The width, angle, and elevation of the handlebar directly affect the handling and comfort of the bicycle. So, is the width and angle of the handlebar really important? Below, we will talk about how to correctly choose the width and angle of the handlebar through the three most common types of mountain bikes.



XC handlebar width and angle selection

As the only mountain bike event in the Olympics, the current xc track is becoming more and more complex, the wheel diameter is getting bigger and bigger, and the types of handlebars are also increasing.

Compared with the other two models, the xc climbs more slopes. Now, most xc riders choose a longer negative angle stem. The handlebar width is generally 640～740mm. The handlebar is generally 640～740mm in width, in order to exert force on the uphill and press the front wheel Bring good support to the cradle.

The angle of the handlebars is also relatively forward, but due to the increasingly rugged and complex terrain and the use of 29-inch wheel diameters, many professional riders choose handles with a 5-10 degree lift, which can ensure the efficiency of uphill. At the same time, it brings a certain improvement to the attitude stability of the downhill bike control and flying over the platform.

Personally, I feel that the xc handlebars can now be selected from 680 to 700mm, and the angle can remain unchanged. If you are interested, you can try it.

Enduro handlebar width and angle selection

The adjustment of the front and rear shock absorbers directly affects your position on the bicycle, so before choosing the handlebar height, make sure that the front and rear shock absorbers have been adjusted.

Unlike roads, mountain bikes are more flexible, so there is no “recommended” absolute handlebar height. Handlebar lift is subjective and depends on your own personal preferences, height, choice of bike, and terrain.

For enduro models, the handlebar lift generally tends to be between 20 degrees and 35 degrees. Because this is not only conducive to the uphill force but also can bring stable control to the downhill.

The 780mm handlebar width is more suitable for the shoulder width of our Asians. Now, most of the original handlebars are 800mm, and many people buy them and install them directly. This will lose your strength and control of the bike in climbing and downhill, especially cycling on a narrow forest road. It is also a big test for your control.

As the current handlebars are somewhat drifting (the angle at which the handlebars deviate backward, about 5-15 degrees), the installation angle can be selected as far back as possible in the middle (there are digital scales on the handlebars, and scales of different brands) Means different).

Because of the offset of those few degrees, the feeling and confidence of lifting the front of the bike and controlling the bike downhill will be greatly increased, but the installation angle should not be too backward so that it will be very strange when going uphill and it will not be sent. force. After confirming the width, try both the front and back angles so that you can find the angle that suits you.

DH handlebar width and angle selection

In Red Bull Rampage (Red Bull Rampage), the various gods operate so smoothly, the choice of handlebars is also crucial.

DH handlebars are mainly divided into two types, racing type, and action type. For racing type, you can choose a handlebar with a lower lift (20-30 degrees). The same is true. The width of 780mm is more suitable for us Asians (if Your shoulder width is enough, you can use 800mm).

The handlebars of downhill bikes are mainly for bike control, and the angle can be selected to be centered and rearward, and the center of gravity is relatively backward when going downhill to improve stability.

If you are an action-type DH player, you can choose to raise the handlebars higher (about 30-40 degrees), and the width can also be relatively reduced, about 740mm-780mm, which is convenient for making “perfect” movements when flying bags.