Drop handlebars on a racing bicycle allow the rider a variety of positions for aerodynamics and comfort.

Flat handlebars with a slight rise on a mountain bike with thumb shifters.

Moustache handlebars with a slight rise.

Bullhorn handlebars (made by cutting the ends off of drop handlebars).

A moustache handlebar as seen from the top of the bike

Conventional drop handlebars with added Profile 2000 aerobars

Handlebars usually refer to the steering mechanism for bicycles and motorcycles; the equivalent of a steering wheel. Besides steering, handlebars also often support a portion of the rider's weight, depending on their riding position, and provide a convenient mounting place for brake levers, shift levers, cyclocomputers, bells, etc. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1194x1024, 297 KB) Summary Shimano 105 5500 series brake lever/shifter set Photo taken by thewalrus July 2005. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1194x1024, 297 KB) Summary Shimano 105 5500 series brake lever/shifter set Photo taken by thewalrus July 2005. ... An aluminum racing bicycle made by Raleigh and built using Shimano components. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 492 pixel Image in higher resolution (1258 × 774 pixel, file size: 90 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 492 pixel Image in higher resolution (1258 × 774 pixel, file size: 90 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... A cross country mountain bike race A hardtail mountain bike A mountain bike or mountain bicycle (abbreviated MTB or ATB (All Terrain Bicycle)) is a bicycle designed for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 373 pixel Image in higher resolution (1129 × 527 pixel, file size: 85 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 373 pixel Image in higher resolution (1129 × 527 pixel, file size: 85 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 464 pixel Image in higher resolution (1132 × 657 pixel, file size: 69 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 464 pixel Image in higher resolution (1132 × 657 pixel, file size: 69 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Taken by Andrew Dressel Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (900x481, 61 KB) Photo of a Nitto made Moustache handlebar. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (900x481, 61 KB) Photo of a Nitto made Moustache handlebar. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 721 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (948 × 788 pixel, file size: 182 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)Profile 2000 aerobars added to conventional dropdown bars. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 721 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (948 × 788 pixel, file size: 182 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)Profile 2000 aerobars added to conventional dropdown bars. ... Triathlon bars is a catch-all term referring to various styles of aerodynamic handlebars for racing bicycles. ... “Velo” redirects here. ... Motorcyclists take a break from the road A motorcycle or motorbike is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine. ... A modern road cars steering wheel Steering wheels from different periods A steering wheel is a type of steering control used in most modern land vehicles, including all mass-production automobiles. ... V-brake on rear wheel of a mountain bike Bicycle brake systems are used to slow down, or brake a bicycle. ... A twist-style seven-speed indexed shifter made by SRAM A bicycle shifter or gear control or gear levers is a component used to control the gearing mechanisms and select the desired gear ratio. ... An electronical speedometer mounted atop bicycle handle bars. ...

Types of handlebar

Handlebars come in a variety of types designed for particular types of riding.

Drop

Drop handlebars, as used on road, track, and cyclo-cross bicycles. A road bicycle is a bicycle designed for use on roads, as opposed to rough terrain. ... A track bicycle A track bicycle is a type of fixed-gear bicycle specially designed for track cycling in a velodrome. ... A cyclo-cross racer carrying his bicycle up a steep slope after overcoming a barrier at the bottom (not shown). ...

Drop bars may have a shallow or deep drop.

Drop bars are made in various different shapes, eg some may have a sharp bend where the drop begins or a gradual one.

Drop bars may have one or two longitudinal indents so that the brake and shift cables protrude less when they are wrapped under the bar tape.

Drop bars may have a flattened (ovalized) top section to provide more comfortable support for the hands. This may be described as "aero".

The shape of the drop may be a simple traditional curve, or it can have a flat spot (straight section) which some riders find to be more comfortable for their hands. These bars may be described as "ergo" or "anatomic".

At one time, manufactures and racers experimented with drop-in bars that had an additional extension in toward the head tube at the rear end of the drops. This was intended to offer an even more aerodynamic position, due to low and narrow placement of the hands, than just the drops, while still remaining legal for mass-start races.

Flat or upright

Flat or upright handlebars, as used on mountain, utility and hybrid bicycles. This type of handlebar may have bar ends added for additional hand positions and leverage. A mountain bike in the forest Freeriding on a Hardtail freeride bicycle A full suspension Mountain Bike A rider during a Cross Country race A mountain bike, mountain bicycle or ATB (All Terrain Bicycle) is a bicycle designed for riding off-road, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments... a Dutch utility bicycle A utility bicycle is one which is designed for a practical purpose, as opposed to sport bicycles which are designed for recreation and competition, such as touring bicycles, racing bicycles and mountain bicycles. ... A hybrid bicycle is a compromise between a road bicycle and a mountain bicycle. ... In cycling, bar ends are extensions at the end of straight handlebars, usually fitted onto mountain bikes. ...

Flat bars may have a rise and not be exactly flat. The rise is the amount that flat bar handles are above the center clamping area.

Triathlon or aero

Triathlon bars or aerobars include various styles of aerodynamic handlebars for racing bicycles and particularly time trial bicycles. Included are narrow, bolt-on extensions that draw the body forward into a tucked position, bullhorn bars (see below) that spread the arms of the rider but drops their torso into a slightly lower position, and integrated units that combine elements of both designs. Aerodynamics is a branch of fluid dynamics concerned with the study of gas flows, first analysed by George Cayley in the 1800s. ... An aluminum racing bicycle made by Raleigh and built using Shimano components. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Triathlon bars are commonly used in triathlons and time trial events on road and track. However, they are illegal in most mass start road races or any other event where drafting is permitted because, while aerodynamically advantageous, they tend to draw the hands away from brakes, make the rider slightly more unstable on the bike, and can be dangerous in the event of an accident. Further, they are not useful in sprints or shorter climbs where power is of greater importance than aerodynamics. Triathlon is an athletic event consisting of swimming, cycling and running over various distances. ... In many racing sports an athlete (or occasionally a team of athletes) will compete in a time trial against the clock to secure the fastest time. ... This article is about the racing technique. ... V-brake on rear wheel of a mountain bike Bicycle brake systems are used to slow down, or brake a bicycle. ...

Specialized brake and shift levers (known as bar-end shifters) do exist that can be placed on triathlon bars such that they can be reached without moving the hands from the aerodynamic position. A twist-style seven-speed indexed shifter made by SRAM A bicycle shifter or gear control or gear levers is a component used to control the gearing mechanisms and select the desired gear ratio. ...

Triathlon bars are a recent addition to road racing time trials, with Greg LeMond first using them in the 1989 Tour de France. In a controversial time trial on the final day, LeMond used them to beat yellow jersey wearer Laurent Fignon by 58 seconds, changing a 50 second deficit into an 8 second lead. Fignon protested at the use of these bars but was unsuccessful, LeMond winning the Tour de France by 8 seconds over Fignon, with another 3 minutes and 26 seconds back to third placed Pedro Delgado. LeMond at the start of the last stage in the 1990 Tour de France. ... The 1989 Tour de France was the 76th Tour de France. ... Laurent Fignon (born August 12, 1960 in Paris) is a French cyclist, who won the Tour de France twice in 1983 and 1984, and missed winning it a third time, in 1989, by a very narrow margin. ... Perico on the front cover of his book A Golpe de Pedal. ...

Bullhorn

Bullhorn handlebars curve forward away from the rider. They are often used with dedicated triathlon bars (see above). They are also popular, by themselves, on track, single-speed, and fixed-gear bicycles. A track bicycle A track bicycle is a type of fixed-gear bicycle specially designed for track cycling in a velodrome. ... Single-speed mountain bike A single-speed bicycle is a type of bicycle with a single gear ratio. ... A fixed gear bicycle A fixed-gear bicycle or fixed wheel bicycle, is any bicycle without a freewheel and usually only one gear ratio. ...

Bullhorn bars may be constructed simply by cutting the drops off of drop bars and then mounting them upside down so that the remaining start of the drop provides a slight upward hook for resting the hands.

Cruiser

Cruiser handlebars, as used on cruiser bicycles. These tend to be long and slope towards the rear of the bicycle so that the rider can sit upright. A cruiser bicycle is a bicycle designed for riding on roads and paths in comfort and style over performance. ...

Moustache

Moustache handlebars curve forward from the stem and then back towards the rider. The stem is the component on a bicycle that connects the handlebars to the steer tube of a bicycle. ...

Ape hangers

Ape hanger handlebars rise far above the stem so that the rider must reach up to use them, hence the name. They are popular on chopper motorcycles and lowrider bicycles. Some jurisdictions actually have regulations on how high the hand grips may be above the seat. The stem is the component on a bicycle that connects the handlebars to the steer tube of a bicycle. ... For other uses of the word, see Chopper. ... A lowrider bicycle, also known as a chopper bicycle or muscle bike, is a highly customized bike, with stylings inspired by both lowrider cars and chopper motorcycles. ...

Recumbent

Recumbent bicycles, due to their wide variety, sport handlebars seen nowhere else. These include handlebars with a very far reach, similar to ape hangers (see above) but mounted less vertically, and handlebars designed for under-seat steering. Tandem recumbent bicycle manufactured by BikeE A recumbent bicycle is a variety of bicycle which places the rider in a seated or supine position (rarely, in a prone position). ...

Clip-on

The clip-on handlebar style is a type of motorcycle handlebar, popular on sport bikes, in which two separate short handles are attached directly to the fork tubes, as opposed to a standard one-piece handlebar attached to the top of the triple tree. The term is often shortened to just clip-ons. Sport bikes are characterized by having a more streamlined, aerodynamic design when compared to other types of motorcycles. ... 1968 BMW R60US with conventional telescopic fork Yamahas inverted telescopic fork The worlds first oil-damped telescopic fork, on a 1939 BMW R12 Trailing link fork on a 1928 BMW R57 Unusual trailing bottom link on a Honda Rune Earles front forks on three BMWs BMW Telelever fork... 1968 BMW R60US with conventional telescopic fork Yamahas inverted telescopic fork The worlds first oil-damped telescopic fork, on a 1939 BMW R12 Trailing link fork on a 1928 BMW R57 Unusual trailing bottom link on a Honda Rune Earles front forks on three BMWs BMW Telelever fork...

Design

Handlebar design is a trade-off between several desirable qualities:

Design goals

• Enabling the rider to assume an aerodynamic position.
• Enabling the rider to change body positions during long rides, preventing fatigue.
• Providing necessary leverage to steer the bicycle and generate power.
• Provision of a comfortable ride by dampening road vibration

Aerodynamics is a branch of fluid dynamics concerned with the study of gas flows, first analysed by George Cayley in the 1800s. ... The word fatigue is used in everyday living to describe a range of afflictions, varying from a general state of lethargy to a specific work induced burning sensation within muscle. ... It has been suggested that Resistance distance be merged into this article or section. ...

Materials

Handlebars are most commonly made of aluminium alloys, but are also often made from steel, carbon fibre or titanium. Aluminium alloys or aluminum alloys are alloys of aluminium, often with copper, zinc, manganese, silicon, or magnesium. ... The steel cable of a colliery winding tower. ... Carbon fiber composite is a strong, light and very expensive material. ... General Name, Symbol, Number titanium, Ti, 22 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 4, 4, d Appearance silvery metallic Standard atomic weight 47. ...

Sizes

There are several size parameters to consider when choosing a handlebar

Width

Bars come in a variety of widths from 40 cm to 46 cm. Usually a rider will pick a bar that approximately matches their shoulder width so that their arms can be approximately parallel.

Clamp diameter

Care is needed when choosing a handlebar to match a stem, or vice-versa, as there are several standards. The ISO standard for the clamping area of a handlebar is 25.4 mm (1"), which is used on the majority of mountain bikes and many Japanese-made road handlebars. However, the Italian unofficial standard is 26.0 mm, which is the most common clamp size for road bars. There are also intermediate sizes such as 25.8 mm to try and achieve compatibility with either an ISO or Italian stem, and the old Cinelli-specific size of 26.4 mm. In practice, many modern stems with removable faceplates are quite accommodating of slight differences in handlebar clamp size, but the older type of stem with a single pinch bolt must be accurately matched. In the days of quill stems, a road stem was clearly identifiable from its "7" shape, but nowadays it can be hard to tell the difference between a "road" (26.0 mm) and "MTB" (25.4 mm) stem. Manufacturers frequently omit the clamp size from advertising or packaging. The stem is the component on a bicycle that connects the handlebars to the steer tube of a bicycle. ...

A new emerging standard is an oversize 31.8 mm (1.25") clamp for both MTB and road bars. This is rapidly taking over from the previous mix of sizes, although other accessories such as some light or computer brackets also need to be oversized to fit the thicker bars (some brackets are adjustable). Standard brake levers can be used as it is only the central section that is oversized. Shims are available to fit a 31.8mm stem to either a 25.4mm or 26.0mm bar, so many new models of stems are oversize-only.

Handlebar coverings

Handlebars usually have tape or grips to provide grip and comfort. In general, handlebars which have one riding position have grips, and handlebars which provide several use tape.

There are many types of handlebar tape:

• Polyurethane tape, introduced in the last few years, provides cushioning.
• Composite rubber tape
• Cork tape, padded tape, provides cushioning but less durable.
• Bike ribbon, plastic padded tape with smooth waterproof surface.
• Benotto tape, made from plastic, popular in the 1970s and 1980s, also known as celo tape. Compared with other types of handlebar tape it is relatively thin and is unpadded; it does not provide any cushioning from road vibrations. However it is long lasting, does not absorb water, and stays clean.
• Cotton tape, unpadded woven cotton tape with adhesive backing, similar to twill tape.
• Leather wrap, for example by Brooks England
• An inner tube can be cut and wrapped as well
• A foam rubber tube has been used on inexpensive bikes.

Handlebars with open ends should have handlebar plugs fitted in the open ends for safety reasons. A polyurethane is any polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane links. ... Twill tape is a flat twill-woven ribbon of cotton, linen, polyester, or wool. ... Modern leather-working tools Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Firestone tire A tire (US spelling) or tyre (UK spelling) is a roughly toroidal piece of (usually) rubber placed on a wheel to cushion it. ...