A drop bar is the most common handlebar style on road bikes, but it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for something a little different, here are five great alternatives.
1. Bullhorn bars: These bars have straight horns that extend out from the stem, and they’re a popular choice for track bikes and fixed-gear riders.
They offer a more aggressive position than drop bars, and they can be fitted with aerobars for even more speed.
2. Flat bars: Flat bars are exactly what they sound like—a straight piece of metal with no rise or drop. They’re common on mountain bikes and BMX bikes, but you can also find them on some hybrid and city bikes.
Flat bars give you a more upright position and better control in traffic, making them ideal for commuting.
3. Riser bars: Riser bars are similar to flatbars, but they have an upward bend near the stem. This gives you a bit more leverage when climbing hills or accelerating, making them popular with mountain bikers and commuters alike.
4. Porteur bars: Porteur bars are designed for cargo-hauling bicycles like longtails and front-loading Cargo Bikes . They usually have a wide flat section in the middle for mounting baskets or crates , and they often have low “risers” on either side to keep your hands from getting tangled up in whatever you’re carrying . If you regularly transport heavy loads by bike , porteur bars are worth considering .
However , they can make steering feel less precise , so they might not be ideal if you do a lot of riding in traffic .
5 Trekking/Butterfly Bars : Trekking or butterfly handlebars are commonly found on Dutch-style city bikes . The main feature of these handlebars is that each half can be rotated outward , giving you three hand positions : one at each end of the bar , and one in the middle .
This makes them very versatile , as you can adjust your grip depending on whether you want to ride fast or slow , climb hills or cruise on flats . The downside is that trekking /butterfly handlebars can make it difficult to reach your brakes quickly in an emergency situation .
If you’re looking for a drop bar alternative for commuting or touring, here are five amazing options to consider. From flat bars to bullhorn bars, these options will help you get where you’re going without sacrificing comfort or style.
Flat Bars: Flat bars are a great option if you’re looking for an alternative to drop bars that is still comfortable and stylish.
They offer a more upright riding position, which can be helpful if you’re commuting in traffic or touring on hilly terrain. Additionally, flat bars are typically lighter weight than drop bars, making them easier to maneuver.
Bullhorn Bars: Bullhorn bars offer the same benefits as flat bars with the added bonus of being able to ride in a more aerodynamic position.
This can be helpful if you’re looking to save energy on long rides or commute at high speeds. However, bullhorn bars can be less comfortable than flat bars due to their narrower width and lack of cushioning.
Riser Bars: Riserbars offer a similar benefitsto flatand bullhornbars by providing an upright riding position and light weight construction.
However, they also have the added benefit of being adjustable. This means that you can customize your handlebar height to find the perfect fit for your needs. Additionally, riserbars typically have more grip area than other types of handlebars, making them ideal for off-road riding or commuters who want extra control over their bike.
Touring Handlebars: Touring handlebars are designed specifically for long-distance riding comfort. They offer a variety of hand positions so that you can keep your hands from getting tired on extended rides. Additionally, touring handlebars often have built-in mounting points for accessories like lights and GPS units.
Butterfly Bars: Butterflybars are another great optionfor those lookingfor an alternativeto dropbarsthathas multiplehand positionsand is still comfortableto ride.. howeverthey tendtobe used mostlyon recumbentbikesortandem bicycles.
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Why Flat Bars Are BETTER Than Drop Bars For Most Cyclists (Objective Analysis)
Why Do Touring Bikes Have Drop Handlebars?
There are a few reasons why touring bikes have drop handlebars. One reason is that it provides the rider with multiple hand positions. This can be helpful when riding for long periods of time, as it can help to avoid fatigue in the arms and wrists.
Additionally, drop handlebars tend to be more aerodynamic than other types of handlebars, which can be beneficial when riding in windy conditions or trying to maximize speed. Finally, many riders find that drop handlebars simply offer a more comfortable grip than other types of handlebars.
What are the Most Comfortable Bike Handlebars?
When it comes to bike handlebars, comfort is key. You want a set of bars that will make your ride more enjoyable, not add to your fatigue. There are a few things to consider when choosing comfortable handlebars for your bike.
First, think about the width of the bars. They should be wide enough to give you good leverage, but not so wide that they’re cumbersome. Second, consider the shape of the bars.
Some people prefer ergonomic shapes that fit into the natural contours of their hands. Others prefer traditional round bars. Experiment until you find a shape that feels good to you.
Third, pay attention to the material of the bars. Some materials absorb vibration better than others, making for a smoother ride. Finally, make sure the bar ends are rounded or capped so they don’t dig into your palms when you’re riding over rough terrain.
With these factors in mind, here are some of the most comfortable bike handlebars on the market:
1) The Ergon GP1 BioKork Handlebar grips are made from cork and rubber composite material which makes them very soft and comfortable while still providing good grip and control. The ergonomic shape fits nicely into your hand without causing fatigue even on long rides.
2) The Deda Elementi Superleggera Handlebar is made from lightweight aluminum alloy which gives it excellent vibration dampening properties. The ovalized cross section provides a comfortable grip and the bar ends are capped for safety and comfort.
Why Flat Bars are Better Than Drop Bars?
There are a few reasons that flat bars are often seen as being better than drop bars. One reason is that they provide more control when riding on rough terrain. When you’re off-road, it can be difficult to keep your hands in the correct position on drop bars, and this can lead to losing control of your bike.
Flat bars also make it easier to carry your bike over obstacles like logs or rocks.
Another reason that people prefer flat bars is that they tend to be more comfortable. Drop bars put your hands in an awkward position, which can cause discomfort after extended periods of time.
With flat bars, your hands are in a more natural position, which reduces fatigue and makes for a more pleasant ride overall.
Finally, flat bars tend to be lighter than drop bars. This is because they don’t require as much material to construct them.
This means that if you’re looking to save weight on your bike, flat bars are the way to go.
How Can I Make My Road Bike Handlebars More Comfortable?
There are a few things you can do to make your road bike handlebars more comfortable. One is to invest in a good set of handlebar grips. Another is to make sure that your handlebars are the correct width for your hands.
You can also adjust the angle of your handlebars to better suit your riding position. Finally, if you have saddle soreness, you may want to try using a gel seat cover or padded cycling shorts.
Credit: bikepacking.com
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16 Degree Backsweep Handlebars
Backsweep handlebars are a type of mountain bike handlebar that have a slight curve or sweep backwards. This design helps to keep your hands in a more natural position and can help to reduce fatigue on long rides. Backsweep bars are available in a variety of sizes and degrees of sweep, so you can find the perfect option for your riding style.
Alternative Touring Handlebars
If you’re looking for a more comfortable riding position, or just want to add a little bit of style to your bike, alternative touring handlebars might be the way to go. These bars allow you to sit upright, rather than hunched over like you would with traditional drop bars. This can make long rides much more comfortable, and it also gives you a better view of the road ahead.
There are a few different types of alternative touring handlebars available. The most popular is probably the butterfly bar, which has two handles that come up from the center of the bar. This gives you a place to rest your hands when you’re not pedaling, and can make steering a bit easier.
You can also find bullhorn bars, which have one horizontal piece and two vertical pieces coming off of it. These are great if you want to be able to put your hands in multiple positions while riding. And finally, there are moustache bars, which have two horizontal pieces that come out from the center of the bar at different angles.
Moustache bars give you a lot of hand positions to choose from, making them ideal for long rides where you might need to change things up occasionally.
No matter which type of alternative touring handlebar you choose, they all offer a more comfortable and stylish ride than traditional drop bars. So if you’re looking for something different, give them a try!
Upright Handlebars for Mountain Bike
There are many different types of handlebars for mountain bikes, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. One type of handlebar that is becoming increasingly popular is the upright handlebar. Upright handlebars provide a number of advantages over other types of handlebars, and are therefore worth considering if you are in the market for a new mountain bike.
The first advantage of upright handlebars is that they provide better control. When you ride with your hands in an upright position, you have more leverage over the bike and can therefore make sharper turns. This is especially beneficial when riding on technical trails with lots of rocks and roots.
Another advantage of upright handlebars is that they put less strain on your wrists and arms. When you ride with your hands in an upright position, your weight is evenly distributed between your arms and shoulders, which takes some pressure off of your wrists and elbows. This can be helpful if you suffer from wrist or arm pain when riding with other types of handlebars.
Finally, upright handlebars look much cooler than other types ofhandlebars! If you want your mountain bike to stand out from the crowd, then go with an upright set-up. Your friends will be jealous when they see how stylish you look cruising down the trail!
Jones H-Bar
Looking for a new handlebar for your road bike? Check out the Jones H-Bar! This bar is designed to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic riding position, and can be fitted with a variety of accessories to make your ride even more enjoyable.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Jones H-Bar.
The Jones H-Bar is a drop bar handlebar that features an extra set of horizontal bars, known as “horns.” These horns provide additional hand positions for riders, which can be useful on long rides or when tackling hilly terrain.
The H-Bar also has a shorter reach than traditional drop bars, making it easier to reach the brakes and shifters from the hoods or drops positions. Additionally, the H-Bar is flared at the ends to improve control and comfort when riding on rough roads.
One of the best things about the Jones H-Bar is that it can be fitted with a wide range of accessories.
You can add bar ends for additional hand positions, or install integrated lights or GPS units into the horns for improved visibility and navigation. There are also several aftermarket options available for customizing your H-Bar, such as different widths, heights, and bends. Whether you’re looking for better comfort on long rides or want to add some cool customization options to your bike, the Jones H-Bar is definitely worth checking out!
Bikepacking Handlebars
Bikepacking is a type of long-distance, off-road cycling in which riders carry all their gear on their bikes, instead of using a support vehicle. Handlebars are an important part of bikepacking because they provide a place to attach bags and other gear. There are many different types of handlebars available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Here is some information that will help you choose the best handlebars for your bikepacking adventure:
The first thing to consider when choosing handlebars is the width. You’ll need to decide how wide you want your bars to be.
The wider the bars, the more stable your bike will be. However, wider bars can make steering and maneuvering more difficult. If you’re planning on doing a lot of off-road riding, wider bars may be a good option for you.
However, if you’ll mostly be riding on paved roads, narrower bars may be better.
Another thing to consider is rise. This is how high the bar rises from the ground.
A higher rise will give you more control when riding off-road, but it can make steering more difficult on paved roads. A lower rise will make steering easier on paved roads but may not provide as much control when riding off-road. Choose a rise that’s comfortable for you and that will work well for the type of riding you plan on doing most often.
There are also several different materials used to make handlebars. Aluminum is lightweight and strong but can bend if you hit something hard enough. Steel is heavier than aluminum but is also stronger and less likely to bend in a crash.
Carbon fiber is even lighter than aluminum but is also very strong and stiff. It’s important to choose a material that’s durable enough for the type of riding you’ll be doing while still being light enough that it won’t weigh down your bike too much.. Whichever material you choose, make sure it’s compatible with the rest of your bike before making any final decisions..
Finally, consider what kind of grip you want on your handlebars.. Do you prefer traditional round grips or ergonomic grips? Do you want grips made from soft rubber or hard plastic? There are many different options available, so take some time to try out different types before making a decision.. Whatever type of grip you choose, make sure it provides good traction so you don’t have to worry about losing control of your bike while ride..
Velo Orange Crazy Bar
If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to add some flair to your bike, then Velo Orange’s Crazy Bar is definitely worth checking out! This one-of-a-kind handlebar features a distinctive curved design that is sure to turn heads wherever you go. Not only does it look great, but the Crazy Bar is also extremely comfortable to ride.
It’s made of high-quality materials and is built to last, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Riser Drop Bars
Drop bars are a type of handlebar used on road bicycles. They are designed to provide the rider with multiple hand positions for comfort and performance, and to reduce wind resistance when riding in a tuck position.
Riser drop bars are a variation of traditional drop bars that feature a slight rise in the bar near the stem.
This provides the rider with a more comfortable grip position and puts them in a better aerodynamic position. Riser drop bars are often found on race bikes and performance-oriented road bikes.
Conclusion
For many cyclists, drop bars are the go-to choice for commuting and touring. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Here are five great alternatives to drop bars that could be perfect for your next ride.
1. Bullhorn Bars: These bars offer a more upright riding position, which can be great for longer rides or commutes in traffic. They also provide plenty of hand positions for comfort.
2. Butterfly Bars: Often used on tandem bicycles, butterfly bars can give you a really wide range of hand positions.
This can be helpful if you have wrist or arm pain when riding.
3. North Road Bars: North road bars are similar to bullhorn bars but with slightly bent ends. This gives you a bit more room to grip the bar when climbing hills or riding into the wind.
4. Riser Bars: Riser bars are mountain bike-style handlebars that are raised up higher than usual. This can give you more control when riding off-road or in slippery conditions.
5. Trekking Bars: Trekking bars are designed specifically for long-distance touring and feature multiple hand positions so you can stay comfortable for hours in the saddle.