{"id":11487,"date":"2022-09-06T17:46:31","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T21:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=11487"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:29","slug":"best-fixie-bike-handlebars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/best-fixie-bike-handlebars\/","title":{"rendered":"The 3 Best Fixie Bike Drop Handlebars: Which Are Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are three of the best fixie handlebars you can buy in 2022<\/strong>. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here<\/a>. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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What is a fixie handlebar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fixie handlebar is a handlebar made specifically for fixed-gear bicycles. They are usually wider and more stable than regular handlebars.<\/strong> Fixie handlebars are the most common type of bicycle handlebar.<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is choosing the right handlebars important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To begin with, handlebars are used to steer your bike. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the different types of fixie handlebars?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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, <\/strong>I’ll concentrate on the most common handlebar for fixed gear and single-speed bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riser bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flat bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bullhorn bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drop bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a brown bicycle handlebar. Source: pietro de grandi, unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to consider when buying a fixie handlebar (things to look for)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Consider the size and fit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Consider the style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Consider the bar’s comfort level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, ensure the handlebars are comfortable to ride with\u2014they should be padded and contoured to fit your hands comfortably. You may find yourself looking for another ride soon if they’re not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Consider the diameter and<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Consider the width<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Consider the geometry (reach, drop, bend, and rise)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Consider its aerodynamics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Consider the materials used<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Consider the bar’s responsiveness.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The responsiveness of your handlebars relates to how soon the force you apply to them translates into a change in direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Consider your budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And finally, you should consider your budget; how much are you willing to spend on bars that might give you marginal benefit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips, watch the “Bike Handlebars Explained”<\/em> video from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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