Apart from the seat, the biggest bicycle part that affects the feeling of long-distance cycling is the handlebar. Nowadays, handlebar manufacturers and brands offer handlebars with different widths and appearance styles for riders with different needs. So how do we choose the appropriate handlebar width and appearance style?
The width of the Drop bar
The common drop bar width ranges from 400mm to 420mm. Some riders prefer longer handlebars, which allow them to fully utilize leverage and exert greater force to control their bike. At the same time, longer handlebars can also make the rider’s upper body appear relaxed, making breathing easier. Some riders are more inclined to use shorter handlebars. They believe that short handlebars can reduce muscle tension and fatigue. From an aerodynamic perspective, drivers who use shorter handlebars will have a smaller windward area.
SUMLON noticed that some riders had replaced their handlebars with shorter ones. According to their feedback, shorter handlebars make the distance between the two hands shorter, so the rider’s triceps need to exert more force. This reduces some of the comfort during cycling. In terms of breathing, the tester did not feel any significant impact from the different widths of the handlebars on his breathing.
Additionally, there are some empirical guidance. The distance between the two shoulder lock joints should match the width of the handlebar. Shorter handlebars can put our elbows and forearms in a very tight state, which can easily lead to forearm fatigue. Long handlebars also have their own problems. But this is only a conclusion summarized by most people and may not necessarily apply to everyone.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that riders determine the width of the handlebars based on their shoulder width, but this is only a suggestion. In addition, it is also necessary to consider the rider’s riding style, riding habits, and comfort. A wider handlebar can enhance riding comfort and handling. If you are a beginner or do not pursue aerodynamic advantages and prefer the gravel light off-road route, it is recommended to choose a wider handlebar. On the contrary, if you want to pursue road racing or prefer long-distance riding, you can choose a narrower handlebar width. Besides, if you want to buy the handlebar that best suits you in terms of width, you still need to constantly try it yourself. If you feel tightness and fatigue in your back and neck muscles every time you finish cycling, then your handlebars may be too wide. But if you feel fatigue in your arm muscles or symptoms of chest tightness or nerve tension while cycling, it indicates that the handlebars are too short for you.
Style of Drop Bar
The common types of handlebars on the market currently include Compact, Ergo, K-wing, and Plasma Integrated. Before introducing these styles, there is a basic knowledge that you need to know. Reach refers to the horizontal distance from the upper handlebar to the front end of the bending area, which affects the amount of forward extension. Drop refers to the distance between the upper and lower handlebars, which affects the height of the upper body when holding the lower handlebar. These two parameters need to be adjusted based on individual height, arm length, and riding habits to ensure a comfortable riding posture.
Compact handle bar is designed for riders with smaller palms. But now it has gradually become the first choice for many road bike enthusiasts, partly because the smaller drop allows the rider to grip the lower grip with less pressure on the arc. At the same time, the Compact handle bar also has a smaller reach.
Ergo‘s Drop is larger than Compact. Therefore, during cycling, riders can lie lower to obtain less wind resistance. But when the rider holds the lower grip, the pressure on the arc will be relatively high. Ergo is suitable for racing enthusiasts and drivers who are accustomed to holding onto the grip.
K-wing: Similarly, with the aim of optimizing aerodynamics, there is also K-wing. The difference between these two types of drop bars is not significant.
Plasma Integrated integrates stem and handlebar, and the integrated carbon fiber enhances aerodynamic advantages and rigidity. Plasma Integrated has almost become the standard configuration for high-end road bicycles on the market. If you are a beginner or have just bought a new bike, SUMLON does not recommend choosing the Plasma Integrated handlebar. When you buy a new bike, you often need to constantly adjust your handlebar to fit your body data and riding habits, such as needing different lengths of stems or different reaches and drops. These obviously cannot be adjusted after you have already purchased expensive Plasma Integrated.
When selecting a flat or slender handlebar shape, the size of the hand is an important determining factor. People with larger hands can use wide and flat handlebars, while those with smaller hands are more suitable for thinner handlebars. This is because people with insufficient hands need to open their hands when using wide handlebars, which increases the burden on their forearms. This principle is similar to the grip of a tennis racket.
BTW, SUMLON have been manufacturing bicycle parts for over 15 years. Contact us if you are looking for a bike parts factory or a one-stop wholesaler. Peace.
