Handle Bar Rise/Lenght Q?

[Drop D]

Is it more of a personal preference or is there something to it that I don't know?

I normally ride with a 7-8" fork and I feel comfortable with a high-rise handle bar with about 2-2.5 inch height. is there an advantage if I use a mid-rise?

And what are the pros and cons with wider/narrow handle bar? how wide should it be?

Thanks,
-j.

 

[TooTech]

IMHO....The higher rise is comfy but there has been a push towards using lower bars for handling improvements by getting the front end lower (i.e. "0" stack headsets and direct mount stems on DH forks). I have started to see minimal rise heavy duty bars for DH rigs or FR rigs come out as of late for this reason.

Setup is always personal preference.

Regarding the length of the bars, the longer bar slows steering down and provides stability which is why you see the XC racers with the shorter "shoulder width bar" that makes steering more lively and snappier.

I believe some of this but an average size human should be able to snap a lengthier bar (>27 in) around without issue.

 

[Drop D]

I did notice when I see photos and videos of DH racing most of them run Mid-Rise that's what got me curious.

 

[wizard]

Mountainbike Action mag did a good writeup on handlebar width this month. Check it out.

 

[Drop D]

^^ thanks, I'll go grab a copy from VONS :wave:

 

[mrk_d]

I've been going lower/wider lately, and my riding has been improving as such. I am now running a 0 stack 1.5 reducer headset, a flat crown, direct mount stem, and low-rise / 777mm wide bars. Greater leverage, more weight on the front tire for cornering.

 

[Drop D]

I just did that... for some reason riding on flat ground, it feels like I'm going OTB :?: Lets see if I could get used to it :-k

set-up:
Zero stack, 50mm stem, mid rise sunline OS cut to 28.5"

777mm = 30.5inch? :-k isn't that a little too wide? I know its too wide for where I ride.... I'll snag every rock-wall in El Prieto :lol:

I've been going lower/wider lately, and my riding has been improving as such. I am now running a 0 stack 1.5 reducer headset, a flat crown, direct mount stem, and low-rise / 777mm wide bars. Greater leverage, more weight on the front tire for cornering.

 

[DISCO]

Being a trend whore I too have moved away from my 3" risers with the .5" rise stem to a 1.5 bar and nearly flat stem. I think in gravity contests a lower center of mass would enhance stability, but if you do a lot of hucking or street riding the loss of leverage will affect your hops:-k.

I'm all about climbing in my old age and would rather slay mountains than little dirt jumps but set your own goals for what's most important.:bang:

 

[Drop D]

Only 2 yrs riding... I suck at jumping so its 1 down :lol: still have to do some more soul searching

Being a trend whore I too have moved away from my 3" risers with the .5" rise stem to a 1.5 bar and nearly flat stem. I think in gravity contests a lower center of mass would enhance stability, but if you do a lot of hucking or street riding the loss of leverage will affect your hops:-k.

I'm all about climbing in my old age and would rather slay mountains than little dirt jumps but set your own goals for what's most important.:bang:

 

[stampy]

Find some cheap closeout bars and start cutting a little off at a time to see how the narrower width feels.

 

[Drop D]

I actually asked about handle bars is that....
Someone gave me a Sunline V1 OS Midrise UNCUT like 29" wide...
I cut it at 28 and felt pretty comfy... I'm still trying to get used having a lower cockpit