The best handlebars for fixed gear bikes

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WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE BEST HANDLEBARS FOR YOUR FIXED GEAR?
People often inquire about the finest handlebars for a single speed or fixed gear bike. This article will assist you in determining which handlebars to use.

When it comes to handlebars, there are several options. Drop bars, riser bars, bullhorn bars, chase bullhorns, moustache handlebars, straight handlebars, and swept back handlebars are some of the several types of handlebars. I’ll concentrate on the most common handlebar configurations.

MAIN HANDLEBAR TYPES
Bullhorns, drop bars, riser bars, and pursuit bars are the most common styles of handlebars.

BARS FOR DROP
Drop bars give your single speed or fixed gear bike a real track bike appearance. These standard drop bars may be seen on bikes such as the State Bicycle Co Black Label line. Drop handlebars without hooded brake levers may be unpleasant for extended rides and are best suited for velodrome sprinting or short trips. The issue is that hooded brake levers appear out of place on an aero track bike. To keep the track bike appearance, utilize brake levers that attach over the top of the bar, such as these.

Drop bars with hooded brake levers, similar to those seen on road bikes, are one of the most comfortable configurations available. The brake hoods expand the reach of the handlebars, giving you more leverage while climbing hills and sprinting. Riding in the drops lets you to assume a more aerodynamic stance for descending slopes and sprinting with maximum power.

BARS FOR RISER
Riser bars were the initial handlebar option for fixie bikes. Prior to the availability of fixie-specific riser bars, users would chop down existing mountain bike handlebars to a lower width. The riser bar remains popular because it provides a more upright stance and quick responsive handling, which is useful while weaving in and out of traffic.

Riser bars are not ideal for long-distance commuting since they only provide one hand position. They are also not ideal for climbing hills.

BARS FOR BULLHORN
For a fixie or single speed bike, I like bullhorn handlebars. They have several hand positions and a long reach, comparable to drop bars with brake hoods. This additional reach forward gives good leverage for climbing slopes and places your hands in a different posture. The brake levers on bullhorn handlebars are typically located across the top of the bars, however some riders prefer to utilize time trial style bar end levers.

Bullhorn bars may also be found as ‘Pursuit Bullhorns,’ which are often seen on time trial bikes. This form of bullhorn bar has a little dip at the furthest position, making it ideal for quick riding and sprinting. The top of the bar is often rather narrow and does not always provide adequate room for your hands. Most single-speed bike manufacturers who provide pursuit bullhorn bars have expanded the region surrounding the stem clamp to accommodate your hands and brake levers.

TO CONCLUDE: If you ride your bike for short distances and want a more upright riding posture, riser bars are a suitable option.

If you plan on riding long distances and value functionality above appearance, choose drop bars with hooded brake levers, since this combination will give the maximum comfort.

Bradley Knight Image
Written by Bradley Knight, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Bradley, and I've been riding fixed for years. I love all the joy and pain that comes with this unique style of cycling and the passionate community that drives it. If you love fixed-gear bikes, this is the place for you.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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