Road Bike Handlebar Guide

The handlebar is one of the most critical components on a road bike and one of the most changeable components - allowing you to find and select a handlebar to use based on your riding preferences and requirements.

The handlebars of a bike are essential for many reasons. The first reason a handlebar is essential is that the handlebar is arguably the most significant contact point on a bike, with both hands on the handlebars when riding; the handlebars of a road bike helps define the riding position. The handlebar also steers the bike, meaning it’s responsible for how the bike handles. It also sits in a prominent position on the bike, and increasingly aerodynamically designed handlebars have been introduced alongside a range of lightweight carbon fibre road bike handlebars.

Road Bike Handlebar Design

More varieties of road bike handlebars are available than ever, all with design differences and variations. The basics of a road bike bar, though, stay the same. At the top of the handlebar is a straight section - which then drops down into two sections of curved bars. The brakes and gearing are fitted at the top of this curved section. The lower parts of the curved bars usually remain free and clear and are used when the rider is tucked into the most aerodynamic riding position possible.

Road Bike Handlebar Clamp Size

Road Bike Handlebars are available with a couple of different clamp sizes - ensuring that this clamp matches your stem to avoid a poor fitment. The standard size of a handlebar clamp is 25.4mm, although 31.8mm oversized clamps are also available.

Road Bike Handlebar Width

The correct width for your handlebars depends on your riding preferences and requirements—wider handlebars are more comfortable and stable than thinner handlebars; those new to road cycling and those looking for all-road performance, such as gravel riders - will more than likely prefer to ride with a wider handlebar. Wider bars also help riders who experience pain and discomfort while riding, taking the pressure off the shoulders and back.

Experienced riders and riders who prefer a slim grip will benefit from using narrow handlebars. Narrow handlebars are generally quicker than wider handlebars, so if you are comfortable riding on narrow handlebars - you can expect aero & speed benefits. Narrower bars are also better for those who race, allowing you to cut through a pack easier.

Road Bike Handlebar Designs

There are two main designs of road bike handlebars - the first is the traditional road bike handlebar design, which has a bend with a smooth curve on the drop section of the handlebar. In recent years, another design has become popular - which is a more ergonomic design - which has been designed to provide increased comfort VS the traditional design. The ergonomic handlebars typically have a flattened top of the bars - allowing the rider to enjoy a larger area to hold on the top of the handlebars, reducing pressure and strain. The drops of ergonomic handlebars are also more angular, providing increased comfort.

Most modern handlebars are designed with a double groove system that takes care of both brake & gear cables, keeping them out of the way of the hands.