Flat bars are wider (640–760 mm), more upright, and offer better control on technical terrain — standard on mountain bikes, hybrids, and many commuters. Drop bars are narrower (380–460 mm) with multiple hand positions and a more aerodynamic posture — standard on road and gravel bikes. The choice depends on terrain (off-road = flat; mostly … Read more
To choose road bike handlebars: pick width to match shoulder width (typically 38-44cm), reach to match arm length and torso flexibility (70-100mm), and drop based on flexibility (120-140mm shallow, 140-160mm deep). Aero/compact bars suit racers; ergo bars suit long-distance comfort. Below, we cover the full handlebar selection guide. The drop handlebars of a road bike … Read more
To raise a quill-stem (older threaded headset) handlebar: loosen the stem bolt on top, lift the bars, retighten. To raise a threadless (modern Aheadset) handlebar: remove the stem cap and bolt, slide spacers from below the stem to above it, replace cap and bolt. Threadless stems can only go as high as the steerer tube … Read more
A bicycle has roughly 50–60 distinct parts organized into seven systems: the frame and fork; the wheels (rim, hub, spokes, tire, tube); the drivetrain (chain, cassette, chainrings, derailleurs, shifters); the brakes (calipers, levers, rotors or rim pads); the cockpit (handlebars, stem, headset); the contact points (saddle, seatpost, pedals); and the electronics (on e-bikes and Di2/AXS-equipped … Read more
Different disciplines require different steeds, particularly when it comes to the nuances between triathlon bikes vs road bikes.
While they might seem similar in some ways to the untrained eye, each is meticulously designed to serve its unique purpose.
Slammed stems are something I’m often asked about in my work as a professional bike fitter, and have also experimented with in my setups as a competitive ultra-endurance cyclist.
In this guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of a slammed stem, and share my expert advice on whether or not it’s something you should adopt for your bike setup.
From the windswept roads of the Tour de France to the grueling Ironman triathlon, aero bars (also known as triathlon bars) are a common sight in cycling and triathlon events worldwide.
They have sparked countless debates and discussions, but do they truly provide a significant advantage?
We get asked some great questions by our amazing subscribers, and one that comes up all the time is: “Should I use butterfly bars for bikepacking?”
In my experience both as a casual bikepacker and racing in international endurance events, there are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to butterfly bars and bikepacking.
To cut or not to cut – that is often the question when we talk about the bicycle steerer tube.
This humble but vital part found at the front of the bike, connecting the fork and the stem and handlebars, can cause some head-scratching.
Fear not! We have you covered. We’re going to be getting into everything you need to know about steerer tubes.
Mountain biking is a huge amount of fun.
Hitting the trails to challenge your fitness and skill is a thrill like no other. Mountain biking requires a huge amount of control, and the handlebars play a big part in helping you stay upright.
With this in mind, it’s important to understand MTB handlebar width.
The five main types of bike handlebar are: drop bars (road and gravel — multiple hand positions, aero); flat bars (MTB and hybrid — wider, more upright, better control); riser bars (BMX and MTB — flat with a slight rise); aero bars (TT and tri — extreme forward position); and bullhorn bars (track and fixie … Read more