Are you considering an extended cycling trip? Do you want to maximize your comfort and control over long distances? If so, touring bike handlebars are a great choice and an important part of any long-distance ride.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of touring bike handlebars, how to choose the best ones for your ride, the different types available, and best practices for setting them up.
We’ll also cover common pitfalls to avoid and accessories to consider for a successful and comfortable ride.
Get ready to learn all about the potential of touring bike handlebars!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Touring bike handlebars are handlebars designed for long distance cycling.
They are typically wider than road bike handlebars, allowing for greater comfort and control over long distances.
They also typically have a variety of hand positions, allowing the rider to switch between different positions to reduce strain on their hands and arms.
What Are Touring Bike Handlebars?
Touring bike handlebars are a type of handlebar found on touring bicycles.
They are designed to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic riding position for long-distance cycling.
This is achieved by placing the rider in a more upright position, which reduces fatigue and increases stability.
Touring bike handlebars are typically wider than standard road bike handlebars, giving the rider a wider range of hand positions, which helps to reduce pressure on the wrists and arms, and ultimately, improve their comfort and control when cycling.
Touring bike handlebars are designed to be strong and durable, and generally feature a curved shape which is intended to provide the rider with a more comfortable grip.
These handlebars are also equipped with various mounting points, allowing the rider to attach lights, phones, and other accessories to their bike.
Touring bike handlebars are an ideal choice for cyclists who plan to go on longer rides, as they provide extra stability and allow the rider to maintain a more comfortable posture while riding.
The extra width of the handlebars also gives the rider more control when making turns and navigating tight spaces.
In addition, the extra mounting points provide the rider with a convenient place to store their belongings while cycling.
Benefits of Touring Bike Handlebars
Touring bike handlebars offer a variety of benefits for those looking to take on long-distance rides.
For starters, the wider handlebars provide a wider range of hand positions, allowing for better posture and balance on longer rides.
This can help reduce fatigue, as it allows for more comfortable positioning throughout the ride.
Additionally, the wider handlebars provide increased stability, which can be a major benefit for riders who will be tackling rough terrain.
The upright riding position also encourages better breathing, which can help with stamina and energy levels.
Finally, the position of the handlebars can help to reduce shoulder and back strain, which is particularly helpful for those who plan to ride for extended periods of time.
Overall, touring bike handlebars are an excellent choice for those who are looking to tackle long-distance rides.
The wider handlebars provide a more comfortable riding position, increased stability, and a better breathing position, all of which can help make the ride more enjoyable.
Additionally, the handlebar position can help to reduce fatigue, which is especially important for those planning to ride for extended periods of time.
With these benefits in mind, it is easy to see why touring bike handlebars are an excellent choice for those planning a long-distance ride.
How to Choose the Best Touring Bike Handlebars
When it comes to choosing the best touring bike handlebars, there are a few important factors to consider.
First, its important to determine the type of riding youll be doing and the type of handlebars that fit your style and needs.
Touring bike handlebars come in a variety of styles, so youll need to decide which type will be the most comfortable and supportive for your cycling needs.
The most popular types of touring bike handlebars are drop bars, flat bars, and riser bars.
Drop bars provide the most aerodynamic position and are the most popular choice among competitive cyclists.
They are also the most comfortable for long-distance cycling, as they allow you to shift your hands to different positions and maintain a comfortable position.
Flat bars are the simplest and most common type of handlebar and provide a more upright position.
They are ideal for casual and recreational cyclists who are looking for a comfortable and easy-to-maneuver bike.
Riser bars are designed for a more aggressive riding style and provide a more upright position with increased stability.
In addition to the type of handlebar, the shape and width are also important factors to consider.
Wider handlebars provide more stability, while narrower handlebars provide more maneuverability.
Its important to choose a handlebar shape and width that is comfortable for your hands and arms, as well as your riding style.
Finally, its important to choose a handlebar that is durable and built to last.
Touring bike handlebars are designed to withstand long-distance cycling, so its important to make sure that the handlebar you choose is made of quality materials and is built to last.
Choosing the best touring bike handlebars for your needs can be a daunting task, but with the right information and research, you can find the perfect handlebar for your cycling style and needs.
Types of Touring Bike Handlebars
When it comes to touring bike handlebars, there are several different types available.
The two most common types are drop handlebars, which feature a curved design, and flat handlebars, which are more straight and narrow.
Drop handlebars are designed to provide more aerodynamic positioning for faster speeds, while flat handlebars are better for a more upright position for maintaining a comfortable posture for longer periods of time.
Additionally, there are also riser handlebars, which feature a raised design that allows for more control and a more comfortable ride.
Drop handlebars are usually the go-to choice for most riders, as they offer the best balance of aerodynamic positioning and comfort.
They allow for more hand positions, which helps reduce fatigue and strain, while also providing stability and control.
However, they can be more difficult to control and may require a more experienced rider to handle them confidently.
Flat handlebars are an excellent choice for riders who prefer a more upright posture and are looking for comfort over speed and performance.
They are generally wider than drop handlebars, allowing for more hand positions and better control.
The wider design also helps reduce fatigue, making them great for longer rides.
Riser handlebars are ideal for riders who are looking for more control and stability, as they allow the rider to be in a more upright position without sacrificing aerodynamics.
They are also great for riders who are looking for a more comfortable ride, as they offer more hand positions and better shock absorption.
They are also more suitable for off-road terrain, as they provide better control when maneuvering around obstacles.
Best Practices for Setting Up Touring Bike Handlebars
When setting up touring bike handlebars, it’s important to understand the different features and components of your bicycle.
For example, the handlebars width and shape will determine how comfortable you feel while riding, as well as how stable the bike is while navigating difficult terrain.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of handlebar you’re using and make sure it’s compatible with the other components of your bike.
When selecting the right handlebar for your needs, it’s important to consider the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.
Generally, touring handlebars are wider than road bike handlebars, providing a wider range of hand positions and increased stability.
However, if you’re riding on roads with sharp turns, a narrower handlebar may be more appropriate.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a more upright riding position, you may want to consider an adjustable touring handlebar, which will allow you to customize your position for maximum comfort.
Once you’ve selected the right handlebar for your needs, it’s time to mount it to your bike.
Start by positioning the handlebar so that it is in line with the frame and the front wheel.
Then, use the appropriate tools to attach the handlebar to the stem and secure it tightly.
Make sure the handlebar is firmly in place before you take your bike out for a ride.
Finally, it’s important to adjust the handlebar to the right height and angle.
To do this, loosen the stem bolts and adjust the handlebar to the desired angle and height.
Make sure it’s comfortable and secure before you take your bike out for a ride.
For those looking to maximize their cycling experience, setting up a touring bike handlebar correctly is essential.
With the right handlebar and setup, you can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient ride no matter where you’re headed.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Setting Up Touring Bike Handlebars
Touring bike handlebars are an essential component of your bike, as they provide a comfortable and balanced riding position for long-distance cyclists.
However, if youre not careful, you can wind up with a setup thats uncomfortable, unstable, and inefficient.
To ensure that you get the most out of your touring bike handlebars, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid.
First, make sure that your handlebars are set up correctly.
Touring bike handlebars should be positioned so that your arms are slightly bent and your wrists remain in a neutral position.
If youre riding in an upright position, make sure that your handlebars are angled upwards, rather than downwards.
This will help you to avoid strain and discomfort while cycling.
Second, make sure that youre using the right type of handlebar tape.
Handlebar tape is essential for providing grip and cushioning on your handlebars, and its important to choose a durable, comfortable material.
Cotton and synthetic cork tapes are popular choices for touring bike handlebars, as they provide a secure grip and a good level of cushioning.
Third, ensure that your handlebars are properly secured.
Touring bike handlebars should be securely clamped to the stem, and the bolts should be tightened to the correct torque.
If the handlebars are not properly secured, you could experience instability or even injury during your ride.
Finally, make sure that your handlebars are set up for your body type.
Every cyclist is different, and its important to find a setup that works for your body.
If youre a tall rider, you may need to adjust the handlebar height accordingly.
Similarly, if youre a petite rider, you may need to adjust the reach of the handlebars to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding position.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your touring bike handlebars are set up correctly and provide a comfortable, efficient riding position.
With the right setup, your handlebars will help you get the most out of your ride.
Accessories to Consider for Touring Bike Handlebars
When it comes to touring bike handlebars, there are several additional accessories that can make your cycling experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Many of these accessories can be purchased separately, or come included with the handlebars.
One accessory to consider is bar tape or grips.
This is a layer of material that wraps around the handlebars, providing extra cushioning and traction for your hands.
Bar tape or grips also come in a variety of colors, so you can customize the look of your handlebars.
Another accessory to consider is handlebar bags.
These are small bags that attach to the handlebars, allowing you to carry items like snacks, tools, and cell phones with you while riding.
Handlebar bags come in different sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Finally, a popular accessory for touring bike handlebars is a set of bar-end shifters.
These are small levers that attach to the ends of the handlebars, allowing you to shift gears without having to take your hands off the handlebars.
Bar-end shifters come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that fits your bike and your riding style.
Adding these accessories to your touring bike handlebars can make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.
With the right accessories, you will be able to enjoy your long-distance cycling adventures with ease.
Final Thoughts
Touring bike handlebars can be a great addition to any touring bike, offering increased comfort, stability, and hand positions for long-distance cycling.
When selecting the best touring bike handlebars for your needs, be sure to consider the type of handlebar, the width and length, and any accessories you may need.
Additionally, it is important to set up your touring bike handlebars properly to ensure maximum comfort and performance.
With the tips and information outlined in this guide, you can be sure to find the perfect touring bike handlebars for your bike and your cycling needs.