3 best road bike handlebars

Road bike handlebars play a crucial role in the overall performance and comfort of a road bike. They come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to different riding styles and preferences. Here are some key aspects related to road bike handlebars and related components:

  1. Handlebar Types:

    • Drop Bars: These are the most common type of handlebars for road bikes. They have a drop-shaped design that allows for multiple hand positions, providing versatility during long rides. There are variations like compact drops and traditional drops.
    • Aero Bars: These handlebars are designed for aerodynamics and are commonly used in time trials and triathlons. They allow the rider to adopt a more aerodynamic position by extending forward.

  2. Handlebar Materials:

    • Aluminum: Commonly used for entry-level road bike handlebars due to its affordability and durability.
    • Carbon Fiber: Offers a lightweight option that absorbs road vibrations, providing a more comfortable ride. Carbon fiber handlebars are often found on high-end road bikes.

  3. Handlebar Width:

    • Handlebar width can affect the stability and handling of the bike. Riders often choose handlebar width based on their shoulder width and personal preferences.

  4. Handlebar Shape:

    • The shape of the handlebars can impact aerodynamics and comfort. Some bars have ergonomic shapes to provide a more comfortable hand position.

  5. Handlebar Tape:

    • Handlebar tape is used to wrap the handlebars for a comfortable grip and to absorb vibrations. It also adds a level of customization to the bike's aesthetics.

  6. Headsets:

    • The headset is the set of components that provides a rotational interface between the bicycle fork and the head tube. It includes bearings and races that allow for smooth steering.

  7. Stems:

    • The stem connects the handlebars to the fork's steerer tube. Stems come in different lengths and angles, allowing riders to customize their riding position.

  8. Parts and Components:

    • Various small parts and components, such as spacers and caps, are used in conjunction with handlebars, headsets, and stems to fine-tune the bike's fit and appearance.

  9. Cycling Ergonomics:

    • Proper handlebar setup is essential for good cycling ergonomics.It affects rider comfort, efficiency, and overall control of the bike.

It's important for cyclists to consider their riding style, preferences, and body dimensions when choosing handlebars and related components to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding experience. Regular maintenance and proper installation of these components are also crucial for safety and optimal performance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best road bike handlebars on the market
  

Profile Designs Legacy II Clip-On Bar Aluminium Black 2018

Profile Designs

Based on 381 reviews Check latest price

Product description

2

  • All new and improved Legacy II Aerobar
  • Updated for improved ergonomics and added hand positions for a more dynamic bar
  • Width adjustable armrests with rotational adjustment
  • Centre clamp fits 26.0mm and 31.8mm handlebars
  • Adds versatility to any road bike

User questions & answers

Question: Can these be mounted on carbon handlebars
Answer: It comes with bushings you can put around the handlebar to adjust the fit.
Question: My bike has black coated handle bars. I'm looking for areobars that mount securely but won't damage the handlebar finish. Will these work
Answer: I would contact the seller
Question: My handle bar is a "wing bar" (flat not round) would these Aerobars fit on it
Answer: I live in northern NJ not as cold as you guys up there but mine has worked in the twenty’s and teens
Question: How do you adjust these to fit 26mm handlebars
Answer: yes, it come with brackets

RXL SL [US Stock] Carbon Handlebar Road Bike 31.8mm Bicycle Handlebar 400/420/440mm Cycling Bent Bar Drop Bars

RXL SL

Based on 438 reviews Check latest price
  • 1.Material: T700 Carbon Fiber,Weight:Approx 210g±10g;Color:Black
  • 2.Size:31.8*400/420/440mm;Drop:127mm;Reach:104mm
  • 3.Carbon Fiber compares to Aluminum Alloy:Lighter in weight.Much more beautiful in appearance. Brighter in Color. Stronger in pressure resistance. Anti-Shock. Has proper elasticity, improving your bicycle’s class in minutes.
  • 4.This style is one of the standard mold of modern road racing bike,its tortuosity is especially made to fits the brake system, and in the position of the brake system, we prayed it with a layer of granule paint to increase the friction between the brake handle and the handlebar, providing you a safer and comfortable riding.
  • 5.The corner is high temperature joint treated, passed impact test, adopted wind-breaking design and internally routing to reduce the wind resistance while riding. the bent bar has great balance ability, applies for most fixtures. the Upper Hand Grip part has been expanded to rest your palm, makes you more comfortable.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the stem clamp diameter 31.8mm
Answer: Yes, this carbon road handlebar stem clamp diameter is 31.8mm
Question: can you replace aero bars for these and rest arms in aero mode for longer rides
Answer: I would strongly discourage this. The shape is right for riding in what could be called 'imaginary aero' where you don't grip the skis, but 1: they slope down and out and 2: you would have to setup your fit specifically for this position which would put the hooks and tops in less than useful and most likely uncomfortable fit locations. Aero bars with the butterfly forearm rests that flip up out of the way make more sense. In a much broader perspective, the imaginary ski aero mode should only be used when riding solo. If I saw someone riding in imaginary ski aero while taking their pull at the front of a paceline I was participating in, I would be getting as far away from that rider as fast as possible. The fractional improvement of aero is nowhere near the value as the risk of piling the whole paceline because the lead can't avoid hazards without dumping bars.
Question: What size barplugs for these bars
Answer: Sorry, I didn't measure the bar plugs. They seemed to be standard (25-26mm?), but I honestly don't know. I tried two that I had laying around before I settled on the look I wanted, so it wasn't a real offbeat size. Corky.
Question: Can you use an alloy stem with these
Answer: Hi, thanks for your message. Just as we listed on the page, we don't suggest to install alloy stem with our carbon fiber road handlebar, the wrong stem may cause the handlebar to rupture. Please kindly be noted. Thank you!

Product features

Carbon Fiber Compares to Aluminum Alloy:

Lighter in weight.Much more beautiful in appearance. Brighter in Color. Stronger in pressure resistance. Anti-Shock. Has proper elasticity, improving your bicycle’s class in minutes.

Features:

One molded carbon fiber;

More aerodynamic;

Light weight, high strength;

Beautiful and exquisite;

4 holes internal routing;

Easy to install and remove.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Please check whether your product accessories are complete.

2. When assembling, please make sure that the width of the stem head is within 45mm, and the handlebar diameter is 31.8mm. The width of the center must be confirmed to be able to lock the product properly, and manually install it with hexagonal wrench.

3. This product is for internal cable routing, the threading process will be cumbersome, please be patient.

4. When installing the brake, please use the torque reasonably and install it manually.

5. Please go to a standard bicycle shop for assembly and maintenance.

6. The end of the handlebar can be cut in a regular bicycle shop in order to meet personal preference. Before cutting, please remove the handlebar, tightly wrap tape on both sides of the handlebar cutting line, and use the smallest blade saw to cut the fixed position. After cutting, use 400 grit sandpaper to smooth it.

Precautions:

1. Our handlebar diameter is 31.8mm, please use the 31.8 caliber stem.

2. Do not use 31.8 aluminum alloy stem with our handlebar, the wrong stem will cause the handlebar to rupture.

3. Highway bike handlebar Do not enter the mountain road, the wrong cycling will crash the road handlebar.

4. Install the product correctly, please follow the specified tightening torque (4Nm).

5.Tighten the screws. Since it is made of carbon, we recommend tightening the body to support it by tightening with your hands. Cracks can occur when strong tensions occur.

6. Please correct use our company's accessories, we will adopt the views of the majority of cycling enthusiasts to improve our services.

7. Any quality problems please send me messages, we will try our best to help you.

FSA Adventure Compact Drop Handlebar

FSA

Based on 72 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Double butted, tapered and shot-peened Al6061* ø31.8mm bar clamp diameter with 34 x 21 ergonomic oval section* 125mm drop, 80mm reach* 12° side flare* bead blasted anodized Black* laser graphics* weights: * 40cm: 310g * 42cm: 315g * 44cm: 320g * 46 cm46: 325g

  • Double butted, tapered and shot-peened AL6061
  • Ø31.8mm bar clamp diameter with 34 x 21 ergonomic oval section
  • 125mm drop, 80mm reach

User questions & answers

Question: Can I put a 22.2 friction shifters on this bar
Answer: Is it a bar end shifter?
Question: Are these bars compatible with bar end shifters
Answer: Yes. They are standard diameter for bar end shifters.
Question: What is the reach and drop on these bars
Answer: Drop is 125 mm
Question: What is outside diameter at center and at end of bar? I need 31.8 mm (1 1/4") center and 22.2 mm (7/8") end
Answer: Is 32.8 mm at the center. Dont know the ends

Latest Reviews

View all