Road bike handlebars width should roughly equal the width of your shoulders, with the most common options being 40cm, 42cm, and 44cm. Material choice is typically a budget-based decision, with carbon bars usually being lighter, but also more expensive. When choosing road bike handlebars, you’ll need to consider construction material (aluminum and carbon are the most common), as well as width and amount of drop. You can also switch up hand placement to enhance comfort, as sometimes just a slight change in position can help alleviate neck, back, or hand pain or numbness. Or rest your hands on the hoods just above the brake/shift levers so change gears or slow down at a moment’s notice. For climbing or casual cruising when you don’t need immediate access to your brakes and shift levers, the tops are the place to be. For sprinting or maximum aero efficiency, place your hands in the drops, which are at the bottom of drop bar bike handlebars. They are easy to spot thanks to their swirling shape, which provide multiple hand positions when riding. Here is a basic breakdown of the two primary bike handlebars options.ĭropbar Bike Handlebars: Also known as road bike handlebars, these are the type of handlebars you find on most road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes.

Choosing the right bike handlebars for your needs is a matter of sorting through several critical criteria, starting with type and size. Bike handlebars are also where key cockpit controls are mounted, which can include grips, brake levers, shift levers, dropper post remotes, remote lock-outs, GPS devices, and even a bell. This is where your hands are placed both to provide overall stability on the bike and control steering. Along with your saddle and pedals, bike handlebars are among the key touchpoints that connect rider with bike.

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