Bike Handlebars Explained
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- Choosing the right handlebars for your bike and your riding style is key to enjoy riding to the fullest. Your handlebars, brake lever type, and bar tape shape the most important things for your bike: your riding positions, your potential speed, and your comfort. Watch to find out which handlebars setups are best for you.
For a bunch of different handlebar setups, check out this video's sponsor Wabi Cycles:
wabicycles.com/
Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:
www.zachgallardo.com/merch
Get a shoutout at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: / zachgallardo
Intro - 0:00
Wabi Cycles (Sponsor) - 0:27
Drop Bars Explained - 0:38
Riser Bars Explained - 6:17
Bullhorns Explained - 8:19
Important Considerations - 9:44
How to Choose Bar Tape/Grips - 11:10
Cockpit Setups - 13:36
How to Choose the Right Handlebars - 14:01
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
StanStrong108
Ryan Witt
Julian Corona
Eric Avalo
Gio Dezera
kruucks
Singlespeed Shoutout:
nicodache
Gregory Tomlinson
Scott Palangi
Todd Brannan
epilektric
Chris
Connect with me:
/ zachygallardo
#cycling #handlebars #fixedgear
![BIKE HANDLEBARS EXPLAINED [FIXED GEAR]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LesvN8EMhRw/mqdefault.jpg)
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I found your channel a few days ago and am eagerly watching the content. I was into fixed gear bikes in 2014 and forgot how fun they are. I even dug up my old frame and am setting it up to ride. You rock!
This has to be the most comprehensive overview of handle bars I have seen. Well done.
Bubble level
I’m a mountain bike and BMX guy so I love the simple look and feel of wide riser bars, but I might have to give in to drops or bullhorns for the added hand positions
I used to only ride with riser bars, but after doing a couple century rides my hands were begging for a different position. I started using bullhorns and never went back to risers again. Drop bars are nice to have too, especially if you are trying to maintain speed in a headwind.
@@devianb Yeah I just use bullhorn since it's good for climbing. When I need to go fast, I just hold my hands as close as possible together on the bar and tuck myself down as fast as I can.
Wide Low Straight Handle Bar like Pipe
Mounted Directly. Zero Stem Length
My Favourite
20T Long Wheel Base Aluminum Cycle
This ll ve Handling of BMX & Comfort of MTB
Wit Rear Brake Only. No Disc Brake
Xternal Brake Cable
Aluminum bcz Aluminum is a Soft Metal
U dnt need Suspension
One of the best bike videos ever made i think. The content is quite comprehesive and informative. Thank you.
The cable pushing inline bartop CX style levers on drop & bullhorn bars give you the upright breaking option that reassures me on the steep downhills, while keeping the hooded or TT levers working independently.
It's also a good idea to consider whether changing your stem is likely to help, as well as or instead of changing your bars. A longer, shorter, steeper or flatter stem can make a huge difference to a bike, both in terms of comfort and the way the bike handles. Also remember that changing to a more upright or reclined position also affects your position on the saddle, so you may need to alter or replace that too.
@12:00
You can also double wrap a bar with regular cork type tape if you have bigger hands to dial in the feel. It's all individual :) as you mentioned @12:45
I have two sets of handlebars and stem. One is a Nitto Fairweather drop bar (similar to the Nitto Noodle) with a medium quill stem, the other one is a 650mm Nitto For Shred risers, mounted on a shorter quill stem. I really love both of them. They completely change how my bike handles. I’ve been riding a lot with my risers lately but I like to switch from time to time, just to keep it fresh. The quill stem makes it super easy and quick to do.
Very thorough and to-the-point. Thank you for the video. I'm looking into getting a bullhorn handlebar, to modify and very straight and ordinary riser bar.
Great channel, I'm using flats on mine 720mm which is totally fun, but I'm now looking at some compact drops as I'm looking to speed things up.
Dude, my bike just showed today, and I'm a novice when it comes to riding, im a street car guy, but due to medical conditions when it comes to fitness I can't run so hence the bike. This video gave me ideal and key information about handlebars and it helped me understand the importance and differences, so thank you brotha for this 🙏. Much love man peace.
Yo I’m binging this channel, I’m in the same boat. Shattered my ankle skating so running won’t cut it. Been commuting to work and doing all my errands on my bike and not my truck.
Saving money and getting a sick tan.
Good luck my dude 👌
Glad you quickly mentioned the "corners" position at 2:22 after it initially seemed like it might be left out as you gave your listing of the "major positions" on drop bars. It's a go-to for me, and I'd say it's distinct enough from the hoods position to be considered a 4th major position rather than a variation -- you are grabbing the actual bars (not the brakes) after all. Even brakeless, grabbing a forward section of the "ramps" that lead to the "hooks" of the drops (i.e., approximating the "hoods" position with no hoods), is quite different from being back on the corners, in terms of the contact points and wrist position. Of course you are correct that there are infinite variations between any "defined" positions.
Nevermind the bars, how about a run through of your stable of guitars! 🎸 Didn't know you played 👍
Looked like a tele and a jag? Where's the amp, we need answers!
A Telecaster and the new Fender Powercaster :)
Big Z?
Thank you for this upload. I appreciate what you do!
I have the jones loop, absolutely love them.
750mm aluminum flat bars on my Nature Boy - super stable steering, but with enough leverage to put the front end exactly where I want it. Most of my riding on that bike is off road (tracklocross and single-speed cyclocross when I run it with brakes), and having the extra leverage of a wide bar comes in handy.
Very good comprehensive treatise on handlebars!
I'm about to replace my fixie's handlebar and I found the information here to be the most informative and useful. Thank you!
My Nature Boy has 700mm flat bars. They're ludicrous for city riding, but are great if you're using it for tracklocross or anything else that has some spiciness to it. It came with 38mm drop bars, which I still have if I want to change back.
If you rotate drops up they’re called DUI bars.
Looks like a handicapped road bike. No offense to any people but those bikes look like they need dome corrective procedures asap
these are really popular at the moment in Berlin. Looks so stupid and...wrong
I've heard people with back problems who want a more upright posture but don't want to mess with anything too much, like changing the bars for new ones, do that.
@@Aubreykun Yep. Its the Berlin Ghetto Version of a ergo daddy cruiser
It's very common in artistic cycling.
Excellent video, sir. Thank you!
I’ve been a fan of drop bars. Bullhorns are my go to when buy a bike.
I did it, after 3 years I’m finally getting my wabi special thank you so much Zach! :’) found out about Wabi thru your channel. You’re a legend!
I’m all about Aerobars and aero base bars. I like to nestle in the aero position, zone out and mash for miles.
If I want to ride aero, I get on my recumbent trike. None of this bent double, chest down, neck strained up to see more than 10 feet ahead. Comfort, aero, great forward vision... and I don't look or feel like someone snapped my spine. 😁
Very informative. Thank you.
Great video, thank you!!
I use surly moloko bars on my single speed MTB it allows me to get extra hand positions and it allows me to sit a bit more upright compared to my riser bars. Along with them I have more space to mount my cupholder and my lights. I like them a lot. I was thinking about going to a townie bar for more comfort but probably not as the surly bars mostly hit a good sweet spot between speed and uprightness. But townie bars are so nice for shorter rides. I also considered some drops but IDK how that would work on an MTB frame
crazy helpful man. thanks a lot.
Extremely informative! Thank you..
Tried drop bars, tried bullhorns, tried 44cm risers, i think that i will move to 56-60cm wide risers, the leverage give me more confidence and it's fun to ride as i see on my MTB (69cm)
I love your videos zach keep it up
Ha! I have a combination 13:50 and 13:55 setup. I cut up a pair of aero bars and mounted them sideways. Works perfectly. I need an upright position because of my back, but sometimes I can go on the drops for short periods. I did PBP this way. 750 miles in 90 hours.
I’m over here with my 4 inch rise mix of BMX and fixed bars. Love em
I I tried that before too on a junker bike i was messing around with n thought it was kinda cool, been thinking of doin it again for awhile now.
I really liked my butterfly bars on my touring bike with gears 🤣
Some people want a porsche others a Cadillac
Can you do a hands on (or not) review on moustache bars? Ive been looking to get some for about a year now but cant seem to decide. Thanks!
Don't forget the 90-degree-swept riser bars you will find on almost *every* upright "Dutch style" town bicycle, which is very comfortable if you are doing a lot of city riding. They look a lot like track bars flipped upside down.
As usual a thumbs up. Thanks
thank u sir bike wisdom is one of the best
Bikes with an older style of geometry have the saddle-to-bar drop much less extreme than is common today, so that you can ride in the drops normally, with much less of a back angle, instead of or in addition to on the hoods. Something to keep in mind if converting an old road bike or buying a frame that follows "vintage" geo more.
Yes, I have a classic steel road bike with Eddy Merxx style deep drops. Turns out riding the hoods with elbows bent deeply is faster. Straight armed in deep drops offers some elbow relief though.
Best video for bars on yt
I was ready to change from risers to pursuit bullhorn on my single
Today i rode a bullhorn that was installed downwards by 20 degrees, 40cm wide, and on the horns the ride was, non uncomfortable, but without control (brakes on flat also, which i like more aesthetically), on flat was better but the is no reason to change from risers and ride on the same position
I thing that i will go for classic shape drop bars
The old race look bars has better looks but i thing i will not able to ride on flats (which don't have actually)
Check out Nitto Noodles If you prefer drop bars. They sweep back a little bit and have a small amount of flare. Both these details make the bars feel very natural to hang on to on long rides. These are the most comfortable roadish bars I've tried that also work good offroad. They also look like traditional road bars.
Some of my other favorites are dirt drops such as Nitto Dirt Drops RM013 and Ritchey Venturemax. Personally I like the widest drop bars each company offers. Dirt drops work best (not many offroad riders get this) with a very high stem position or a specific frame, tops of bars about level with the saddle. Dirt drops are designed to be ridden primarily in the hooks where you have the best steering, leverage, best grip and most braking power. You don't have to crane your neck or ride terrified down steep singletrack. It makes a lot of sense to experiment with different positions and maybe buy a few bars and stems. Position and comfort make a huge difference in quality time on the bike. Fashion, vanity and how the bike 'looks' really don't add anything to your experience while you're actually riding. Get comfortable then spend more time riding. Its (not so) common sense. Vanity kinda sucks.
I have dropbars, but only use the drops a couple times out of the week to practice my flexibility. I feel like my stem is just a tad too long, but am too lazy to change it out. I was thinking of changing to wide risers, since i deliver food and would appreciate the better handling, but the versatility of dropbars are just too nice to give up
Worth mentioning is how your choice of handlebar will limit your basket choice (ie not gonna work with most drop setups)
Good job Zach.
Just installed gravel drop bars with a subtle flare and a shallow drop on my Aventon Córdoba. Best bars I’ve ever ridden.
Just bought a stock 2017 Córdoba on offer up & honestly dont know sh1t about bikes; anything you’ve changed on yours that’s improved it?
Cordoba comes with a 15 cog, change to an 18 for street use. The chain provided is too short. New, mine had no grease to bottom bracket threads and would have creaked eventually. Have a shop do this because you need special tools. The lock nuts on the axles weren't tightened well and worked loose in rear hub. Shop check this. The tires are cheap and despite claim 25mm tires are max 28mm Gatorskins fit in rear ok. Have not tried on front. This is a hard riding bike and thick cork handlebar tape helps a lot. There are no water bottle mounts but Walmart sells a rubber based one. Throw away the velcro straps and use zip ties instead. One fits on the seat tube despite the large taper near the bottom. Overall a great find. I love mine.
@@davidburgess741 I second the tires. I've got 28mm Gatorskins front and back, under a pair of Sram Rival 22 brakes. Plenty of clearance and it rides and brakes beautiful. Might even try a 32mm in the back.
Also second the cork tape. I wrapped my bar in Cinelli gel cork tape and it improved the riding quality a lot. I also flipped the stem, which helped. Might take it an extra step towards pillowy perfection and get a shockstop stem at some point. I live in Washington DC and our roads are garbage.
In terms of a bottle cage mounts - my solution was to get a Specialized power saddle which came with SWAT mounts, add a proprietary direct mount reverse rack which takes up to two bottle cages. A bit pricey but solves the problem really well.
To fix the gearing situation, I'm thinking of getting a 46t chainring up front to save $$ on a new chain and shop labor costs as I can swap a chainring out myself.
@@alexalatorre2574 Check my reply to the other guy
buzabuba buzabuba thanks guys appreciate the help. Will look into the 18 cog, cork tape, bottle mount & thicker gator skins 💪🏼 I had a retrospec in highschool like over 7 yrs ago & have been havin a blast riding again
Maybe it’s not “proper,” but I am sold on a gel layer under my tape. On a 100k+ ride, road buzz is fatiguing.
probably worth mentioning for people new to drops that you can get inline brake levers (such as the tektro rl721) so you can have brakes on both the hoods and tops. Inexpensive and easy to install. Basically no downside.
How does that work? Do you have 4 brake cables then, or are two brakes hooked up in series somehow?
@@LimitedWard no, its inline. The cable stars at the drop levers, runs through the aux levers to the brakes.
It is worth noting that it makes adjusting your fit a bit more annoying because you have multiple sections of cable housing to consider, but I really think it's worth it to be able to ride hard in all three main positions esp. in dense urban areas.
13:53 straight bars supremacy!!!
awesome, thank you
Excellent product very useful to traveling
Compact drops and bullhorn bars are my favorite
Mine too!
great clip 🤙
I have bullhorns I use long bar rubber grips ( dam that doesn't sound wight ??? ) but there comfortable and dont hurt after awhile like bar tape and last longer then bar tape
I run risers because I like their looks the most but real talk: bullhorns are really the best in terms of variety of comfortable hand positions. When going for drops, definitely make them compact unless you're actually riding on a track.
The best for variety of positions are 'Trekking' bars. They look ugly, but have lots of positions. I keep meaning to buy some.
Drop or Bull Horn is my drink of choice. Solid insight!
I like the drop bars but i realized that in the city you don't have a lot of control, and with the brakes on hoods, uncomfortable
I changed to narrow risers and control returned
When I was young the standard bike size was 23" - a 23" seat and top tubes. Prior to 1980 the only way a cyclist could get a 21" frame ( 21" seat and top tube) was to have it custom made.
. Within 5 to 10 years 90% of bikes sold were 21". It was the custom for a racer to use a 23" frame for road racing and a custom made 21" frame for track racing. Then the Japanese realised the standard bike frame should be a 21". As the smaller frame is stiffer a road and track racer today uses the same (21") bike frame size.
A std handle bars for a 23" bike had a 4" (100mm) drop. When 21" bikes were made the handle bar drop became 2" (50mm). So the cyclist maintained the same body position.
In the past a standard road bike had a 420mm handbar width and a track bike handlebar width was 380mm. Today its common for road and track cyclists to use the narrow handlebar width. The rule about shoulder width comparison is only good for say touring bikes.
Track sprinters are mostly concerned with acceleration so the HUNCHED OVER look is wrong. Track sprinters easily go into oxygen debt. So its important for then to keep their shoulders open to breathe better. This mean good posture - stand straight, shoulders back and head up (back). Same thing on the track bike. No shoulder blade winging. Pull the shoulder blades together. Hold a firm torso. Strong arms and back are needed.The aerodynamic look is wrong. One big mistake is to pull UP on the handle bars towards the face. The correct way is to PULL BACK on the handle bars towards the shoulders. The wrists should be held in a neutral position. The cyclists hands should straight with the forearm and not be twisted inwards or outwards.
Ive tried different types of handlebars. For me the best is the old drop handle bars because Im used to them. If I had used touring handle bars a lot I would get better at using them than the drop bars. From experience cyclists get good at whatever they use the most. The very low aerodynamic cycling position is only good for very flexible cyclists who can hold this postion. Anyone who moves around a lot is better with a more conservative less aerodynamic position. Sitting up brings on a whole world of drag.
90% of bikes are not 21''.
Yo!!! The Special in Moss! I got that one! Discontinued color tho
I like any bars but: drops haha. I messed up my back when I was 14 and I’m also 6’3 so those are my reasons. I don’t hate them every road bike I got from thrift stores in high school had drops but they started getting old. Like bull horns personally. They’re alright probably would enjoy them more if my back wasn’t screwy since you can put your hands In a lot of places which is good.
I have some 40 cm (I think) drops on my bike and they're kinda small. I feel like I don't have any good spot to put my hands when I'm climbing and I just feel generally sketch while trying to learn skids. I'm 6'3 as well and I think I may switch out to some flats. Some wide ass drop bars like people have on gravel bikes would probably be dope, but they're usually more than my bike is worth.
@BeboSaab Probably going to go for flats. I like the "street" look it gives bikes. I wouldn't mind some bars with minimal rise/sweep, but I'm just not a huge fan of most risers
Thanks for this in-depth tutorial on handlebar setups.
One question: What model are these break levers at 3:08? Really like the look of it.
I appreciate all the comprehensive s as de road tested info in your videos. It’s really helping me figure out the type of build I want for my first fixed gear project
I live on a hill and love my bullhorns, they're great for climbing.
Bullhorns are also sexy
Narrow bars are actually better for zig zagging. Les stability and more twitchiness, but once you master it, it is much more fun. The bike is more alive. I personally ride on 39cm drops. im a big guy with broad shoulders, but it feels amazing.
Horses for courses. What width you use depends on the type of riding you do, your body proportions and personal preferences. In the last 35 years, bars have generally become wider. For me, going back to narrow bars would be nostalgic, but not necessarily better.
@@another3997 For sure, totally agree. I should have stated that I rode in european traffic, hence the preference for the twitchiness of 39s
I have my brakes on the tops so I'm not tempted to use them as much. First time riding fixed so not having my brakes readily available all the time forces me to slow down with the drive train and pay more attention to the road.
Way to go man! There's no shame to running brakes! At least not from me. Nobody forces you to use brakes but you're following the COMMON SENSE law! NEVER EVER forget REALITY and laws of motion, gravity and inertia, science and facts!
Pride, Fashion, selfishness or vanity add nothing to the riding experience. Have brakes? HAVE BRAINS! Keep them too! At least now you have less chance of plowing into a car, a tree or steamrolling an innocent pedestrian!
At my shop I have a sign on the door, "No brakes, no helmet?
NO BRAINS, NO SERVICE! I wont voluntarily enable idiots or brain dead vegetables!
I remember you being from Sacramento?? Did you ever ride out when air quality is bad? Hope every rider up north is safe rn 🙏
He’s back in sac now. I live in Vallejo it’s been gnarly just getting the smoke coming down the last week also my sister and her boyfriend just moved to Sacramento last week. What timing. But they’re good and I’m good thanks for the well wishes 🙏 .
I live in san jose and I don't smell the smoke on my ride but everyone else does, typically I ride like 3 or 4 times a week. No one should be out while there are fires, the smoke affects everyone even if they don't feel it
@BeboSaab my smell is gone, which is a bad thing... thats why i can ride during these times
BeboSaab nah it’s mostly PM2.5 which you would need a cloth mask with carbon filter. Or an N95 and no facial hair for a good seal around your face
BeboSaab the virus itself is very small, yes. The cloth masks help because the virus attaches to exhaled water droplets. Don’t me mistaken though, cloth masks don’t do much for airborne particles especially if the seal around the face isn’t good. Including if the virus attaches to particulate matter. I studied environmental engineering at UCD and I rode fixed gear all around, which is why I followed this channel haha
We had the police and fire departments handing out N95 masks back in Fall 2018 when the Mendocino Complex Fire was burning. AQI over 300 for weeks
Edit: wrong fire. Should’ve been the Camp Fire in Butte County
You would go in the drops even if there was no aero gain going with it. This position helps to get the force into the pedals.
I'm looking for those top mount brake levers for the drop bars but keep finding secondary levers. Can you use those secondary levers as the primary top mount levers?
Honestly I just bought bullhorns because I thought they looked cool. I do use use the horns though and hate riding dropped so I guess it also fits me better.
Been thinking of switching to flats or a light riser instead of my bullhorns. No brakes son haha. Skids for days!
Out on public roads, No brakes = No brains. Stupidity doesn't overcome the laws of physics, nor does it absolve people of any responsibilities or the legal obligations they have for others. You want the right to ride? Then you should accept the conditions that come with that right.
Dam the bikes in this video are so good 😍
I got carbon 3T ergosums from china through DHGate and they're still going strong. Rode them on my fixed gear for years now they're on my chervelo S3
Hey Zach - What do you know or think about the F5 Stream frame?
i was having back pain with dropbars, so i switched to 760mm risers and i love them and no more back pain !
@BeboSaab oh wow yeah let me go do that
@BeboSaab no it’s not lol, dropbars just weren’t comfortable for me anymore I made a quick switch & bam no more back pain on long rides.
@@mathewdacruz1649 dont mind him. I think he's bored and just contradicting ppl in the comments section. I just saw him on another comment saying that drops suck and they should be switched out.
Can you get RISER DROP BARS?
Also, do you have a video on BIKE GEOMETRY - especially fork RAKE and TRAIL?
Thats a nice telecaster back there. Or a tele copy.
All this bikes ,handlebars and facts....but I just want a video with Zach playing those guitars men \m/
drop bars also have length angle, drop dimension too
It's worth mentioning that for bullhorn handlebars, not all bullhorns can accept TT/bar-end style brake levers. So check compatibility before buying.
Can you make a video about bartapes?
Never liked the look of drops before trying them. But give them a try, they are so comfortable, you can be in that position all day without wrist pain. Now I won't go back to flat or riser bars.
That's strange, because I stopped using drop bars because they weren't comfortable and caused wrist pain. I guess different people need different variations of drop bars and stems, but finding the right combo can be expensive and time consuming.
i'm currently considering either re-building my throne prism or buying a new bike. I feel like I'd spend more re building my bike, when I could buy a complete for about $700 ish from aventon or throne. Any suggestions?
Nice guitars
Zach looking fresh 👌
Does anyone know what drops Zach uses on his wabi?
Whatever happened to the drop bar brakes with the extra extended lever so you can brake in upright or down positions?
I came for the bikes, I stayed because of the guitars. More details about the guitars? :)
Zach do you have a link to purchase the basket
When does wabi start a europe distributor? Those taxes and transport costs too much....
Where is the video where he talks about his wide drop bars, can't find it, does anybody know?
The term we were taught as kids when riding flatbar touring was "you cant weave if your arse is wider than your elbows" that was how my education started lol
Found your channel not that long ago. Love the vast amount of info and detail you give, in the most direct and simple way. That's the beauty of fixed gear/single speed bikes. And though i appreciate the info, i just want to know, what kind of shorts are you wearing 😁
I just got a used cycle cross bike and it’s my first bike with drop bars. I’m enjoying them but I don’t like the break handles on the hoods because my hands are a little too small to reach them easily. I have enjoyed the new hand positions (I’m used to riser bars) and I like how much more streamlined it makes me when I’m in traffic. Always a trade off. Thanks for sharing man! There was some awesome insight!
Going from my road bike drop bars to a fixie with track drop bars is really not my thing. Will change them to road drops for sure.
Bull horns are my jam
Can I covert an old Puegeot 10 speed racer bike with drop bars to Cruiser type handle bars that me you to sit up straight or Townie handlebars that still me you to situp straight as well? I'm a little to old to ride bent over on my bike trips as I am simply trying to ride or cruise but the bike happens to be the older racer style bike.
u forgot the top and hooded brakes that are connected, u can find them on old Schwinn road bikes
They're outdated tech nowadays
I have 2" risers on my SS. Sometimes I wish I had cruiser bars. I don't ride for speed.
Try some bmx bars on there! Super comfortable, chill ride imo.
Wide Low Straight Handle Bar like Pipe
Mounted Directly. Zero Stem Length
My Favourite
20T Long Wheel Base Aluminum Cycle
This ll ve Handling of BMX & Comfort of MTB
Wit Rear Brake Only. No Disc Brake
Xternal Brake Cable
Aluminum bcz Aluminum is a Soft Metal
U dnt need Suspension
7:54 i like that look... all the chrome looks so clean. Wouldn't work with my current bike but damn that looks cool. maybe my next bike i'll shoot for something like that.
What is the specific front rack and bag setup shown at around 14:50?