MTB Handlebars.....HEEELP!
Discussion
Firstly let me point out from the start that I am a novice...over the last 3 years I have been riding a Giant Talon 0 26” wheeled bike but I have Just upgraded to a Boardman Pro 29er hardtail after a lot of homework about the best sub £1000 can get. Love the bike but after my first ride out have discovered I need a new saddle (purchased) and handlebars.
Handlebars I’ve discovered are a minefield to buy.....raised or not, sweep,width??? After my first ride I feel I want to sit up more, my wrists were hurting especially trying to change gear. I do think I need a raised bar to be in more of a motorcross position. Would 25mm be a good start? The stats on the OE bars are 31.8mm, 0mm Rise ,9-Deg Bend (S/M/L = 720mm)
Can you recommend a size and a bar that doesn’t break the bank for general trial riding, nothing too technical and no jumps.
Handlebars I’ve discovered are a minefield to buy.....raised or not, sweep,width??? After my first ride I feel I want to sit up more, my wrists were hurting especially trying to change gear. I do think I need a raised bar to be in more of a motorcross position. Would 25mm be a good start? The stats on the OE bars are 31.8mm, 0mm Rise ,9-Deg Bend (S/M/L = 720mm)
Can you recommend a size and a bar that doesn’t break the bank for general trial riding, nothing too technical and no jumps.
29ers generally have lower rise bars as the stack height (height of the forks+headtube) due to the bigger wheels is higher than a 27.5 bike.
First off, have you adjusted the brake levers and shifter to a comfortable angle?
Also, how tall are you?
If you want to be sat a bit more upright then you could get a set of 20mm rise bars, if you're 6ft+ I'd look at some wider bars too, 760/780mm or even 800mm. I wouldn't go too high though as you'll find when climbing steep hills the front will want to lift as your weight will be further back. However going down will be easier.
There are literally hundreds of 31.8mm bars available, just stick to known brands like renthal/Nukeproof/raceface etc.
First off, have you adjusted the brake levers and shifter to a comfortable angle?
Also, how tall are you?
If you want to be sat a bit more upright then you could get a set of 20mm rise bars, if you're 6ft+ I'd look at some wider bars too, 760/780mm or even 800mm. I wouldn't go too high though as you'll find when climbing steep hills the front will want to lift as your weight will be further back. However going down will be easier.
There are literally hundreds of 31.8mm bars available, just stick to known brands like renthal/Nukeproof/raceface etc.
Bar upsweep and back sweep angles are very personal. Myself I like the Easton / Raceface and Answer 9o back sweep & 5o up sweep. Width I have gone with the press-up position width which for me is a bit narrower than fashionable these days at 760mm.
Rather than mess with height of ride con you just add spacers on your steerer?
Rather than mess with height of ride con you just add spacers on your steerer?
I have got a boardman pro29er, 2 or 3 years old now so not sure if the spec is the same.
I changed the bars to one with a rise (iirc 25mm) and with a bit of a backsweep and it felt like a different bike.
I think the biggest bit was the backsweep, it made it feel more natural on my wrists rather than turning my arms out if you see what i mean.
And just to second what has been said already getting the levers right might help too.
I changed the bars to one with a rise (iirc 25mm) and with a bit of a backsweep and it felt like a different bike.
I think the biggest bit was the backsweep, it made it feel more natural on my wrists rather than turning my arms out if you see what i mean.
And just to second what has been said already getting the levers right might help too.
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