FlatSix911
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Silicon Valley
Here is some additional information on handlebar width by MTB discipline. ![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
For XC bikes, using a longer stem gets you in a better position on the bike to put out more power efficiently. A narrower bar tends to suit that longer stem. When standing, the longer stem pulls your center of mass forward on the bike. If the bars paired with that stem are too wide, the steering will feel even slower, you will be bent over too much at the hips, and a strong riding position will be compromised. Narrower bars are used in this case to keep your chest open even when leaning forward in a climbing position.
Different Disciplines - Different Handlebar Widths
On average, it's common to see the narrowest mountain bike handlebars on cross country bikes, and the widest on downhill bikes.For XC bikes, using a longer stem gets you in a better position on the bike to put out more power efficiently. A narrower bar tends to suit that longer stem. When standing, the longer stem pulls your center of mass forward on the bike. If the bars paired with that stem are too wide, the steering will feel even slower, you will be bent over too much at the hips, and a strong riding position will be compromised. Narrower bars are used in this case to keep your chest open even when leaning forward in a climbing position.
- XC Bikes: 680mm - 740mm bar width
- Downhill Bikes: 760mm - 800mm bar width
- Enduro Bikes: 740mm - 780mm bar width
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