Are you looking for a way to up your cycling game? New handlebars are an easy way to enhance your riding experience. But what are the best bars for fixed-gear bikes?
This article will give you my top three picks for the best fixie handlebars. I’ll also show you how to choose the right one for your needs to have a fun and safe experience. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, these bars will improve your riding experience.
Below are three of the best fixie handlebars you can buy in 2022. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here.
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What is a fixie handlebar?
A fixie handlebar is a handlebar made specifically for fixed-gear bicycles. They are usually wider and more stable than regular handlebars. Fixie handlebars are the most common type of bicycle handlebar. They are built from various materials, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic. They are available in various forms and sizes and may be used on the road, mountain, and fixed gear bikes. Fixies are frequently ridden without brakes, making them extremely quick and enjoyable.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
Why is choosing the right handlebars important?
To begin with, handlebars are used to steer your bike. Varied handlebars allow for different hand positions and, as a result, different body positions. Drop bars allow you to get low and aerodynamic, but they’re not as comfortable for relaxed cruising. Different styles of handlebars will affect your control, responsiveness, comfort, leverage, aerodynamics, and, of course, style, depending on your riding style and fixie bike.
Choosing the ideal set of fixie handlebars begins with determining which factors are important to you. But, of course, you can’t have it all, so decide what’s most important to you before you buy it.is on one end of the spectrum, while comfort is on the other.
What are the different types of fixie handlebars?
When it comes to handlebars, there are numerous options. Drop bars, riser bars, bullhorn bars, pursuit bullhorns, mustache handlebars, straight handlebars, and swept-back handlebars are all variations of handlebars. However, I’ll concentrate on the most common handlebar for fixed gear and single-speed bikes.
Riser bars
Riser bars were the first handlebars used on fixie bikes. Before the availability of fixie-specific riser bars, riders would chop down old mountain bike handlebars to a lower width. The riser bar remains popular because it provides a more upright position and quick-response handling, which is useful when weaving in and out of traffic.
Riser bars are not ideal for long-distance commuting because they only provide a one-handed position. They are also not ideal for climbing hills.
Flat bars
Flat bars are among the most common fixie handlebars on the market. But there’s a reason why these fixie handlebars are so popular. They are possibly the most versatile handlebars available for a fixie.
Another reason for their popularity is their suitability for tricks. In addition to providing barspin clearance, they also provide excellent grip for other tricks and skids.
Flat bars offer good turn control and can be quite responsive, particularly if they are wide. They are suitable for novices, decent for sprints, and comfortable for ascents. The only disadvantage is that they are not aerodynamic, which may limit your top speed slightly.
Bullhorn bars
For a fixie or single-speed bike, I like bullhorn handlebars. They have several hand positions and a long reach, similar to drop bars with brake hoods. This extra reach forward gives excellent leverage for climbing hills and places your hands in a different posture. The brake levers on bullhorn handlebars are often located across the top of the bars, but some riders prefer time trial style bar end levers.
Bullhorn bars can also be found as “Pursuit Bullhorns,” commonly on time-trial bikes. This bullhorn bar has some drops in the farthest position, making it ideal for fast riding and sprinting. However, the top of the bar is often rather narrow and does not always provide adequate room for your hands.
Most single-speed bike manufacturers that offer pursuit bullhorn bars have increased the space around the stem clamp to accommodate your hands and brake levers.
Drop bars
Drop bars give your single-speed or fixed gear bike a true track bike appearance. These standard drop bars can be seen on bikes. However, drop, drop the State Bicycle Co. Black Label line. Drop handlebars without hooded brake levers can be uncomfortable for extended rides and are best suited for velodrome sprinting or short trips. To keep the track bike look, utilize brake levers that mount across the top of the bar, such as these.
Drop bars with hooded brake levers, similar to those found on road bikes, are one of the most comfortable setups available. The brake hoods expand the reach of the handlebars, giving you more leverage when climbing hills and sprinting. In addition, riding in the drops lets you assume a more aerodynamic position for descending slopes and sprinting with maximum power.
What to consider when buying a fixie handlebar (things to look for)
Choosing a fixie handlebar with the right features for you can be daunting, so here are the most important things you should consider when choosing a fixie handlebar.
Choosing the right handlebars for your fixie can significantly affect how comfortable and safe you feel while riding. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting handlebars:
1. Consider the size and fit
Make sure to select handlebars that are compatible with the size of your bike. Many fixies come standard with small, medium, or large handlebars, so choosing one that fits your riding style, and bike properly is important.
Always test the handlebars on your bike before buying them to ensure they’re secure and fit snugly into the frame. You don’t want them rattling around or wobbling while you ride!
2. Consider the style
Style refers to how good your fixie looks. Okay, so it’s not critical for most people, but it is critical for others. Wide riser bars or flat bars are currently the prevalent styles for stylish fixies.
There are various styles of handlebars available on the market, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. So whether you want integrated brakes or a wider range of motion, there’s likely a style of handlebar that will work well for you.
3. Consider the bar’s comfort level
Finally, ensure the handlebars are comfortable to ride with—they should be padded and contoured to fit your hands comfortably. You may find yourself looking for another ride soon if they’re not.
4. Consider the diameter and
The diameter of the handlebars affects how “thick” they are. You may not be able to acquire a decent grip if they are brittle. The same is true if they are overly wide.
5. Consider the width
The width refers to how far the handlebars extend. The wider the steering wheel, the more responsive it will be. Wide risers are popular right now and are a lot of fun to ride. The vogue a year ago was for ultra-thin flat bars, which provided far less responsive control (although they were ideal for fitting in tight gaps).
6. Consider the geometry (reach, drop, bend, and rise)
The rise of your grips relates to how high up from the stem, where the handlebars are connected to the fork, they will be. The greater the rise, the less you will need to lean forward.
Refers to how much the bars sweep away from the stem. Flat bars have no bends. It can refer to various shapes, such as drop bars and bullhorns.
It affects how far you must extend your hands. It may impair your ability to turn because you will have to engage your core as you move further out. Some fixie handlebars, such as bullhorns, have several degrees of reach where you can grip them.
The stem refers to the distance from the stem to the center of the bars’ lowest point, where they curve down on drop and track handlebars.
7. Consider its aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of your handlebars determine how well they cut through the air. This isn’t a major deal unless you’re riding your fixie on the track.
8. Consider the materials used
The material of your handlebars impacts the price and the feel of the handlebars. The majority of handlebars are composed of steel or aluminum alloy. However, the more expensive bars are made of carbon. Steel bars are more durable for urban riding, while high-performance bars are lighter and stiffer.
9. Consider the bar’s responsiveness.
The responsiveness of your handlebars relates to how soon the force you apply to them translates into a change in direction.
10. Consider your budget
And finally, you should consider your budget; how much are you willing to spend on bars that might give you marginal benefit?
If you want even more tips, watch the “Bike Handlebars Explained” video from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.
The three best fixie handlebars of 2022
Below are the best fixie handlebars that you can buy right now.
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1. Satori Furio Pro Drop Bars-Black
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The Satori Furio Pro Drop Bars are designed to help you achieve an aerodynamic position while cycling. In addition, they come with a quick-release system that allows you to swap between the drop bars and the traditional handlebars in seconds without removing the saddle.
They are available in black, a favorite color among athletes, and are crafted of high-quality materials built to last. They also provide a comfortable and firm grip, which helps keep you on the bar during your workouts. They are also lightweight, so you’ll be able to get up and cycle quickly and easily. In addition, their aerodynamic design will help you achieve better performance and faster speeds.
2. UPANBIKE Bike Drop Bar Handlebar
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Is it made of carbon fiber? No. Is it aerodynamic? Not quite. Is it a fully functional aluminum drop handlebar with multiple hand position options that is reasonably lightweight and durable? Yes.
If you’re looking for a sturdy and dependable bike handlebar, the UPANBIKE Bike Drop Bar Bent Handlebar 25.4mm x 420mm Length Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Handlebar for Fixed Gear Bike, Road Bike, Cruiser, or BMX Bike is an excellent choice. It is composed of high-quality aluminum alloy materials and has a bent design that allows you to grasp and control your bike while riding easily.
Furthermore, its 25.4mm width and 420mm length makes it ideal for fixed gear, road, cruiser, and BMX bikes.
3. FSA SL-K Compact Road Bike Handlebars
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The SL-K handlebar is FSA’s cheapest carbon bar, and it can be much cheaper if you find it on sale. The SL-Ks are only available in a ‘compact’ bend, which has a short reach and a shallow dip. This design of bar is gaining popularity because it accommodates a wide range of hand sizes and encourages longer time spent in the drops.
The SL-Ks are made of monocoque-molded unidirectional carbon fiber. A broad, circular middle part makes it simple to add equipment like computers and clip-on aero bars. Beyond this core region, the tops flatten out slightly to enhance the contact area, which should improve comfort in principle. The clamping locations for the stem and shifters have been reinforced and textured with a sandpaper-like finish to need less torque to secure them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about fixie handlebars.
Are all handlebars compatible with all bikes?
They are interchangeable, but the process is not simple. There are dozens of handlebar types to meet rider needs, leverage on the bicycle, and the diameter specifications will vary for each. For example, the normal handlebar diameter on mountain bikes is 25.4mm; however, on road cycles and cruisers, it can be 30mm or more.
Why are the handlebars on fixies so low?
Because the design allows you to lean forward, bike handlebars are low. This is known as an aerodynamic stance, making you much more efficient when riding your bike. In addition, because your arms and legs have the least amount of wind resistance in this position, it is extremely effective.
Should I have my handlebars lower than my seat?
Unless you’re a sporty rider trying to ride fast, the top of the handlebar should be roughly as high (or higher) than the saddle. Touch your elbow to the nose of the saddle and reach your hand towards the handlebar.
What should the height of my handlebars be?
The handlebar’s top should be roughly 5–6 cm below the saddle’s midpoint for a performance road posture. 4. For a recreational road bike position, the handlebar’s top should be level with or slightly below the saddle’s mid-point.
What if your bike’s seat is too high?
A high saddle will cause the hips to bounce back and forth. This not only reduces pedaling effectiveness but can also be exceedingly painful. Discomfort can manifest as lower back pain or knee discomfort (especially in the back of the knee).
How I chose these fixie handlebars(ranking criteria and methodology)
I studied hundreds of reviews from real buyers and testers to determine which fixie handlebars performed best and were dependable. I selected handlebars at various price ranges to ensure that everyone can find fixie handlebars that suit their needs. I judged these fixie handlebars by the following criteria:
Average price (10%)
While this article covers fixie handlebars with varying price ranges, a handlebar should be affordable. Thus I highlight affordability and price as prime benefits.
Features (35%)
Every fixie handlebar has a unique set of features. Some are better than others. I considered their unique features when evaluating these fixie handlebars.
Functionality (25%)
I selected these based on how durable and functional they are. I used real customer reviews and my experience to evaluate their advertised functionality and durability.
Style (10%)
Because let’s face it—we all want a good-looking fixie handlebar.
Reviews (20%)
I considered positive and negative reviews when evaluating these fixie handlebars.
Conclusion
There you go! If you are also planning to buy a new bike, make sure the one you choose has these features.
The shape and size of the handlebars can determine how comfortable your ride will be. Choose from what we’ve discussed above and customize your ride like never before!
This article covered my top three picks for the best fixie handlebars and how to choose one that’s best for you. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- The best fixie handlebars are:
- Satori Furio Pro Drop Bars-Black
- UPANBIKE Bike Drop Bar Handlebar
- FSA SL-K Compact Road Bike Handlebars
- A fixie handlebar is a handlebar made specifically for fixed-gear bicycles.
- Handlebars are the most common bicycle handlebars, built from various materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic.
- There are several handlebars, but the most common are drop handlebars and flat handlebars.
- The bullhorn handlebars are my personal favorite for a fixie or single-speed bike.
So, which fixie handlebar do you like? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list of the best fixie handlebars? Let us know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on a fixed gear. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.
