of handlebar most suited to compact bikes. The design is based on a telescopic stem, with which you can lower the bicycle wheel. You can also fold the handles to keep them out of the way.

This species looks like a "butterfly" but its handles are not brought to the end of the support frame. These handlebars are often found on today's cheap bicycles. The low price is due to the fact that there are not so many places for capture as in the “butterfly”, but the functionality does not suffer from this. The lack of sharp and uncomfortable corners creates multiple grip points to rest the wrists and ride long distances on the highway.

To select a part by size, you need to consider the type of bike, the type of handlebars and the width of your grip. Do not forget about the compactness of transport. If you buy a very wide handlebar, it can get in the way when cycling and hit nearby objects. The wide part size will give you better control over your direction of travel and ensure proper breathing as your arms are spread wide, making it easier for oxygen to reach your lungs.

If you will be using grips, you will also need to consider the length of the palms. If your shoulders are 50-55 cm wide and your palms are about 10 cm long, then get a handlebar with a size of about 72-75 cm wide. If the bike is designed for small city trails, a high handlebar is best, which will allow you to maintain a comfortable posture.

Manufacturing materials

• Steel - the simplest and cheapest of materials. It is one of the very first metals from which bicycle handlebars were made. Steel allows you to damp shocks, so if your bike has a rigid frame and every jump literally hits the handlebars, then a steel piece will work well.

• Aluminum - lightweight and non-corrosive. It is also inexpensive, but you need to take into account that an aluminum steering wheel can last much less than a steel one, because it is more fragile and after a few years you will have to change it.

• Titanium - a versatile metal that has all the advantages of aluminum and steel options. Very strong, rustproof, durable and excellent vibration damping. The only drawback is the price, but if you want to have a steering wheel that will serve you for a long time and not let you down on the road, then a titanium analog is an excellent option.

• Carbon Is one of the most advanced materials for bicycle components. The carbon steering wheel is lightweight, rust resistant and has very good shock absorption. There are only 2 drawbacks: the ability to scratch and easy breakage.

There are many accessories available, all of which can enhance your steering experience. The main additional element is the grips. They are hand grips that improve grip. They can also be absorbent so there is no chance of wet hands slipping off.

Usually, cheap grips are made of neoprene... They are easy to use, provide good grip and are available in a wide range. Neoprene pads are easy to tear, so don't rely on them to be durable.

Horns are another accessory. Some types of bars already contain this element and do not need them, but if you install them on a simpler bar, you will be in a big plus. This will increase the number of grip points and make your ride more comfortable. Instead of grips, you can use conventional tape or other materials. This option is in any case safer than a conventional steering wheel without everything.

To choose a good bike wheel, you have to decide how you will use the bike. For road races, a tourist steering wheel or the "ram" option is more suitable. For rough terrain, it is best to use mountain. If you prefer urban routes, then the elevated type of normal building is quite suitable for you. It is specially designed for the recreational type of races. For a simple layman, another is not necessary, because there will be no additional loads on the steering wheel.

For information on how to choose a handlebar for a bicycle, see the next video.