Bicycling is a great form of exercise, recreation, and transportation. However, to enjoy the ride, it’s essential to have proper handlebars that can provide comfort and safety. Different types of handlebars have different shapes and features that cater to specific riding styles and preferences. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 best bicycle handlebars for sitting upright, providing a detailed overview of each type and its advantages.
We will also go over different factors to consider before choosing Handlebars. If you are someone who is new to biking or simply just want to know what are different available in the market and which one is used for what, then you are in the right place. This is a comprehensive article on Best Bicycle Handlebars for sitting upright. So let’s get started.
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Advantages of Proper Handlebars for a Safe and Comfortable Riding Experience
When you are riding your bike, one of the most important things is your posture. If you are not sitting well on your bicycle, you may not enjoy riding your bike. If you sit properly and upright and have the right balance, then you can tackle any type of terrain. And you can also be ready to ride your bike on any unusual surfaces without losing control of the bike. Your posture will also matter when you are riding your bike in the long run.Â
So it becomes crucial that you sit properly and know what handlebars to use on your bike. Since different handlebars have different uses, you may want to pick one that suits you the best.
Handlebars are one of the most important components of a bicycle, providing the rider with stability, control, and comfort. Proper handlebars can make all the difference in the rider’s experience and provide various advantages.
Here are some advantages of properly selected Handlebars that fit one’s needs.
Improved Stability and Control
One of the most important advantages of proper handlebars is improved stability and control. When handlebars are correctly positioned, the rider’s weight is evenly distributed and they have a better grip on the handlebars. This results in a safer and more comfortable ride.
Reduced Stress on Hands, Arms, and Back
When handlebars are too high or too low, the rider is forced to strain their hands, arms, and back, leading to discomfort and even injury. With proper handlebars, the rider’s posture is improved, reducing stress on their hands, arms, and back, and allowing them to ride for longer periods of time.
Better Grip in Wet Conditions
Another essential advantage of selecting the right handlebars is a better grip in wet conditions. In rainy or wet conditions, handlebars can become slippery, which can result in a dangerous and unpredictable ride. Suitable handlebars in such conditions are designed to provide a secure grip even in wet conditions, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride.
Improved Aerodynamics
Some handlebars can also improve the rider’s aerodynamics. With handlebars positioned correctly, the rider can tuck their head and arms closer to their body, reducing wind resistance and improving their speed and efficiency.
Customized Fit
Finally, some handlebars can be customized to fit the rider’s specific needs and preferences. Different handlebars can be adjusted to different heights, widths, and angles, providing the rider with a customized fit tailored to their specific needs and riding style.
In conclusion, proper handlebars are essential for a safe and comfortable riding experience. They provide improved stability and control, and reduced stress on hands, arms, and back. They also offer better grip in wet conditions, improved aerodynamics, and a customized fit. Proper handlebars are a smart investment for any rider looking to improve their cycling experience.
Different Types of Handlebars
There are a variety of handlebars available in the market and come in all sizes and shapes. However, choosing the right handlebar takes your riding experience to the next level.
Here are some of the most popular handlebars with their advantages and ideal use cases.
The handlebars mentioned below will keep you in an upright position all the time if you hold them in a natural position.
1. North Road Handlebars
North Road handlebars have a unique shape that sets them apart from other handlebar types. They have a swept-back design that provides a comfortable and relaxed riding position. This type of handlebar offers several advantages.
- Improved control: North Road handlebars provide a more natural hand position that allows riders to have better control over their bicycle.
- Comfortable ride: The curved shape of North Road handlebars ensures that the rider’s hands are in a relaxed position. This shape reduced fatigue and provides a more comfortable ride.
These handlebars can be used on a bicycle that is meant for casual users. You can go to shopping too with these types of handlebars. This is because a lot of empty space is available on the front side due to their shape. This allows the riders to tuck a basket and fill it with groceries and stuff.
2. Flat Handlebars
Flat handlebars are simple, straightforward, and versatile. They have a straight, horizontal shape that provides a comfortable and secure grip. Flat handlebars offer several advantages, including:
- Ease of use: Flat handlebars are simple and straightforward, making them easy to use for riders of all levels.
- Versatility: Flat handlebars are compatible with a wide range of bikes, making them a versatile option for riders who own multiple bicycles.
- Can attach a lot of stuff: Since the flat bars are completely flat. They leave a lot of room for stuff that can be utilized by riders. These include lights, brake levers, phone holders, baskets, or simply bottle holders.
- Easy to climb on the road: The horizontal liner shape makes it easy for the rider to climb the steep road easily. You can shift the weight toward the front, this creates more friction at the front tire, thus making it easy for the rider to climb hills and terrains with the east.
- Can go through narrow spaces: The flat shape and simple design make it easy for the riders to go through a narrow ally or from doors and narrow gates.
These handlebars are the most versatile ones and are found on most regular bikes today. They however can’t be used for off-road riding as their shape can make the rider lose the grip.
3. Butterfly Handlebars
Butterfly handlebars are distinctive in their shape, and are designed to provide improved comfort and a wider grip. Their shape resembles the butterfly, hence the name Butterfly handlebars. This type of handlebar offers several advantages, including:
- Improved comfort: Butterfly handlebars provide a wider grip, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort for the rider.
- Ideal for long rides: The wide shape of the handlebar makes it easy for the rider to put their hands anywhere on the bar. They can also put the important stuff on the handlebar itself and can use it whenever they want without any issues.
- Wider grip: Butterfly handlebars provide a wider grip surface, making them ideal for riders who want a more relaxed and comfortable ride.
- Better grips for shifters: If you are using shifters on your bike, then this type of handlebar gives you a comfortable position to reach out for shifters.
4. Riser Handlebars
Riser handlebars have an elevated shape that provides improved visibility and a more upright riding position. This type of handlebar offers several advantages, including:
- Improved visibility: Riser handlebars provide a more upright riding position, improving visibility and making it easier for the rider to see the road ahead.
- Upright riding position: Riser handlebars provide a more upright riding position, reducing fatigue and increasing
- Reduced stress on the lower back and neck
- Increased stability and control
Ideal for Riders Who Prioritize Safety and a More Upright Riding Position:
Riser handlebars are ideal for riders who prioritize safety and comfort. The upright riding position provides a better view of the road ahead, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the elevated shape of the handlebars reduces stress on the lower back and neck, making for a more comfortable riding experience.
5. H Handlebars
These types of handlebars come in an H shape but without the upper half H shape. Also, the sidebar of the H is slightly inclined outside to give the rider a proper grip.
- Aerodynamic position: The shape of this type of handlebar offers the rider a comfortable grip. At the same time, it lets the rider lean over forward a bit to get into an aerodynamic shape.
- Different hand positions: H handlebars come in a variety of variants including looped, bent, and normal H-bars. So one can have different hand positions with this type of handlebar.
- Upright position: The H type of handlebars offers an upright posture. Making it easy for the rider to ride the bike without much fatigue.
These handlebars are ideal for riders who want a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience and prioritize comfort over speed and agility. They are also good for people who like to change the position of their hands often.
All of the handlebars mentioned above have different advantages and use cases. However, above-listed all the handlebars provide you with an upright position while riding. So you can pick any of them and can’t go wrong.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Handlebars
When choosing handlebars, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Your riding style
- Your body size and shape
- The type of bike you have
- Your personal preference
Riding Style
Your riding style will have a big impact on the type of handlebars you choose. For example, if you enjoy riding on roads and want to maintain a more aerodynamic riding position, drop bars might be the best option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed riding position, riser bars or bullhorns might be a better choice.
Body Size and Shape
Your body size and shape will also play a role in choosing handlebars. For example, if you are taller or have longer arms, you may prefer handlebars with a wider grip. If you have a smaller frame, you may prefer handlebars that are closer together.
Bike Type
The type of bike you have will also play a role in choosing handlebars. For example, if you have a road bike, drop bars or aero bars may be the best option. If you have a mountain bike, riser bars or flat bars might be a better choice.
Personal Preference
Finally, your personal preference is important when choosing handlebars. You want to choose handlebars that you feel comfortable using and that suit your riding style.
While making the choice for the right handlebars, don’t pay too much attention to the above factors. Because at the end of the day, you are going to ride the bike, so it’s important to have handlebars that are comfortable and suit your body style. You are going to get what suits you the best and not others suggest you otherwise.
Conclusion
Choosing the right handlebars is important for a comfortable and safe riding experience. Each type of handlebar offers its own unique benefits, and the right one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
In conclusion, it all boils down to personal choice. One handlebar might fit well for someone and not be very comfortable for someone else. So it is you who is going to make the choice. No matter if you want to go off-road or ride on a busy road, all 5 handlebars mentioned above will give you an upright grip. Those are considered as most popular Handlebars that can be used for many purposes.
We encourage you to try out different handlebars to find the one that best fits your individual needs and preferences. Experimenting with different types of handlebars is the best way to determine which one will provide you with the most comfortable and safe riding experience.
