Questions tagged [handlebars]

Handlebars are the part of the bike where the rider holds onto for grip and steering of the bike.

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12 votes
3 answers
979 views

Is there a way to wrap bullhorn handlebars to avoid unwinding both in the center and on the sides?

My handlebar tape keeps looking messy because of an incorrect direction, and I can't find an obvious solution to it. Maybe someone can advise? The direction of the wrap for handlbar tape should be ...
5 votes
1 answer
93 views

Are all road bike drop handlebars compatible with all shifter/brake levers

I have a Trek Domane and I want to upgrade the generic basic handlebars with carbon aero handle bars. I want to make sure they would be compatible with the levers. I was thinking of Easton, Prime ...
7 votes
5 answers
312 views

How to avoid and anticipate breaking handlebars

Recently while commuting my road bike (drop bar) handlebars split in half at the stem while I was riding. I took a spill but was luckily mostly unhurt. However, this was the second time this had ...
1 vote
5 answers
191 views

Investigating maintenance tasks that are best done with the bike upside-down

Hoisting a bike on a stand makes almost any repair a lot easier. A bike stand is the third tool you should get, after hex wrenches and a screwdriver. Normally a bike is simply hoisted on the stand. ...
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8 votes
1 answer
386 views

What kind of handlebar is this? Why is it not symmetric?

I recently saw a video in some social network where a person is replacing a handlebar on an MTB. Both the old and new bars have one side bent upwards and one side bent downwards. What is the purpose ...
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5 votes
1 answer
439 views

Is it possible to use a 26mm clamp diameter stem with a 24mm handlebar?

I am considering getting a stem, which is meant for a 26mm grip area diameter. However, the handlebar I want to use it with is 24mm diameter (this diameter is uniform, so 24mm both at the grip and at ...
2 votes
2 answers
155 views

Easily misaligned handlebars when using stem raiser

I use a Delta Stem Raiser (maybe also called a stem extender, handlebar riser, steerer tube extender) to make my handlebars "taller" (higher up than they could typically go) on my bike's ...
1 vote
2 answers
51 views

Availability of Drop Randonneur handlebars Raleigh 72 grand sport?

Are new handlebars available that are the same, or nearly so, as the early 70's drop, Randonneur handlebars that were available on the grand sports models? From https://www.bikeforums.net/21414951-...
7 votes
4 answers
1k views

What are disadvantages of aero drop bars?

Aero drop bars have a flattened tops segment. This is the length of tube between the stem and the 'bends' where the bars curve forward. It is claimed that this makes the bars more aerodynamic as a ...
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0 votes
2 answers
164 views

Are they called handlebar "upsweep" and "backsweep" because only one quadrant is usable?

The title says it all. Are the two rotations of MTB flat bars (question updated in italics) called "upsweep" and "backsweep" because only one quadrant is usable? Is there never a ...
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2 votes
1 answer
67 views

Is it possible to use brake levers with large-diameter fittings on a smaller-diameter handlebar?

I bought brake levers meant for 31.8mm handlebars (namely Tektro RL721, meant for cyclocross) some weeks ago, meaning to use them for a bike build which has a 20-something millimeter bullhorn ...
2 votes
1 answer
95 views

Help me analyze my mountain bike body position, dealing with crippling elbow pain

I have been dealing with crippling elbow pain these last couple months which has been keeping me off the bike. I have super long legs and a short torso, riding a Large Orbea Rise mountain bike, 780mm ...
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2 votes
5 answers
450 views

Why aren't there more bicycles and accessories designed specifically for women?

Why are there not more bicycles and accessories designed to ergonomically meet the needs of the female body? I'm not talking dresses or skirts. A range of skeletal features differentiate the female ...
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6 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to I get my handle bars to cooperate with my wheel?

Alright, I haven't owned a bike in 20 years and am doing my best here. The handlebars turn the wheel, but it still slides around when met with any resistance at all. I have tightened as best I can all ...
15 votes
10 answers
5k views

I bought my first road bike, and it hurts my back and hands

I bought my first road bike (from a MTB) about a 2 weeks ago, and I’ve given it 200 kms so far. However, I’ve been experiencing lower back pain and weight on my hands that slowly creep up (sometimes ...
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2 votes
2 answers
155 views

Cutting a slot in a quil stem

Just curious to know, is it possible and safe to cut this slotted part of the stem and make a new slot slot on top? I need a shorter stem for another project.
5 votes
3 answers
698 views

How do I install a quill stem extender?

I don’t understand how to install a quill stem extender. Photo included. I have my stem, the long screw and the wedge. The stem extender on the right has a stem, a long screw, and a wedge. The screws ...
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1 vote
1 answer
168 views

long-pull bar-end brake lever for bullhorn bar

I'm thinking of trying out a bullhorn bar but don't want to spend a lot of money on the experiment. My brakes require a long-pull lever. Is there such a thing as a long-pull bar-end brake lever? The ...
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2 votes
2 answers
205 views

Where can I get this style handlebar?

Does anyone know where I can get handlebars like this? Thank you. Note - the stem is clamped to the lower "top" and not the normal one.
  • 21
2 votes
0 answers
356 views

Identify aero handlebars that are easy to work with? [closed]

Can anyone share examples of aero handlebars that are easy to work on? Preferably with some type of external routing. ENVE SES AR handlebars seem to be close to this concept. I'm on the Pro Vibe ...
  • 69
2 votes
1 answer
197 views

Are there any bar-ends with a palm rest?

One of my friend's bikes had these old and beaten alloy bar-ends that have some sort of palm rest integrated outwards of the handlebars (wing-like), such that your pinky-side palm area could rest on ...
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4 votes
2 answers
794 views

How do I determine a suitable handlebar width on a fatbike?

Fatbike owners seem to be fond of using lavishly wide handlebars. They also don't just go from 640mm or 660mm to 680mm or 700mm, but often to 720mm or 740mm. I'm assuming their shoulders couldn't be ...
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2 votes
3 answers
271 views

How to make the grip stick in its place on the handlebar?

I have this unbelievably frustrating situation: Basically, on the right side of the steering handle on my bicycle, the "soft" (not really) rubber thing that you grip with your hand keeps ...
  • 21
4 votes
2 answers
925 views

Can you use two different shifters (eg. Left-Tiagra,Right-105) on the same cockpit/handlebar?

I couldnt find the correct crankset... so i was wondering if you could use a crankset (Tiagra) with a (105) front derailleur? If not can you use two differnt shifters on one cockpit/handlebar and if ...
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3 votes
2 answers
219 views

How to install dual shifter/lever on handlebar when clamp is too tight

I’ve got a Shimano GRX Di2 dual shifter/lever that I want to install on a new Carbon handlebar (Carbonda CGB01) . The problem is that it fits until it reaches the curvature and then it gets stuck. I ...
  • 31
-1 votes
1 answer
111 views

Can someone tell my why it doesn't work? [closed]

I recently got an old used Huffy eco terra bike with a handlebar computer that doesn't work. Can someone tell me how it's powered and possibly why it doesn't work.
1 vote
1 answer
154 views

Impossible/wrong frame length calculation?

I have been riding daily a Holland style bike (upright posture) for quite a long time. I now ordered a new e-bike online, with a more conventional shape (so I don't have a good body feeling for how I ...
  • 364
4 votes
7 answers
2k views

How to best prevent handlebar tape from unraveling at the inner ends?

Usually I apply handlebar tape from the outer ends of the handlebars inwards. (There is an alternative slightly better way requiring more work and estimation where the handlebar tape is begun from the ...
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8 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why is my handlebar wobbling like this?

My bike has recently started behaving strangely when I ride no-handed. When I let go of the bars, they are stable, but quickly develop a wobble which becomes quite violent. I put my hands on the bars ...
2 votes
3 answers
403 views

How and when should one use the "On the drops" position on drop handlebars?

This question may be addressed completely by this canonical answer, and I'm happy to remove the question if so. However it's only one answer, and I don't think it could hurt to have more here; I have ...
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0 votes
2 answers
311 views

Drop bar ends and brakes

I've been getting more into taking my bike out on longer rides and am finding that I would really benefit from having a drop bar. My bike is an old Giant Rapid 2, it's almost entirely stock (I ...
  • 115
3 votes
3 answers
900 views

Drop barends on cruiser handlebar

Suppose you take a cruiser handlebar: And attach drop bar-ends like these to the middle section: What are the problems that might arise? Assume this is for touring long distances.
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10 votes
4 answers
597 views

Can I drill into the handles of a B'Twin 100 Arctic?

My 4yo daughter has just got a B'twin Arctic 100 for her birthday. Her balance bike has tassels like these on the handlebars, so I bought some for her new bike too. But behind the grips, the ...
  • 271
4 votes
2 answers
114 views

How to replace handles?

I've got an old bike from my friends, which basically looks good (just needs some oiling), but its handles are really beaten up and greesy. I couldn't find any screws or anything which keeps these ...
  • 163
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

Ways to increase handlebar height?

Recently got my first bike with drop handlebars. After riding around for a while, I noticed some neck/trap/shoulder strain. I have tried adjusting the seat height, but I think the next best solution ...
  • 71
3 votes
3 answers
593 views

How to fix numb hands on new gravel bike despite professional fitting and shorter stem?

I just bought a new Salsa gravel bike with carbon frame. Despite a professional fitting and shorter stem my hands get numb after only a mile. I wear padded gloves when riding. I have ridden a Trek ...
  • 31
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to attach streamers to handlebars?

I bought streamers for my kids bikes: https://www.pushys.com.au/bikecorp-handlebar-streamers-shiny-purple.html How do I attach them? I was told I just need to push them through the holes on the sides ...
  • 151
2 votes
1 answer
142 views

Trying to identify my Armstrong bicycle

Can anyone tell me what model Armstrong this bicycle is and possibly what year thank you
8 votes
5 answers
4k views

How can I raise my handlebars when there are no spacers above the stem?

I have a threadless setup with no spacers above the stem. What is the simplest way to raise my handlebars?
  • 313
2 votes
2 answers
452 views

Zero-gap stem (FSA Afterburner) inverted installation

My question is somewhat related to this one. I apologize in advance for such a long question! And thanks to everyone who manages to get to the end. I've bought an FSA Afterburner 12° stem. On the ...
7 votes
4 answers
2k views

Apparent pedal force improvement from swept back handlebars; why not use them?

As a teenager a friend found some antique swept back motorcycle handlebars that had the same expansion nut type fitting as my bike and we had to try them out; the handles just touched the front of the ...
2 votes
3 answers
533 views

Long bar ends as drop-downs?

There's a pair of long bar ends that I came across on Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.in/p/4407859/cycle-handlebars-stems-and-grips/3-position-long-bar-ends). I was wondering if these could be ...
3 votes
1 answer
274 views

A DIY question / handlebar / build

I'm looking to replicate the montage in the photo, which involves attaching an epoxy beam to a bicycle handlebar (it's a science project), as I show in the drawing. The beam must be very well fixed ...
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7 votes
5 answers
1k views

PRO LT Handlebar Stem asks to tighten top handlebar screws first before bottom screws? Conflicting manual instructions?

I bought this PRO (Shimano) LT handlebar stem. However, I'm having difficulty decoding the instructions in which to tighten the handlebar clamps. The stem itself has this piece of cardboard in between ...
8 votes
4 answers
830 views

Handlebar slips in quill stem clamp when going over bumps

I bought this new Kalloy quill stem, with Sakae 25.4mm handlebars as pictured below. The handlebars were purchased at an eBay auction. Here's the setup from the side I've tightened the handlebar ...
2 votes
2 answers
249 views

Would you prefer slightly long handlebar for bikepacking?, TourDivide

I'm about to cut my handlebar to 620mm or 640mm I have 620mm handlebar with minivelo and I'm very much tailored to the size. However, I've read wider handlebar is better for controlling.. Mike hall (...
  • 599
2 votes
0 answers
521 views

Normal MTB trigger shifters and hydraulic brake levers on a bullhorn handlebar

Was wondering if mounting Altus shifters and hydraulic brake levers on the vertical sides of a bullhorn handlebar would work or would be possible? I tried holding one of my grips on my flat bar while ...
0 votes
1 answer
238 views

How will swapping drop bars to butterfly bars affect bike fit?

I recently bought a Dawes Super Galaxy from the late 80s or early 90s. When I was researching bike fit beforehand I was told that swapping drop bars to flat bars can affect the bike fit since drop bar ...
  • 511
5 votes
2 answers
712 views

Why are so many ramps on dropbars tilted downwards?

When looking at drop handlebars, it's noticable that most ramps are tilted downwards. I find that rather uncomfortable for my hands as they slide down into the hoods of the brake levers and get ...
  • 659
1 vote
1 answer
105 views

Steering Dynamics Question

as I contemplate reducing reach by either 1/ shortening my stem or 2/ shortening my dropbar's reach, I have some questions about whether approach 1 or 2 will have a greater difference on my bike's ...

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