I bet you’ve wondered how to choose a mountain bike handlebar width. Well, it’s not as complicated as you may think! Let me tell you everything that I know about this topic. You can make an educated decision on your own after reading my post.
Some important factors must be considered to choose the right handlebar width for yourself. The first consideration is your height.
Taller riders will want a wider bar because it gives them more leverage when they stand up on their pedals. In comparison, shorter riders might consider using a narrower bar so they don’t feel too stretched out sitting down.
Another post that will interest you is about the 7 Best Mountain Bike Helmets For Sweat (2023).
How To Measure The Width Of A Mountain Bike Handlebars?
There are a few ways to measure the width of mountain bike handlebars. The most accurate way is to use a ruler. If you don’t have access to a ruler, you can also measure the length of your arms and compare it with the height of your shoulder blades to estimate how wide your handlebar should be.
Another option is using one hand span as an approximate measurement for mountain bike handlebars. One hand span equals about 9 inches or 22 centimeters, giving you an idea of what size bars may work best for you.
Remember that this isn’t accurate because people with longer arms will need wider bars than those with shorter arms; however, it’s still helpful when choosing between two sizes of bars.
How Wide Should Your Mountain Bike Handlebars Be?
Method #1: This formula is given by Lee McCormack in his book called Dialed: The secret math of a mountain bike setup.
This formula depends upon the rider’s height and gender.
For Males:
Height (in inches) * 25.4 = Height (in mm)
Recommended MTB width for Males = Height (in mm) * 0.44
For example, I’m 72” * 25.4 * 0.44 = 804.6mm = handlebar width
For Females:
Height (in inches) * 25.4 = Height (in mm)
Recommended MTB width for females = Height (in mm) * 0.426
Method #2: Use the Push-up Method
Push up method is a great way to find a comfortable width for a handlebar. Straighten the measuring tape on flat ground. Then do 2 to 3 Push-ups on the measuring tape, and you need to take note of the outside measurements on your hands, which will help guide what size bars should be used.
Now close your eyes, do 2 to 3 Push-ups again on the measuring tape, and note outside measurements.
Now take the average out of methods one and 2 (both eyes open and closed).
Suppose
Method #1 = 804.6mm
Method #2 eyes open = 770mm
Method #3 eyes closed = 768mm
Average = 804.6 + 770 + 768 = 2342.6/3 = 780.8mm (target width)
Now measure the width of the uncluttered handlebar. If your width is 810.8 mm, subtract the target width. So the Math is 810.8 – 780.8 = 30mm.
Divide 30mm/2 = 15mm
It would help if you cut down 15mm width of the handlebar from each side of the handlebars totaling 30mm.
Which Is The Correct Approximate Size Of A Mountain Bike Handlebar?
You can find mountain bike handlebars in various shapes, sizes, and materials.
Which is the best size?
There are two ways to answer this question. The first is based on the type of bike you own or plan to buy. The second is based on your preference for comfort, control, and experience.
Here’s what it boils down to: Handlebar widths range from as narrow as 640mm up to 890mm wide (or 23″ – 31″). Most bikes come with 700mm-720mm bars (25″ – 26″), which work well for most people under 6’6″.
If you’re very tall, ride aggressively, or prefer a more stable feel when riding, go with wider bars at 760-780mm (or 29″ – 30″) or possibly even wider. Handlebars are made from aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber for weight savings, as well as steel and other materials for strength. 700-720mm is a good starting point size for a mountain bike handlebar. However, it depends on the type of bike you own or plan to buy.
Benefits of Wider Handlebars:
- Going over obstacles is easier on a wider handlebar, as the bike will be more stable and less likely to fall.
- A wider handlebar on a mountain bike allows for more stability in the downhill sections.
- The steering provides more leverage and makes turning corners easier.
- Riding on a wider handlebar will boost your confidence.
Disadvantages of Wider Handlebars:
- Feels Slow moving on tight sections
- It is important to be aware of obstacles around you on narrow trails.
Benefits of Narrower Handlebars:
- Narrow handlebars are the best option for longer stems, allowing you to shift your weight more forward.
- The rider feels better for the bike’s front wheel because their hands are closer.
- Narrow handlebars provide special aerodynamics and positioning for cross-country riders to help their speed.
Disadvantages of Narrower Handlebars:
- For beginners, it feels less stable.
- The steering turns slowly when making a sharp turn (not responsive).
- During turning shows a lack of grip.
How To Judge The Right Handlebar Width For You?
The right handlebar width is a personal preference. It depends on your riding, body shape, bike size, and what feels comfortable. If you’re new to cycling or have been off the bike for a while, it can be tough to know if your current setup is ideal.
Here are a few things to consider:
Bike Size:
If you’re shorter than average, a handlebar that’s too wide may feel uncomfortable and become a safety hazard. Conversely, if you’re on the taller side of things, many brands offer extra-long models to accommodate your proportions.
Riding Style:
If you ride aggressively and in an ultra-low position, a too-narrow bar could leave you cramped up and uncomfortable over time.
Riding Terrain:
The more your handlebar has to absorb vibrations, bumps, or impacts from the trail, the wider it should be. An overly narrow bar will only exaggerate the effects you feel on your wrists, hands, elbows, and shoulders.
Your Personal Preference:
If it feels good, that’s the most important factor.
How To Choose The Right Handlebar Width For Your Riding Discipline?
You should now understand why certain disciplines have longer or shorter handlebars once you understand how handlebar width affects bike handling.
It is important to keep in mind that these are just general guidelines for handlebar width based on the riding discipline.
Handlebar Width For Downhill Riders
It is common for downhill riders to prefer an upright stance that allows them to maintain maximum control. Many downhill riders use handlebars in the 800 – 820 mm range, although 780 mm might be considered a starting point.
To attack downhill wide, these wider bars open up the chest and body profile. Swift descents and sharp turns require quick adjustments and maximum leverage.
Handlebar Width For Cross-Country (XC) riders
The cross-country rider sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from the downhill rider. A more aerodynamic profile allows them to require fewer fine-tuned maneuvers. Closed hands reduce drag and resistance from the wind by closing down the shoulders and chest.
Anything less than 760 mm is considered XC handlebars. Your personal preference and body type will determine how narrow you go here.
Nonetheless, you can try narrower grips from 740 mm to see what works best for you. Nowadays, few people ride bikes under 720mm or 700mm. There is no such thing as impossible, just not very often.
Handlebar Width For All Other Riders
Now that I’ve discussed cross-country and downhill riding, almost all other disciplines will find that 760 mm – 780 mm handlebar widths are most suitable. Obviously, your own personal preferences and body type will play a significant role in this, but this should provide a good general guideline.
The “middle-ground” range seems to suit most generalist riders who have a variety of terrain to enjoy. To accommodate a narrower grip, you can always cut down the bars if you find them too wide.
Things To Keep In Mind While Cutting Down Mountain Bike Handlebars:
You should remember three things when cutting down mountain bike handlebars: safety first, comfort second, and performance third.
To start with safety, it’s important to purchase high-quality parts and remember that you will be compromising some functionality, so you might need to make additional safety-related modifications.
Consider your comfort level when cutting down mountain bike handlebars. It’s a good idea to be able to switch between different types of handlebars, which means it’s important to purchase bars that are compatible with the stem and brake system that you already have.
If you want to be able to switch between different types of handlebars, you’ll need to keep this in mind when you’re purchasing your new bars.
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that mountain biking is a sport where performance matters. It would help to choose a bar that fits your comfort level and gives you the best performance possible. With a strong, sturdy handlebar with the correct shapes and angles, you’ll easily cut through the trails.
Many styles of handlebars are made for all sorts of biking preferences. Some people may value safety over function, while others want to ensure they have both.
Whatever your goals for mountain biking, it’s important to know which handlebars will work best for you.
Tools Required to Cut MTB Handlebars:
- Measuring tape, Caliper, or Small scale
- Hacksaw (Use 32 TPI for cutting carbon handlebars)
- Pipe Cutter
- 200 gr Sandpaper
- Marker or Scribe
- Flat and Rattail files
- Torx and Allen wrenches
Process For Cutting Metal Handlebars (Aluminum, Titanium, Steel)
- Before making any cuts, please take a quick picture of your current setup to reference it later.
- Start with one side of the handlebar at a time.
- It would help to loosen your brake, dropper post, and shift levers, and slide them inboard toward the stem (center of the handlebar).
- Mark the position on both sides of the handlebar from where you want to cut down the excess width of the handlebar with the help of measuring tape or a Caliper.
For Example, If you have 780 mm handlebars from one point to another point of the handlebar and want them to be 720 mm, you will be cutting 30 mm width of the handlebar from each side.
- Use a hacksaw with a new blade to cut off the marked portion. A fresh sharp edge is important because it will ensure you make a clean straight cut and go slowly, so everything proceeds smoothly.
- If the handlebars have rough edges, smoothen them with sandpaper and files.
- Repositioned the position of the brake and dropper post and shifted levers to the freshly cut side of the handlebars.
- Repeat the same process for the other uncut side of the handlebars.
Process For Cutting Carbon Metal Handlebars:
- Before making any cuts, please take a quick picture of your current setup to reference it later.
- Start with one side of the handlebar at a time.
- It would help to loosen your brake, dropper post, and shift levers, and slide them at the inboard toward the stem (center of the handlebar).
- Mark the position on both sides of the handlebar from where you want to cut down the excess width of the handlebar with the help of measuring tape or a Caliper.
For Example, If you have 780 mm handlebars from one point to another point of the handlebar and want them to be 720 mm, you will be cutting 30 mm width of the handlebar from each side.
- Use a hacksaw with a new blade to cut off the marked portion. A recent sharp edge is important because it will ensure you make a clean straight cut and go slowly, so everything proceeds smoothly.
- Don’t forget to use a carbon-specific cutting blade or a 32-TPI fine-tooth blade.
- To prevent or reduce carbon dust from filling the air while cutting, spray the cutting area with soapy water or Windex.
- Smoothen out the rough-cut edges of the handlebar with the help of sandpaper and files.
- Repositioned the position of the brake and dropper post and shifted levers to the freshly cut side of the handlebars.
- Repeat the same process for the other uncut side of the handlebars.
FAQs:
What’s The Difference Between A Riser And A Flat Handlebar?
A riser handlebar is angled upward from the stem, while a flat handlebar is straight. Riser bars are generally more comfortable and provide better control for technical riding. In contrast, flat bars are more aerodynamic and responsive.
Can I Cut My Handlebars To Make Them Narrower?
Yes, you can cut your handlebars down to make them narrower. However, measure and mark the desired width before cutting to avoid damaging the handlebar.
Should I Choose A Wider Or Narrower Handlebar For Downhill Riding?
A wider handlebar (760-800mm) is generally recommended for downhill riding. This provides more control and stability at high speeds and on rough terrain.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right mountain bike handlebar width is crucial for a comfortable and efficient ride. Whether you prefer a narrow, medium, or wide handlebar, understanding the benefits of each width can help you make an informed decision.
Remember to measure your ideal handlebar width and take your personal preferences and riding style into account. With the right handlebar width, you can enjoy a smoother, more controlled ride on your mountain bike.
