BMX Handlebar Buyers Guide
Your handlebars are the connection between your hands and your bike, it's essential to make sure you get the right set for your bike, that feels good and works the best for you. The first thing people think of when it comes to handlebars is the width, usually followed by the height, but then what about backsweep, upsweep, material or brand? This guide will break down a few of these dimensions and what they will do to how your bike feels?
Step
01.
2 or 4 Piece?
When it comes to choosing handlebars for your BMX bike the first thing most people think about (or don't) is if you want 2 or 4 piece bars. Both 2 and 4 piece bars will have similar geometries but have a different look. Deciding on 2 or 4 piece bars will ultimately come down to personal preference and how you want your bike to look.
2 Piece Handlebars
Who remembers Redline v bars? Most of you probably don't and luckily we don't have to see them anymore (haha), but 2 piece bars have been modelled off these iconic pieces of history.
Whats the difference?
Whichever bars you choose for your bike, both 2 and 4 pieces will come with modern geometries and feel similar under your grips.
4 Piece Handlebars
4 piece handlebars give your bike a look that some riders will want and others won't. Put simple, 2 and 4 piece are for you and how you want your bike to look.
Step
02.
Height
The height of the bars refers to the height from the top to the bottom of your handlebars. Unlike other bikes, BMX bikes run their handlebars substantially higher due to the nature of the sport. Handlebar height not only affects the way you ride but can have an affect on the way you feel riding your bike. If your bars are too low, you will be likely to develop some lower back pain. Handlebar height is largely personal preference but keep...
Low
Due to the size and shape of BMX bike the height of your handlebars can change how your bike feels and how it performs. The lower your bars the closer to your top tube you will be the higher the further away. Shorter riders are more suited to shorter bars
Medium
BMX handlebars have gotten taller over the years making 8" to 9" the industry standard for BMX riders across the globe. We stock a huge variety of handlebars that will cover all riders needs.
High
At the top end of the height spectrum, handlebars have started to exceed 10 inches. These bars are generally paired with bigger setups to give the rider the most mount of room in the cockpit.
Step
03.
Width
As the name describes the width of your bars refers to the length from bar end to bar end. As you could imagine, the width of the bars has an impact on the way the bike feels. The wider the bar the less force is required to turn, however, the more movement is required to turn the bar. Therefore the larger the bar the more stable the rider should feel. On the end of the spectrum the smaller the bars...
Narrow
BMX handlebars come in a variety of widths to suit a variety of riders. NArrower bars were more popular in the early days of BMX. The more we learn about geometries the wider bars have grown over the years.
In between
Most riders will be looking for a nice in-between range when it comes to picking handlebars. Once you get your bars you will most likely want to cut them down to a width that is perfectly suited for you.
Wide
The wider your bars the more stable your bike will feel and the less twitchy in the front end. However, if your bars are too wide for you then your bike will be harder to maneuver in the air.
Step
04.
Upsweep & Backsweep
There are two different measurements of sweep: upsweep and back sweep. Upsweep measures the angle at which the bars bend up from the stem, and back sweep measures how far the bars bend back. This angle can have several effects on the rider. If the angle is too steep the rider may feel like his bars are too far up and less leverage on the bars. If the bars have too much back sweep the rider may feel uncomfortable or...
Backsweep
If your handlebars had no backsweep then when you laid them flat they would sit flush with the ground. the backsweep helps a rider hold the bars more "naturally" to how their hands sit when holding a bar in front of you.
UpSweep
Upsweep will make your bars slightly taller and will help some riders with wrist pain since sitting flat on the bar can put more pressure coming down as your ride your bike.
Whats it all mean?
Like most things on your bike, it's important to ride the bike that feels best to you. Your friends will tell you what bars you need but at the end of the day, they aren't riding your bike so feel it out and find something that fits you!
Step
05.
Price
Bars come in all different shapes and sizes just the same as they come at all different prices. Naturally, material, manufacture, and brand will determine the ultimate price. Bars range from $49.99 all the way up to $189.99.
$0-$50
BMX bars come in all different shapes and sizes, like most things in BMX the more you spend the better the quality but thankfully there are companies that do make some cheaper options for BMX riders on a budget.
$50-$150
The middle range for handlebars covers most bars that you will be searching for. Handlebars are so simple there isn't much you can change on them other then thickness or diameter of the tubing or if they are chrome plated or not.
$150 +
Some handlebars will feature oversized clamping areas and tapered tubing or chrome plating, this will increase the price of the bars.
