Bike Steering Components Review

The steering system on a bike relies on a variety of components to steer safely. All of the individual steering parts can be replaced to create a custom steering experience. The type of bike a person rides is what determines the style of handlebars used on the bike. Many steering components are made for racing bikes, although most people are recreational riders and not racers. Cinelli handlebars are available for all types of bike riders. Mountain bikes and BMX bikes utilize the flat handlebar design while racing bikes have the drop or ergo style handlebars. Ritchey handlebars offer a variety as well, giving riders the opportunity to match their preference. 

The bike steering components are designed to provide adequate leverage and a comfortable ride. The handlebars are also the common mounting point for brake systems and gears. Racing bike handlebars are designed to help the rider get into an aerodynamic position to increase speed. Drop handlebars also allow a rider to change from a crouched position to a more upright position to prevent fatigue and body aches. Mountain and BMX bikes have handlebars that allow for optimal control on rough terrain and help the bike absorb impact.

The bike's stem and fork work in conjunction with the handlebars to provide ultimate steering control and a comfortable ride. Bike stems can be replaced, but they must work well with the handlebar system. Reasons for choosing a new stem include increasing the height of the handlebars and increasing the maximum weight limit on the stem. Handlebar systems can be changed or upgraded on any bike, and stem systems will usually state which sort of bike it works best with. Aluminum is the commonly used material in handlebar manufacturing, but handlebars can also be made from steel or titanium. Popular bike stems include Deda stems and the Eastern stem.

Mountain bikers may find that riser bars or bar ends allow for a more comfortable ride. Bar ends, such as the Shimano bar end, clamp onto the ends of straight handlebars and are positioned upward so that a rider has more variation in how they sit on the bike. In some cases, handlebar grips and end bars are integrated into one design. Riser bars negate the need for bar ends as the bars themselves sweep upwards. One risk of using bar ends is the possibility of the end getting tangled around branches or wrapping around obstacles in the road, making it harder to control the bike.

Aerobars are an extra component used mainly on racing bikes that have drop style handlebars. The Profile Aero bar offers this drop style. This steering component attaches to the handlebars and allows the rider to rest their arms on padded rests and hold onto a middle bar. Other handlebar components include bike grips and bike tape. Grips attach to the end of handlebars and are mainly seen on mountain bikes and other handlebar systems that don’t allow for the handles to change. Tape is commonly used on handlebar systems where the hands move into different positions on the bars. Fizik bar tape can help riders customize their grip for better manipulation of the steering.

Models

Average Pricing

Handlebar grips run from around $12 to $40, with tape being the cheapest option. Aerobars start out at an economical price at around $70 but can go up to $200. Stem risers and riser bars average around $12 to $30 for the stems and $30 to $80 for the bars. For riders wanting bar ends, the average price is around $15.