The handlebars are, together with the saddle and pedals, one of the points of contact between the cyclist and the vehicle and is therefore very important. This component allows the cyclist to control the direction of travel thanks to the movement of the hands: by moving the handlebars the direction of the front wheel is changed which determines the path that the entire bicycle will follow.
If you are choosing a bike handlebar, you should first consider how you want to use it: in general, the riding position on a road bike will be more aerodynamic and forward shifted, while on a city bike the position is much more relaxed and the back straighter. Accordingly, in the first example the most suitable handlebar will be the so-called ox-horn handlebar, while for the second case it will be preferable to choose a wide handlebar.
Depending on the cycling speciality, we can find the following types of handlebars:
These are "flat" handlebars; they have a straight tube and are designed to absorb ground vibrations as much as possible. They are easy to grip and handle and allow the rider to assume a comfortable position.
They are normally quite wide, from 700 to 800 mm, and the width is measured from one end of the handlebar to the other.
These are "drop" handlebars, shaped like ox horns. They are characterised by the possibility of assuming different hand positions according to the cyclist's needs.
Gravel and cyclocross bikes require the same type of handlebar, although many manufacturers have modified the angle of the bend to make it more comfortable
They can have different shapes and sizes depending on the bike. In general, a fork handlebar is preferred on these bikes, allowing the rider to assume a comfortable position that is perpendicular to the ground.
It is important, when choosing a handlebar and its positioning, that the cyclist assumes a comfortable position in the saddle. In particular, in no case should the arms be outstretched and too stiff: if the cyclist reaches the maximum extension of his arms, it means that the handlebar has not been positioned correctly.
We must underline that adjusting the handlebar angle is an entirely subjective parameter, depending on riding style, the type of bike and its geometry.