MTB Handlebars: The Control Centre for Every Terrain

Rise, Sweep, Handlebar Width – Ergonomic Dimensions

Which handlebar width is best for which area of use?

The first step is to choose the appropriate handlebar width. The wider the handlebars, the greater the physical leverage: it results in higher pressure, more control and higher-precision steering movements. That's why MTB handlebar widths have grown steadily over the past two decades. More is not necessarily better, however, otherwise we would all be riding around with clothes rails a metre wide. The most common handlebar widths today are between 700 and 800 millimetres. As a general rule-of-thumb, the more technically demanding the application, the wider the handlebar ought to be. Cross-country or marathon racers often ride with handlebar widths measuring between 700 and 740 mm, as narrower usually translates to lighter. Trail, all-mountain or enduro riders like to opt between 740 and 780 mm for a balance of control, weight and manoeuvrability, while downhill and freeride mountain bikers like to ride 760 mm and wider for full control.

What does rise mean for mountain bike handlebars?

Like handlebar width, the rise of a handlebar is usually given in millimetres, and only very rarely in inches. The term refers to the height difference between the centre of the handlebar and the handlebar grips. Handlebars without rise are also called flatbars, while those with rise are called riser handlebars. The most common rise heights are between 0 and 30 mm; above that, they’re referred to as high-risers. Many manufacturers offer popular models in a wide variety of rise options. Exactly how much rise handlebars should have is a matter of taste, and also depends on the bike and the area of application. With handlebar rise you can easily adjust your desired cockpit height to the stack height, head tube length and fork height of your bike. In general, a low cockpit provides a lot of pressure on the front wheel and prevents it from rising when climbing. A higher cockpit makes your sitting position more relaxed and reduces the rollover sensation when going downhill. Expert tip: a high-riser is often a better alternative if you want to raise the cockpit, as it’s stiffer compared to spacers under the stem. Negative rise, i.e. drop, only plays an outsider role in mountain biking in contrast to gravel biking, for example in cross-country bikes one sees in the world cup.

What is the backsweep on mountain bike handlebars?

More exciting is the backsweep. It’s another angle, except this time the one bending the handlebars backwards. Ergonomically, the Backsweep opens up a wider playing field. A handlebar with a low backsweep between 5° and 8° facilitates a dynamic elbow position straight out of a riding technique textbook, giving you plenty of control over the front wheel and plenty of freedom of movement when absorbing waves or drops. At the same time, such a handlebar shape increases the load on the wrists. With that in mind, manufacturers such as Syntace or SQlab offer models with a relatively high backsweep of 12° or 16°, which should ensure a natural hand position and still provide enough pressure on the front wheel. For touring mountain bikers, bikepackers and other long-distance riders, there are also specialists like the Surly Terminal or the Moloko multi-position handlebar from the same company, each with a backsweep of 34°. But beware: in combination with a short stem, the ends of the grips can fall behind the middle of the stem.

What are the advantages of aluminium MTB handlebars?

And why use aluminium when carbon is so good? The simple answer: aluminium is also an excellent handlebar material. With aluminium, you can build very stiff handlebars at a reasonable weight, which are also less sensitive to falls or intense loads. If you are constantly on the road with bikepacking bags, for example, which tend to rub dirt onto the handlebars under the attachment straps, you are definitely better off with aluminium. In addition, aluminium can be recycled almost as often as required, making it a fairly environmentally-friendly material despite the relatively high energy costs involved in its production. Last but not least, its price can’t be beat. Good handlebars like the LEVELNINE Riser are available for as little as 40 Euros.

Why are there different stem clamps and outer diameters for MTB handlebars?

Mountain bike handlebars usually come in three clamping diameters: 25.4 millimetres, 31.8 millimetres and – relatively recently – 35 millimetres. The trend towards wider handlebars has historically led to an increase in clamping dimension. This is because the larger lever also means more stress on the material. That's why handlebars with a 25.4 millimetre stem clamp usually don't come much wider than 700 mm. Whether 31.8 or 35 millimetres, on the other hand, is more a matter of taste for most mountain bikers. If you are looking for maximum stiffness and control without increasing weight, go for the larger diameter. A little more flex and comfort is often offered by "the golden average" of 31.8 millimetres.

In terms of handlebar diameter on the grips, however, everything is quite straightforward. It is always 22.2 millimetres. You can ride grips with or without clamping, light XC grips, sticky downhill, stylish BMX or ergonomic grips. It’s your choice!