BMX Handlebar Buyers Guide

BMX Handlebar Buyers Guide

Your handlebars are the connection between your hands and your bike, it's essential to make sure you get the right set for your bike, that feels good and works the best for you. The first thing people think of when it comes to handlebars is the width, usually followed by the height, but then what about backsweep, upsweep, material or brand? This guide will break down a few of these dimensions and what they will do to how your bike feels?    

Step
01.

2 or 4 Piece?

When it comes to choosing handlebars for your BMX bike the first thing most people think about (or don't) is if you want 2 or 4 piece bars. Both 2 and 4 piece bars will have similar geometries but have a different look. Deciding on 2 or 4 piece bars will ultimately come down to personal preference and how you want your bike to look.

Step
02.

Height

The height of the bars refers to the height from the top to the bottom of your handlebars. Unlike other bikes, BMX bikes run their handlebars substantially higher due to the nature of the sport. Handlebar height not only affects the way you ride but can have an affect on the way you feel riding your bike. If your bars are too low, you will be likely to develop some lower back pain. Handlebar height is largely personal preference but keep...

Step
03.

Width

As the name describes the width of your bars refers to the length from bar end to bar end. As you could imagine, the width of the bars has an impact on the way the bike feels. The wider the bar the less force is required to turn, however, the more movement is required to turn the bar. Therefore the larger the bar the more stable the rider should feel. On the end of the spectrum the smaller the bars...

Step
04.

Upsweep & Backsweep

There are two different measurements of sweep: upsweep and back sweep. Upsweep measures the angle at which the bars bend up from the stem, and back sweep measures how far the bars bend back. This angle can have several effects on the rider. If the angle is too steep the rider may feel like his bars are too far up and less leverage on the bars. If the bars have too much back sweep the rider may feel uncomfortable or...

Step
05.

Price

Bars come in all different shapes and sizes just the same as they come at all different prices. Naturally, material, manufacture, and brand will determine the ultimate price. Bars range from $49.99 all the way up to $189.99.