Handlebars
By MrFixie
Advice on selecting handlebars
Drop bars are still the rage after all this time. They allow the most positions during a bike ride, from upright to aggressive, or “in the drops” as they say. Other popular bars include the strait flat bar, riser bars, mustache bars and bullhorn bars. You can make bullhorn bars from drop bars in the advance section of this site. Dove bars and Albatross bars are some other bars available for a more upright riding position.
Bar dimensions/stem compatibility
There are several sizes out there, if you’re an older quill size stem it might by 26.0mm or 25.4mm. If you don’t pair these two the bars will not fit and you’ll be dead in the water without a bike. Just like chain ring BCD from cranks, make sure your bars diameter matched your stem diameter. Make sure to measure the existing bars and stem before purchasing to assure compatibility.
Handlebar material
It seems like all components are now made of aluminum, a light and stiff material. I ride steel bikes with aluminum components. Older bikes have steel bars, which are heavier, and less stiff than aluminum bars.
Handlebar Height
For aggressive race style riding you’ll want a long stem that is lower in height. For touring style riding, raise the stem near saddle height.
Grips – Oury MTB grips are very popular these days
Bar tape – Cinelli tape is an excellent choice, but Nashbar tape is a less expensive alternative.
Advanced Tips and Adjustments for your Fixed Gear Bike:
Do-It-Yourself Bullhorns Make your own bullhorns from drop bars! You can use a dremel, a hacksaw or you can go to your local hardware store and buy a pipe cutter for really clean precise cuts. Pipe cutters range from $6 to $30. Use a tape measure and mark off with a sharpie to assure symmetry. File down sharp edges so you don’t get cut during rides.
