The handlebar of a road bike has a special shape, combining a straight section or bar and another curved section (hook), to give the cyclist several support options depending on the use or the terrain they are riding on. In recent years, designs have also diversified to allow for even more customization, depending on the cyclist's profile. Recently, special designs have also emerged, such as carbon handlebars that integrate the stem and handlebar bar to gain weight savings, stiffness, aerodynamics, and thus increase performance. If you are going to buy a road bike or want to change your handlebar to gain comfort or aerodynamics, you need to take into account this series of basic concepts or characteristics when purchasing one.
How to choose the width of the handlebar
The width of a road handlebar is measured from the center of the tube on the left curved part (hook) to the center of the right curve. This is the measurement used by most brands, although there are others that measure from end to end. You should check this aspect before comparing.
Road bike handlebars are usually 42 cm or 44 cm wide. Choose a wider or narrower one depending on your shoulder width.
Currently, there are several width standards on the market, ranging from 36 cm to 46 cm. The most common sizes are as follows: 36 cm, 38 cm, 40 cm, 42 cm, 44 cm, and 46 cm. The most commonly used are generally the 42 cm and 44 cm, but you can choose a narrower or wider one depending on your shoulder width, usage, and handling. A wider handlebar will offer greater stability and control in turns, although it will add extra weight and the aerodynamics will be more compromised. A narrower road bike handlebar is more suitable for enhancing performance and improving aerodynamics. These are most recommended if you are only going to ride on flat sections and climb short passes with less technical descents.
Types of handlebars according to their shape
This, along with width, is the other essential characteristic when choosing a road bike handlebar. In the market, it is determined by the shape of the curved part or hook. However, attention should also be paid to the shape of the horizontal bar, which can be round (classic) or flattened (lighter and more aerodynamic). According to the type of hook, these are the four most commonly used types:
Photo credits: ciclismoafondo.es
Classic or round handlebar
It has a more pronounced curvature, with a large drop of around 13 cm, as well as its reach (curve depth), close to 9 cm. It is a handlebar that enhances handling in the lower area, both for riding in an aerodynamic position and for sprinting, but it does not stand out for its comfort.
Anatomic or ergonomic handlebar
This is a type of handlebar that has evolved from the classic one and can be defined as a mix between that and the compact. This fusion is based on the hook's curvature introducing a straight central section, to offer a more stable intermediate position and thus increase grip and control when descending or sprinting.
Compact Handlebar
It is the most widespread nowadays. Ideal for long-distance routes and the one that best suits the average touring cyclist. Its drop (13 cm) and reach (8 cm) are smaller, which translates into greater comfort in the lower positions (descent and sprint). But in return, it allows for faster position changes and favors a more upright posture.
Super Compact Handlebar
Super Compact handlebars are an evolution of the previous ones, reducing their drop even further, by about 1 cm (12 cm) compared to the first. This compact shape increases the speed of position change, avoiding moving the back as much as possible. At the same time, it is more manageable if we grab it by the ramp or superior part of the hook, due to its closer proximity to the brake lever, without compromising comfort.
Handlebar Diameter
Nowadays, the diameter of new handlebars is practically the same in most models, 31.8 mm in their central part, so it is not a factor to consider as much as the width or shape. We say in their central part because in recent years, in mid or high-end models, especially carbon ones, models have been launched with flat sections on the horizontal bar to better support the hands and gain aerodynamics. A design that modifies this standard. Nevertheless, in its central part it should always be cylindrical and is where the measurement will be taken, unless it is an integrated handlebar-stem set.
Materials
Road bike handlebars are usually made of aluminum or carbon, with the former being more widespread. Carbon handlebars are more limited to high-end bikes, especially aero ones, aimed at high performance. Really, if you are a low or mid-level touring cyclist, using an aluminum handlebar will be the most recommended option, due to its great balance between weight, stiffness, and price. Even now it is possible to find aluminum models with flat sections to increase the aerodynamic coefficient, as is the case with carbon ones.
Aerodynamics
For many road cyclists, whether professional or not, reducing wind friction is increasingly important. That is why aerodynamic components such as flat tube handlebars or integrated ones are an option to consider for cyclists who take their rides very seriously.
Integrated handlebars have the disadvantage that you cannot adjust their tilt or position and you also cannot change the stem for a longer or shorter one.
The handlebar is one of the parts of the bike most exposed to the wind, as it is one of the first parts of the bike it hits. For this reason, an integrated model along with the stem or a flat bar will offer less wind resistance, while also saving some weight and increasing the rigidity of the assembly. Integrated handlebars, however, have a significant disadvantage: you cannot adjust their tilt or position relative to the stem. Nor can you swap the stem for a shorter or longer one. That’s why some brands have semi-integrated handlebars in their catalogs, with aerodynamic stem and handlebar designs, but already separated to make these adjustments easier.
To find the right handlebar for you, you’ll need to consider these features according to your physique, type of bike, handling, and intended use. Thus, if you are new to road cycling or ride without any intention of competing or pushing yourself physically, a compact and wide handlebar will be the most recommended profile. On the other hand, if you have experience training or going on road rides, you might want to opt for a more sophisticated product, such as a super compact, anatomical, or integrated handlebar. These are guidelines that should serve as a starting point, but you should also consider other aspects, such as your position on the bike (upright or tucked), the geometry, the bike’s weight, or your skill on descents.
👉 And if you also practice mountain biking, here we tell you how to choose the ideal handlebar for your MTB