You want handlebars that actually listen when you talk to the trail, right? The Funn Upturn keeps your eyes forward with its steep rise options, while the Ritchey Kyote blends old-school cool with modern bikepacking width. RaceFace’s Turbine dampens vibrations so your hands don’t go numb, and Spank’s Spoon bar takes abuse without complaining. Whether you’re running 31.8mm or 35mm clamps, flat or riser, aluminum or carbon, your perfect match depends on your stem, your shoulders, and how aggressively you ride. There’s more to each bar than meets the eye.
Key Takeaways
- High-rise bars (55-75mm) improve posture and neck comfort on technical trails.
- Clamp diameter must match stem exactly—common sizes are 25.4, 31.8, and 35mm.
- Wider 800mm bars boost downhill stability; narrower bars suit tight terrain.
- Aluminum alloys 6066 and 7075 balance light weight with durability and fatigue resistance.
- Back sweep angle affects wrist comfort and should match your torso length.
| Funn Upturn High-Rise MTB Handlebar 31.8mm (Orange) |  | Best for Upright Control | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm | Material: AL6066 aluminum alloy | Width: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mountain Bike Aluminum Alloy Flat Handlebar 25.4mm |  | Budget-Friendly Pick | Clamp Diameter: 25.4mm and 31.8mm | Material: Aluminum alloy | Width: 600mm (25.4mm), 620mm (31.8mm) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Bike Handlebar Grips Soft Non-Slip Ergonomic Lock-On |  | Best Grip Upgrade | Clamp Diameter: 22.2mm (grip diameter, not handlebar clamp) | Material: Rubber (grips), aluminum alloy lock | Width: 131mm (grip length) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ritchey Kyote MTB Handlebar: BB Black 800mm x 27D x 35mm Rise |  | Best for Bikepacking | Clamp Diameter: Not specified | Material: Not specified | Width: 800mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| RaceFace Turbine 35Mm Handlebar Stealth 800Mm 40Mm Rise |  | Best All-Mountain Performance | Clamp Diameter: 35mm | Material: 7075 aluminum alloy | Width: 800mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SPOON 60 Bar 60R Black |  | Best Freeride Value | Clamp Diameter: Not specified | Material: Aluminum alloy, shot-peened and anodized | Width: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| RaceFace Atlas Mountain Bike Handlebar (Black) |  | Best Low-Rise Option | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm | Material: Cold drawn Air Alloy aluminum | Width: 785mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Spank Mountain Bike Handlebar Spoon Bar |  | Best Freeride Geometry | Clamp Diameter: Not specified | Material: Aluminium alloy, shot-peened and anodized | Width: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 31.8 Bike Handlebar – Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Handlebars |  | Most Rise Options | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm | Material: 6061 Aluminum alloy | Width: 780mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Handlebars 25.4/31.8mm Aluminum Alloy Riser |  | Most Versatile Sizing | Clamp Diameter: 25.4mm and 31.8mm | Material: 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Width: 580/620/720/780mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Funn Upturn High-Rise MTB Handlebar 31.8mm (Orange)
Who says you can’t stand tall and shred hard? With the Funn Upturn High-Rise MTB Handlebar, you’re getting that upright position that keeps your eyes forward and your handling sharp on technical trails. You’ll pick from 55mm, 40mm, or 75mm rise options to dial in your perfect fit. Those clever indication marks make setting up your shifters and brakes a breeze, so you’re not fumbling with adjustments. Built from lightweight AL6066 aluminum, these bars take a beating whether you’re hitting BMX jumps or threading aggressive singletrack. At 31.8mm clamp diameter, double-check your stem before ordering, you’re almost ready to rip.
- Clamp Diameter:31.8mm
- Material:AL6066 aluminum alloy
- Width:Not specified
- Rise:40mm, 55mm, 75mm options
- Product Type:MTB riser handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:BMX, aggressive trail riding
- Additional Feature:Indication marks included
- Additional Feature:AL6066 aluminum alloy
- Additional Feature:BMX compatible design
Mountain Bike Aluminum Alloy Flat Handlebar 25.4mm
If you’re restoring a vintage mountain bike or working with an older frame, where do you turn when modern 31.8mm bars won’t fit? You grab the UPANBIKE Aluminum Alloy Flat Handlebar in 25.4mm, that’s where.
This bar weighs just 6.38 ounces and measures 600mm wide, giving you that classic flat-bar feel without the heft. You’ll appreciate the 22.2mm end diameter, perfect for your old grips and brake levers gathering dust in the garage. The matte finish looks clean, and installation hardware comes included, so you won’t scramble for bolts.
Before you click buy, measure your clamp area twice. Trust me, nothing stings like ordering the wrong size. With 4.4 stars from 94 riders, this budget-friendly option won’t let your retro build down.
- Clamp Diameter:25.4mm and 31.8mm
- Material:Aluminum alloy
- Width:600mm (25.4mm), 620mm (31.8mm)
- Rise:Flat bar or riser bar (measures unspecified)
- Product Type:Flat/riser handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:Mountain, road bikes
- Additional Feature:Installation hardware included
- Additional Feature:Matting color finish
- Additional Feature:Flat or riser options
Bike Handlebar Grips Soft Non-Slip Ergonomic Lock-On
Ever found yourself halfway through a rocky descent, palms sweating, gripping for dear life, and wondering why your hands feel like they’ve been through a blender? You’ll want to check out these GPMTER lock-on grips before your next ride.
They’re built with a soft gel layer that cradles your palms, plus high-friction rubber that won’t bail on you when conditions get messy. The single aluminum lock keeps everything tight, so you won’t experience that dreaded grip-twist mid-trail. At 92 grams, they won’t weigh you down, and they’ll fit most standard bars.
With over nine thousand riders backing them, you’re joining a crowd that actually enjoys holding on.
- Clamp Diameter:22.2mm (grip diameter, not handlebar clamp)
- Material:Rubber (grips), aluminum alloy lock
- Width:131mm (grip length)
- Rise:N/A (grips only)
- Product Type:Handlebar grips
- Riding Style/Purpose:BMX, MTB, downhill, cruiser, commuter
- Additional Feature:Single lock-on system
- Additional Feature:Extra gel layer
- Additional Feature:22.2mm diameter fit
Ritchey Kyote MTB Handlebar: BB Black 800mm x 27D x 35mm Rise
What do you get when you cross old-school Ritchey heritage with the demands of modern bikepacking? You get the Kyote, a bar that’ll make you want to load up and disappear into the woods for days.
You’ll feel the difference immediately. That 27.5-degree sweep cradles your hands naturally, while the 35mm rise keeps you upright and alert when you’re grinding up a fire road at sunset, completely loaded down with camp gear. At 800mm wide, you’ve got real estate for lights, navigation, and whatever coffee setup you can’t leave behind.
Weighing 355g, it won’t sink your build. You might find yourself cutting trails you never noticed before, or finally committing to that multi-day ridge line traverse you’ve been mapping. The BB Black finish looks sharp even when it’s dusty.
Ritchey built this for riders who measure trips in memories, not miles. You’ll embrace the adventure too.
- Clamp Diameter:Not specified
- Material:Not specified
- Width:800mm
- Rise:35mm
- Product Type:MTB handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:Adventure, bikepacking
- Additional Feature:27.5-degree sweep angle
- Additional Feature:Bikepacking optimized design
- Additional Feature:Gear mounting width
RaceFace Turbine 35Mm Handlebar Stealth 800Mm 40Mm Rise
Who’s grinding through technical descents while your forearms scream louder than your drivetrain? You’ve found your fix in the RaceFace Turbine 35mm. This 800mm-wide beast, built from 7075 aluminum, delivers that sweet spot between stiffness and forgiveness you’re craving.
You’ll notice the GL Tune technology working overtime, soaking up chatter so your hands don’t tap out before your legs do. The 40mm rise puts you in that commanding, ready-for-anything position, while the stealth black finish keeps your bike looking mean. At 1.7 pounds, you’re not sacrificing grams for durability. Clamp this 35mm bar into your compatible stem and attack those enduro stages with renewed confidence.
- Clamp Diameter:35mm
- Material:7075 aluminum alloy
- Width:800mm
- Rise:40mm
- Product Type:MTB handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:Trail, enduro, all-mountain, e-bike
- Additional Feature:GL Tune technology
- Additional Feature:7075 series alloy
- Additional Feature:Internal butting construction
SPOON 60 Bar 60R Black
You’re the rider who wants to send it on Saturday and still have cash left for burritos Sunday, the SPOON 60 Bar gets you. This freeride-inspired beauty brings all-mountain capability without draining your wallet.
You’ll feel the progressive geometry working for you, that slightly oversized feel giving you confidence when the trail gets rowdy. Shot-peening and anodizing aren’t just fancy words—they’re what keep this bar alive through season after season of abuse. The fatigue life gets a real boost from that peening process, so you’re not replacing parts every year.
Rock solid in the bike park, dependable on backcountry epics, it delivers that super fun ride you’re chasing. High-quality construction meets serious value here. You’ve found your cockpit upgrade.
- Clamp Diameter:Not specified
- Material:Aluminum alloy, shot-peened and anodized
- Width:Not specified
- Rise:60mm
- Product Type:MTB handlebar (Spoon 60)
- Riding Style/Purpose:Freeride, all-mountain, park
- Additional Feature:Shot-peened finish
- Additional Feature:Freeride inspired geometry
- Additional Feature:Cost-effective upgrade
RaceFace Atlas Mountain Bike Handlebar (Black)
Aggressive riders who live for steep descents and technical terrain will feel right at home with the RaceFace Atlas. This 785-mm wide beast gives you the stability to charge rock gardens without second-guessing yourself.
You’ll appreciate how the cold-drawn Air Alloy keeps things light without sacrificing strength. The internal taper isn’t just marketing speak—it actually stiffens the front end when you’re throwing your weight around in corners. That 1.25-inch rise drops your cockpit low, letting you attack descents with better balance and less “endo” anxiety.
At 31.8-mm clamp diameter, it plays nice with most modern stems. Whether you’re racing enduro or just trying to keep up with faster friends, the Atlas delivers predictable handling that builds confidence run after run.
- Clamp Diameter:31.8mm
- Material:Cold drawn Air Alloy aluminum
- Width:785mm
- Rise:1.25-inch (~32mm)
- Product Type:MTB handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:Mountain biking
- Additional Feature:Cold drawn seamless
- Additional Feature:Internal taper strength
- Additional Feature:Ultra low riser
Spank Mountain Bike Handlebar Spoon Bar
Looking for a handlebar that won’t empty your wallet but still handles everything you throw at it? You’ll find your match in the Spank Spoon Bar. This aluminium alloy beauty brings freeride-inspired geometry to your all-mountain setup without the premium price tag.
You get progressive, slightly oversized dimensions that make every ride feel super fun and dialed. Whether you’re sending it at the park or grinding through technical trail sections, you’ll feel rock solid. Spank shot-peens and anodizes these bars specifically to boost strength and extend fatigue life through seasons of brutal terrain.
You’re basically scoring the same strict manufacturing standards as their original parts. It’s that rare sweet spot where affordability meets legit quality, proving you don’t need deep pockets to ride serious equipment.
- Clamp Diameter:Not specified
- Material:Aluminium alloy, shot-peened and anodized
- Width:Not specified
- Rise:25mm
- Product Type:MTB handlebar (Spoon 25)
- Riding Style/Purpose:Freeride, all-mountain
- Additional Feature:Shot-peened and anodized
- Additional Feature:Freeride inspired geometry
- Additional Feature:Cost-effective upgrade
31.8 Bike Handlebar – Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Handlebars
Whether you’re the type who sends it off every drop you spot or just want a bar that won’t flinch when the trail gets ugly, this 8 Bike Handlebar delivers the goods without draining your wallet. You get a 780mm-wide 6061 aluminum setup with serious rise options—25mm all the way to 120mm—so you can dial in your cockpit whether you’re built like a linebacker or rocking a short torso. The 12-degree backsweep keeps your shoulders neutral and your wrists happy, which you’ll appreciate when you’re three hours into a rugged loop.
You’re buying durability here. This bar absorbs chatter like it’s flirting with carbon, stays stiff when you’re muscling through rock gardens, and gives you that wide, planted feel when you land sketchy jumps. Installation’s straightforward—just match your stem’s 31.8mm clamp, swap your components over, and you’re ripping. No proprietary nonsense, no compatibility headaches. For riders who want capable, comfortable, and cheap without the “cheap” riding experience, this handlebar punches well above its pay grade.
- Clamp Diameter:31.8mm
- Material:6061 Aluminum alloy
- Width:780mm
- Rise:25mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm, 120mm options
- Product Type:MTB handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:Mountain, dirt bikes, jumps/tricks
- Additional Feature:Carbon-like chatter absorption
- Additional Feature:12-degree rearward sweep
- Additional Feature:Cut-down markings included
BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Handlebars 25.4/31.8mm Aluminum Alloy Riser
The BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Handlebars tackle a problem you’ve probably faced mid-ride: that nagging ache in your wrists and shoulders telling you something’s off. You shift your grip for the hundredth time, wondering why your setup fights you instead of working with you.
BUCKLOS gets it. These bars offer seven rise options from 20mm to a commanding 160mm, letting you dial in your posture like you’re customizing a coffee order. The 6061 aluminum alloy keeps things light at under 300 grams, while CNC precision bending delivers that solid, trustworthy feel when you’re threading rocky descents.
You’ll appreciate the cut-down markings when trimming width, and the ergonomic grip zone saves your palms on all-day epics. Whether you’re bombing downhill stretches or commuting on your e-bike, the 25.4/31.8mm compatibility covers your bases. At 720mm or 780mm, you’ve got leverage for days.
Honestly? Your wrists will thank you.
- Clamp Diameter:25.4mm and 31.8mm
- Material:6061 Aluminum Alloy
- Width:580/620/720/780mm
- Rise:20/30/50/90/100/120/160mm options
- Product Type:MTB riser handlebar
- Riding Style/Purpose:All-mountain, downhill, e-bike, folding bike
- Additional Feature:CNC precision bending
- Additional Feature:Hard anodizing finish
- Additional Feature:Cut down markings
Factors to Consider When Choosing Mountain Bike Handlebars
You’ll want to keep five key factors in mind when picking your next handlebars, since getting these specs wrong can turn a sweet trail day into a wrist-aching nightmare. Clamp diameter compatibility comes first—you can’t slap a 35mm bar on a 31.8mm stem without some serious frustration, or worse, a dangerous loose fit. From there, you’ll balance rise height, width, material, and back sweep angle to match your riding style, body proportions, and the terrain you love most.
Clamp Diameter Compatibility
Before you drop cash on that shiny new handlebar, you’ve gotta check one boring but critical detail: clamp diameter. Your stem and bar must speak the same language, or you’ll have a wobbly disaster on your hands.
Most setups use either 25.4 mm or 31.8 mm, though some beefy options hit 35 mm. Whip out your caliper and measure your stem’s clamp before buying anything. Trust me, guessing leads to tears, or worse, a faceplant when your bar slips mid-berm.
A mismatched clamp spells trouble: loose steering, terrifying slippage, and that special heart-drop moment when your bike doesn’t go where you point it. Some bars include adapters for flexibility, but verify the exact specs. When upgrading, match your new bar to your stem’s range. Simple step, massive payoff, zero regrets.
Rise Height Selection
How much should your handlebars actually rise? It depends on where you ride and how you like to feel on the bike. Higher rises, say 55mm or 75mm, pull you upright so you can spot roots and rocks ahead, saving your neck and shoulders on long days. Lower options like 35mm or 40mm drop your weight forward for aggressive cornering and faster handling.
You’ve got choices—some bars hit 90mm or beyond—so match your rise to your height and style. Trail riders often want that middle ground, while enduro shredders might go lower and more planted. Just check your stem clamp before you buy, since bar and stem need to play nice together. Get this right, and your cockpit finally feels like home.
Handlebar Width Options
Why does a few centimeters of aluminum or carbon matter so much? Because your hands are your connection to the trail, and width changes everything.
You’ll find bars from 580 mm to 800 mm, and that spread isn’t random. Grab something around 800 mm when you’re charging downhill, you’ll feel the stability, the leverage fighting rocks and roots like they’re nothing. But thread through tight trees? Narrower bars, say 620 mm, keep you from collecting bark with your knuckles.
Match your shoulder width, sure, but also your stem and frame geometry—otherwise you’ll stretch awkwardly or feel cramped. Many bars come trimmable, so you can experiment. Cut them down, feel the difference, ride what fits your style. One rider’s perfect width is another’s nightmare.
Material Construction Quality
The alloy stamped on your handlebar isn’t just marketing jargon—it’s the difference between a bar that’ll last seasons and one that’ll leave you nursing regrets. You’ll want 6061, 6066, or 7075 aluminum alloys, each balancing weight, strength, and fatigue resistance when you’re hammering through rock gardens.
Look for shot-peened and anodized surfaces—they’re your armor against wear and stress fractures. If you’re running a 35mm clamp diameter, you’re getting extra stiffness and durability, but don’t forget the matching stem.
CNC-bent bars with internal taper designs shave grams without wimping out when you case a jump. Smart butting and optimized wall thickness keep things light yet trustworthy. Your hands deserve hardware that won’t bail mid-ride.
Back Sweep Angle
Once you’ve got your material sorted, it’s time to talk about geometry—specifically how far those bar ends kick back toward you. That’s your back sweep angle, measured in degrees, and it shapes how your wrists and shoulders feel on long rides.
You’ll find that more sweep drops your elbows and eases wrist strain, which feels amazing during marathon trail sessions. It also smooths out those chunky drops, keeping your hands steadier when the terrain gets rowdy. But watch out—go too far back and you’ll notice your bike feels sluggish on climbs and less twitchy at speed. Your leverage changes, and suddenly that wide bar feels narrower.
Match your sweep to your torso length and riding stance, balancing it with width and rise. You’ll keep your shoulders happy and your grip natural.
Riding Position Ergonomics
How do you actually want to feel when you’re hammering down a trail for three hours straight? Your handlebar rise decides that—crank it up to 120 mm and you’ll sit tall, saving your lower back, or drop it low for that aggressive, wind-cutting attack position.
Wider bars, say 780–800 mm, spread your stance like a linebacker, locking in stability when the rocks get rowdy, though you’ll squeeze through tight trees more carefully. Back sweep matters too—more degrees mean your wrists relax, but steering gets a touch lazier.
Don’t overlook the small stuff. Molded grips and lock-on systems keep your hands planted exactly where they belong, fighting fatigue before it creeps in. Choose wisely, and you’ll finish strong, not cramped.
Weight and Durability
Why does a few grams matter when you’re flying through a rock garden? You’ve got to balance weight and toughness, because heavier bars usually take more abuse, but they’ll slow you down on climbs. Lighter bars feel snappy, sure, but they can flex when you’re really pushing it.
Pick your material wisely—7075 aluminum alloys give you solid fatigue resistance, and that shot-peened finish? It’s like armor against cracks. Wider bars add stiffness and strength, though you’re trading off some aero gains and carrying extra grams. If you’re riding hard, grab a 35mm clamp diameter; it handles bigger hits without complaint.
Don’t ignore rise and sweep, either—they change how force travels through the bar, especially when you case a jump. Choose smart, and your bars won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Handlebars Cause Hand Numbness on Long Rides?
You’re compressing nerves and restricting blood flow when you grip too hard or rest your wrists at sharp angles for hours. You’re also feeling vibration fatigue from rough terrain traveling through stiff bars into your palms.
Can I Use Road Bike Handlebars on My Mountain Bike?
You can install road bike handlebars on your mountain bike, but you’ll need new shifters and brake levers since they’re incompatible. Your bike’s handling will feel twitchy due to narrower bars, and you’ll lose off-road control you’d normally rely on.
How Often Should I Replace My Handlebars After Crashes?
Like a bent propeller grounding a plane, you’ve got to inspect your bars after every crash and replace them immediately if you spot cracks, dents, or bends—don’t risk catastrophic failure on your next ride.
Does Handlebar Width Affect Shoulder Pain?
Yes, handlebar width directly affects your shoulder pain. If you’re riding bars too wide, you’re overextending and straining those joints. Narrow them up and you’ll feel immediate relief on long descents.
Are Carbon Handlebars Worth the Extra Cost?
You’ll feel carbon handlebars absorb vibrations better, reducing fatigue on long descents. They’re lighter and often stronger, but you’ll pay substantially more. If you ride frequently and value comfort, you’ll likely find they’re worth the investment.
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