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MTB Handlebars

(23 products)

MTB handlebars come in various widths, rises, upsweep and backsweep dimensions.

When you choosing one consider the geometry and type of bike it's going on; XC, trail, enduro, and downhill.

Flat bars offer a lower, more aggressive position - great for XC bikes. Riser bars, which provide a more upright posture for better control on technical terrain.

Handlebar width can impact handling. Wider bars offering more leverage for stability on rough terrain. MTB handlebars are made from either aluminium or carbon-fibre.

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What Are MTB Handlebars?

MTB handlebars are designed to give mountain bike riders better control, comfort, and handling across unstable, technical trails.

Available in flat, riser, and downhill styles, they play a major role in how your bike feels and performs on rough terrain.

A MTB handlebar upgrade isn't just for performance bikes either. Riders on the Giant Talon, Giant Fathom

If you're a tall rider, on an XL mountain bike or hybrid bike, you'll love having a high-rise handlebar. It's a more ergonomic and relaxed riding position.

Types of Mountain Bike Handlebars

Flat handlebars offer a low, leant-over, aggressive position ideal for cross-country riders. Pick these bars if you prefer a feel that's responsive and prioritises bike control on climbs and flatter terrain.

Riser bars provide more height and comfort for trail or enduro riding. Riser bars lift the front of the bike, allowing the rider to stay centred on the bike. Riser MTB handlebars come in several riser heights.

Taller riders, especially, will want a higher rise MTB handlebar.

Otherwise, tall riders tend to be pulled forward over the front of the bike. This leads to uneven weight distribution.

Carbon handlebars reduce weight and vibration. Aluminium MTB handlebars deliver excellent value and are close to the weight of carbon but not quite the same vibration damping.

Clamp diameter on MTB handlebars

This is where your stem clamps onto the handlebar. Most recreational mountain bikes (and hybrids) use a 31.8mm handlebar clamp.

If your current stem is 31.8mm, it’s easiest to stick with a 31.8mm bar. Unless you want the extra stiffness from a 35mm clamp setup.

35mm bars are stiffer (less flex) which can give a more precise feel. This is good for aggressive trail riding.

31.8mm MTB handlebars flex a little more. These are best used on MTBs where you don't have a lot of suspension.

MTB handlebar width

How wide the bar is (distance from end to end) matters a lot for handling and body position.

An example of a MTB handlebar being too wide, is when your hands are well outside your shoulders. At this point, you will notice a tightness in-between your shoulder blades too. And if your elbows are at almost full-lock.

  • Wider bars have more leverage. This means improved stability on high speed trails and rough terrain.
  • Narrower bars are more manoeuvrable. They are suited to tighter trails or smaller riders.

Rise on MTB handlebars

This describes how much higher (or lower) the bar ends are relative to the clamp centre.

  • A “flat” bar has zero rise. In other words, the ends are level with the clamp.
  • A riser bar has the ends higher than the clamp centre.
  • More rise helps with descents, giving a more upright position which is good for control.
  • Less rise (or flat) helps with climbing because it gives riders a more forward stance. This places the rider in a more efficient pedalling position on the bike. The bike also has less of a tendency to wander or drift up climbs.
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