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MTB Handlebars

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MTB handlebars play a major role in how your bike handles, climbs and descends. Choosing the right mountain bike handlebars comes down to width, rise and riding style. From XC to trail and enduro.

Our range includes flat bars, riser bars and high-rise MTB bars in aluminium and carbon fibre. The right setup makes a noticeable difference for control on technical terrain and improving comfort on longer rides.

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MTB Handlebars: How to Choose the Right Setup

MTB handlebars (also known as mountain bike bars or MTB bars) are designed to improve control, comfort and stability on rough terrain. The right handlebar affects how your bike climbs, descends and responds through corners.

Whether you're upgrading to carbon MTB handlebars for weight savings or switching to high rise MTB bars for better control, small changes can significantly improve ride feel and confidence.

Pair your MTB handlebars with the right MTB grips to improve comfort and control on trails.

Types of MTB Handlebars

Flat Bars (XC-Focused)

Flat MTB handlebars have no rise and position the rider lower over the front of the bike.

  • Ideal for cross-country (XC) riding.
  • More efficient climbing position.
  • Responsive handling on smoother terrain.

Flat bars suit riders who prioritise speed and pedalling efficiency.

Riser Bars (Trail & Enduro)

MTB riser bars are the most common setup for modern Trail and Enduro bikes.

  • Available in multiple rise options from 15mm to 80mm.
  • More upright riding position. Taller riders will benefit from a tall front end, unless you have great flexibility.
  • Better control on descents.

Mountain bike riser bars help keep your weight centred, making them ideal for technical terrain and aggressive riding.

High Rise MTB Bars

High rise mountain bike bars are designed for comfort and control, especially for taller riders or steeper terrain.

You'd consider a high-rise bar if you're a taller rider on a 120/130/140mm (front) travel XC or Trail bike bike. Or you're riding an Enduro bike but leaning to far forward.

A high-rise bar will give you a:

  • More upright position.
  • Reduces pressure on hands and lower back.
  • Improves confidence on descents because you're more centred between the front and rear wheels.

High rise bars are also useful if your bike feels too stretched out. Because it effectively shortens the reach.

Carbon vs Aluminium MTB Handlebars

Carbon MTB Handlebars

Carbon mountain bike handlebars are lightweight but also help reduce trail vibration.

  • Improved comfort on long rides.
  • Reduced arm fatigue because these bars flex to absorb impacts and vibrations.
  • Popular for performance-focused builds.

Aluminium MTB Handlebars

Aluminium MTB bars offer excellent durability and value.

  • Alloy bars are strong and impact-resistant.
  • They are more affordable than carbon handlebars.
  • Suitable for most riders and conditions.

Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm vs 35mm

The clamp diameter is where your stem attaches to the handlebar.

  • 31.8mm clamps are used on most hybrids, flat bar roads bikes and hardtail mountain bikes. These encourage a little more flex than the larger 35mm clamp handlebars.
  • 35mm bars have a stiffer setup for precise handling and aggressive riding. These are featured on (most) dual-suspension mountain bikes.

When upgrading MTB handlebars, make sure your stem's clamp diameter matches. Otherwise consider a bike stem upgrade if you want something nicer or want to fine tune your handling.

MTB Handlebar Width

Handlebar width affects stability, control and body position.

  • Wider bars improve leverage and control on descents.
  • Narrower bars are more manoeuvrable on tight trails.

Rise and Riding Position

Rise refers to how much higher the bar sits relative to the stem.

  • Flat bars (0mm rise) – Better for climbing and efficiency
  • Riser bars (10–40mm+) – Better for control and descending

More rise creates a more upright position, while less rise puts you in a more aggressive stance.

FAQs

What are the best MTB handlebars?

The best MTB handlebars depend on your riding style.

Aggressive Trail and Enduro riders typically prefer riser bars for control. XC riders favour flat bars for efficiency. Carbon handlebars are popular for reducing vibration, while aluminium offers durability and value.

What width MTB handlebars should I use?

For Aggressive Trail and Enduro, widths vary from 750mm wide to 800mm wide. Smaller riders may prefer to use the lower end of this range. For XC trails or racing up to 740mm wide is common.

Wider bars improve stability and control, especially on descents. Narrower bars are better for tight trails and smaller riders.

What is the difference between flat and riser handlebars?

Flat handlebars have no rise. They position the rider lower for climbing efficiency and faster steering response.

Riser handlebars lift the front end. Creating a more upright position that improves control on descents and technical terrain.

Are carbon MTB handlebars worth it?

Carbon MTB handlebars reduce vibration and improve comfort on long rides.

They are lighter than aluminium but come at a higher cost.

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