Bike Handlebars, Tape & Grips

History of Handlebars

Handlebars on the earliest bicycles typically consisted of a straight wood bar connected to a vertical steering axle. Curved handlebars became popular in the mid-1800s, and in the 1880s the familiar drop handlebars, still the standard handlebars for road and track bikes, were invented. New types of handlebars continued to develop well into the present day: in the 1990s, a style called moustache-shaped handlebars became popular among serious cyclists due to their aerodynamic design.

Types of Handlebars

Today, a wide variety of handlebars are available, and cyclists are able to choose the style and size that offer their preferred balance of leverage, aerodynamics, and control. Casual riders, who often prefer to sit upright, often choose cruiser bars, which are long and curve towards the rider, or figure-eight shaped butterfly bars. Road and track cyclists, who lean forward more than the casual rider while riding, often prefer the aforementioned drop bars or bullhorns, which curve upward. Aero bars - two vertical bars near the center of the bicycle that force the rider into a curved aerodynamic position - are popular among time-trial riders and triathletes. Many mountain bikers use flat handlebars, with a straight or slightly curved tube, or riser handlebars, which are similar but include a small rise in the center. For all of these different styles, riders will also be able to select the handlebars' horizontal width, vertical drop, and forward reach.

Best Bike Handlebars

Choosing the right set of handlebars depends on the rider's budget, level of competitiveness, arm length and bike size. Many handlebars are constructed from carbon fiber, a material that is both strong and lightweight, but is typically more expensive than more traditional metals like steel or aluminum. Some of the most popular handlebar models on the market right now include Upanbike's reasonably priced aluminum drop handlebars, and RXL's SL carbon fiber handlebars.