Mountain Bike Touring Handlebars

Material choice is primarily a budget consideration with aluminum mountain bike handlebars typically costing less than their titanium or carbon cousins. Handlebars have the ability to transform the way a bike rides. Although there are many different types of handlebars used in cycling including various aero bars for time trialling for touring there are basically four options each of which has some advantages and disadvantages.

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There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to go touring on a mountain bike.

Mountain bike touring handlebars. Mountain bikes and hybrids can make ok touring bikes. Handlebars are crucial for maintaining your balance and position on the bike to control the steering and technical precision. When it comes to maneuvering across uneven gradients and rigorous terrain the handlebars can be a mountain biker s greatest asset. That doesn t mean you can t run a road handlebar on a bike designed for a flat handlebar it just means that you may need to go a size or two down to get the appropriate reach for you.

Road bike handlebars drop bars offer many different hand positions which can be more comfortable when riding for long hours and you ll have the advantage of being in a more aerodynamic position than a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are great for touring. Why use an old mountain bike for touring. Choosing the best mountain bike handlebars involves several key considerations including intended use construction material flat versus riser width clamp diameter and backsweep.

The frames are made of high quality steel this material is durable strong long lasting and easy to repair. List of alternative touring bikepacking alt handlebars with multiple hand positions. It requires a bit more pedaling but with the right tires and handlebar you have can make long distance trips on a mountain bike. Flat bars nearly all mountain bikes as well as many hybirds come fitted with a simple flat bar.

They re strong can deal with rough roads perfectly and it s less likely to get a flat tire. A few mountain bars and an increasing number of road handlebars utilize an oversize stem clamp diameter of 31 8mm other factors relating to the stem and handlebar will include stem height and length. If the shape of the handlebar is different from your existing bar you may have to shorten or lengthen your stem to keep your arms at a comfortable stretch. But is there a science to choosing the best mtb handlebars for your specific riding needs.

They increase the length of the top tube by about 50mm when designed around a flat handlebar. Bike manufacturers build the reach of their bikes to suit certain handlebars. They have relaxed geometry lots of room for large tires and fenders good brakes and a fairly upright riding position. Wide handlebars increase the steering leverage to offer you better bike stability.

Vintage mountain bikes from the early 80 s to the early 90 s make perfect touring frames for a number of reasons. Some people who already have a mountain bike or a hybrid want to put road drop bars on them and use them for touring and commuting. In addition to drop handlebars some tourers will also attach aero bars which increase your aerodynamics even more as well.