Bike Handlebars Review

Some sophisticated science, from physics to physiology, has gone into making bike handlebars as comfortable and user-friendly as possible.  Any bike can be modified by using a different bike steering components. You can buy manufacturer brands like the Answer handlebars or Thule bars.  They're easy to take on and off, and a simple switch can turn a casual and fun bike into one suited for racing or distance riding. Bike handlebars have two different functions. First, they help the rider steer the bike. The handlebars are attached to the fork, the metal frame that surrounds the wheel. When the rider turns the handlebars, the whole front wheel turns. This is sometimes a more complicated process than it might seem; for a good rider, the handlebars seem to adjust more to their thoughts than their hands. A simple lean or shift in the weight against the handlebars can change the bike's whole direction, either subtly or dramatically. The second function of a bike's handlebars is to support part of the rider's weight. The rider has to lean forward against the bars, so some of his weight is being supported by the bike saddle, and some by the handlebars. This lean helps the bike to remain balanced on both tires as the biker covers ground. Fly Racing handlebars or Hed Aerobars are preferred for BMX riders.

Bike handlebars come in a few basic styles, but each style can be adjusted to fit the rider's size, posture and needs.

• Drop handlebars. These are curved like ram's horns, and allow the rider to crouch low over the frame of the bike. This is good for minimizing wind resistance and increasing speed. These can be modified so that the curve goes more sideways at various angles than down. Those modified drop handlebars are sometimes calle moustache handlebars. There are Easton handlebars and Oval Concepts bars available in the "drop" style.

   

• Upright handlebars. These stretch almost straight across, though they sometimes have a slight bend toward the rider. These are useful for mountain biking and are helpful when the rider is seeking endurance more than speed. Some variations on upright handlebars include the flat and riser styles. These styles are designed to reduce stress on the neck and back. There are Deda handlebars and Race Face bars that are manufactured in the "upright" style.

   

These two main styles have several variations, depending on what kind of biking the rider wants to do. BMX riders prefer Atomlab bars to perform stunts. Cruiser bikes usually have a more relazed handlebar, such as Brooks handlebars They can further modify their bike's handlebars by the use of various bike grips or bike tape. The most important thing is to make your biking experience as comfortable for you as it can be. Search for suitable handlebars such as Cinelli or Wald handlebars. Shims, like the Problem Solvers, stop unwanted friction between the bars and the frame. Ensure your handlebars' safety with a Two Fish lockblock.

Models

FSA and Kalloy are very popular models. Odyssey bar and Profile Design bars are remarkable in both style and efficiency. Truvativ bars and Zipp are well-known and trusted. Salsa handlebars are a highly dependable model as are Syntace bars.

Pricing

Bike handlebars have a wide range of prices, depending on the brand and how they will be used. A good upright handlebar can be as low at $30, while a professional quality drop style might be as high as $199.