Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Updated May 2024
Modern mountain bikes often come with relatively wide and straight handlebars, typically with a subtle rise and a nine-degree sweep or less. While this style of handlebar may well suit a trail rider’s needs, it’s not necessarily the best option for big backcountry rides or long-distance bikepacking. After all, a comfortable setup allows you to cover more miles, recover more easily, and enjoy the scenery while riding.
For folks looking at alternatives to their stock handlebars—ones with more backsweep, rise, or width—we’ve collated our favorite alt bars and comfort mountain bike bars (for lack of a better term). By “comfort mountain bike,” we’re referring to handlebars that are rated for mountain bike use and suited to riding challenging terrain, be it on trails or dirt roads, rather than comfort bars in a more traditional touring sense, like the butterfly or trekking bars favored by many long-distance road tourers. Alt bars is another term that’s become common when describing these handlebars.
Exactly what rise, width, and sweep you prefer will boil down to personal preference, your bike’s geometry, the terrain you ride, your body type, and even your age. Just remember that muscle memory is a powerful thing, so however you experiment, allow yourself time with a new setup before deciding if it’s the right one for you. For instance, your sense of control and steering will initially feel markedly different. Bear in mind, too, that changing handlebars will also affect weight distribution across your contact points, cranks, and front wheel. Reach is also likely to be affected, which may require a change in stem length. This can have a knock-on effect on the position and angle of your wrists, arms, and shoulders. Bike fit is a topic in itself and will be saved for another guide, within which saddles and grips also play a role. This page by the biomechanic experts at SQlab is a good place to start your research.
Still, handlebars are a good place to begin. With so many variables to consider, nothing beats sampling different models over a series of long rides. Try to borrow as many as you can to nail down the best one for you and your setup.
What’s with the sweep?
Given the caveat that the best amount of sweep for you is subject to personal taste, terrain, and how it fits in with the rest of your bike and its geometry, we think you’ll start to notice a difference with handlebars designed around a 15-degree sweep or more in terms of the pressure it takes off your wrists and the tension it reduces in your shoulders. Broadly speaking, this is the angle at which the ulnar nerve can have a more natural position rather than being pinched and constricted as it can be with straight bars, which will sometimes result in numbness over long distances.
More extreme angles exist, typically ranging from 30 to 45 degrees, which we recommend trying too, depending on the kind of riding you favor. Just be sure to consider the shape of the bar, too. Some bend straight back, and others curve forward first, which may require experimenting with different stem lengths, depending on whether you want to keep a similar reach across your cockpit or bring it in for a more upright riding position. To add to the potential data points, some manufacturers also list an upsweep, the angle at which the bars bend up from the stem, which can affect the position of your elbows.
What Bars is a handy website that will help you visualize different forward and backsweeps, allowing you to compare an ever-increasing number of handlebars as an overlay. Keep in mind that the bars listed aren’t always rated for off-road use.
Why the Rise?
A lot of mountain bikes aren’t necessarily designed for touring. Their headtubes are relatively short, or their steerer tube has been cut down more than you’d like. Options include stacking up a series of spacers like casino chips or running a stem with a steeper angle. Or, you can avail yourself to the increasing range of handlebars that feature a significant amount of rise, which is especially good news for tall riders. This will help bring your cockpit up and make it more in line with your saddle—probably a good starting point in a long-distance setup. A more commanding riding position also has the perk of being great for looking around and soaking up the sights. Note that you can also fine-tune the amount of rise, reach, and your hand position if you rotate the bars forward or backward slightly.
What Width?
Old-school mountain bikers loved narrow bars. Modern trail bikes favor wider cockpits. We like relatively wide bars on the whole, as they increase steering leverage and offer more control, especially on a loaded bike down rocky singletrack. The downside is that they can be tricky in tight corridors of trees or for the bikepacker negotiating a loaded rig up a flight of stairs or through a narrow doorway. Depending on your shoulder width and the kind of terrain you’re riding, a narrower bar may work better, though for the most part, wide bars can always be cut down. The handlebars listed below range from around 645mm to 820mm, which will suit different body types, preferences, and riding styles.
Materials
There’s a range of materials to choose from: aluminum, steel, carbon, and titanium. Each has its own merits. Aluminum is popular and affordable and a good all-rounder, but it will eventually suffer from fatigue. Chromoly handlebars are extremely hardwearing but tend to weigh a good deal more. Carbon is most compliant but less resilient to scratches and off-bike abuse. Titanium will last a lifetime but is very expensive. Ask yourself if a light bar suits your build and riding style, or do you need crowbar-like strength? Are you traveling overseas where bikes can be roughly handled on flights or buses, or keeping to local rides? Also, consider that rigid setups benefit most from more compliant handlebars.
Full List of Alt Bars (Comfort Handlebars)
Here’s our list of comfort bars. Specifically, bars for mountain biking, bikepacking, and dirt touring. These are all of the MTB variety; you can find our list of gravel bars in another Gear Index. For the purposes of this guide, we’re keeping to bars those with a 15˚ backsweep or more, although there are a few exceptions. Note that some of the gear listed hasn’t yet been reviewed on this site. Look out for the “T” symbol, which denotes items we’ve tested and can happily recommend. Also, be sure to scroll beyond the list to find additional thoughts and considerations.
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$75CAD
Bassi Bobby Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 30°
- Rise: 25mm
- Clamp : 31.8mm
CloseDesigned in-house at Bassi Bikes/C&L Cycles in Quebec, Canada, the Bassi Bobby Bar is a relaxed alt-bar that’s equal parts sweeepy, cruisy, and shreddy. According to Bassi, it offers great all-day comfort without sacrificing off-road control, and the long grip areas provide options to move your hands around on long rides. The Bobby Bar was designed by Bassi’s own Roberto, and the production version will feature graphics from Julia Vallera, an artist/designer based in Vermont. The bar is made from 7075-T6 aluminum and is 780mm wide with 25mm rise, 30° backsweep, and a 31.8mm stem clamp. They designed the centre width to the bends to be the same as a large handlebar bag such as the Atwater Atelier Marauder, but it should work well with pretty much any type of handlebar bag setup.
Miles: As someone who normally prefers less sweep, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Bobby Bar. They make for a comfortable and upright riding position and still allow for plenty of control when the terrain gets technical and steep. There’s lots of room for bags and other gadgets, and the generous grip area leaves more room for cables/housing up front.
- Price: $75CAD
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$160
Corvus Sweet 16° Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 16°
- Rise: 30mm (1.1')
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseCorvus’ Sweet 16° Bar was designed specifically with winter ultra and endurance racers in mind. With a proper carbon layup, say goodbye to numb fingers and sore wrists! With a generous 16° sweep, 30mm rise, and 780mm length when left uncut, the Sweet 16° bar can offer a great deal of comfort without affecting handling on the trail. Weighing in at just 225g, the added comfort won’t be adding any weight to your setup either. There is a more affordable alloy version that costs $95 and shares all the same specs as the carbon model.
- Weight: 225 grams (7.9 oz)
- Price: $160
- Place of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$90
CloseThe Curve Remlaw is a flat bar that can be used in place of a drop bar on any all-road, gravel, or dirt-drop bike. It’s made to have a comparable reach as a modern drop handlebar and optimized positioning to keep body weight in front of the stem, with a backsweep to help keep the hand position from being too far forward. The nature of the geometry means that when converting from a drop bar to the Remlaw, the same length stem can be used without it altering the body position or handling.
The Curve Remlaw Bar is made from 6061 alloy and features a 12° backsweep and a 0° rise, making it a true flat bar with an alt-bar sweep. The magic of the bar comes from its dramatic forward bends giving it a 41mm reach measured at the placement of the thumb and forefinger on a standard 110mm mountain bike grip. And as you may have assumed, any typical 22.2mm grip and brake/shifter clamp can be used, although with its long and straight flat section, you could get creative with foam or bar tape to add a few hand positions.
- Weight: 400 grams (14.1 oz)
- Price: $90
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$150
Defiance Frameworks Arise! Bars
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 12°
- Rise: 102mm (4")
- Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm
CloseFor Bjørn Olson, Defiance Frameworks’ Arise! Ti meets the three criteria for what an MTB bar should be: comfortable all day use, surgical control over the front end, and rad looks.
In Bjørn’s words, “Beyond being comfortable for long rides, due to their upright and swept design; and beyond the powerful control and torque you can exert over the front of the bike, due to their width and perfect ergonomic arc; and even beyond them looking hella rad, which they do, these bars are also amazing expedition bars. The cross bar allows for some fantastic and very stable front-end packing arrangements.”
These riser bars are also made in a 4130 Chromoly version for the very reasonable price of $150. The standard spec comes in with a 4″ rise, 12 deg backsweep, with a width of 780mm wide and a cool, clear powder coat finish. But given these are also made to order, everything can be made to spec. The titanium versions costs $350.
- Price: $150 (Chomoly)
- Place of Manufacture: AK, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$195
CloseYour dream handlebar awaits! The Doom Bars Bikepacker’s Delight is handmade in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 4130 Chromoly Steel or titanium. It has a comfortable 19° sweep and 38mm rise, alongside a huge 5″ clamping area for bags, lights, and GPS devices. They come 875mm wide stock but can be cut to 780mm with a 185mm grip area, and Doom includes shims for 25.4mm or 31.8mm stems. Price includes US shipping.
From Logan’s review: The Doom Bikepacker’s Delight is a unique bar that ticked a lot of boxes for me. It has all the right angles and can be custom cut anywhere between 780 and 880mm. Better yet, both versions offer a sturdy feel with a tangible bit of full-bar flex that provides a little damping for bigger bumps and impacts.
- Weight: 552 grams (19.5 oz)
- Price: $195 (Steel)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$240
CloseForged in the fires of hell and bent into pretty shapes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Doom Bars specializes in custom, hand-made bars for nearly type of bike and riding style. They also have a growing number of ready made bars, including the Lucky Riser (pictured here) and the Bikepacker’s Delight. Most are made from 4130 Chromoly steel, require shims for 31.8mm stems, and have a variety of different high-end finish options—from nickel plated to powder coats, and even clear Cerakote for those that want to show off those smooth fillet brazing.
- Weight: 662 grams (23.4 oz)
- Price: $240 (matte Cerakote finish)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$95
Fairweather B903 Bullmoose Bar
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 40mm
- Clamp: 1 1/8"
CloseFrom Fairweather: These Bullmoose Bars are a collaboration between Fairweather and Nitto in Japan. They have created a handlebar combining the looks of an 80’s MTB handlebar with modern 1 1/8″ steerer tube compatibility. The handlebar’s integrated stem extends 90 mm forward with no rise, and has a backsweep of 15 degrees. The 22.2mm grip area is 27cm in length. Width is a cool 710mm. The stack height of the bar is 4 cm. Made of chromoly, it’s a great addition to any bikepacking, trail ripping, touring, and city bike that needs that old school look.
- Weight: 693 grams (24.4 oz)
- Price: $95
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$79
Hudski Longhorn Bar
- Width: 790mm
- Sweep: 10° / 16° / 27°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseDesigned in conjunction with the Hudski Doggler, the Hudski Longhorn Bar is a no-nonsense aluminum handlebar that comes in three backsweep options: 10°, 16°, and an ultra-cruisy 27°. Each version is 790mm wide, has a 50mm rise, 4° upsweep, and a standard 31.8mm clamp size. It is made from 6061 T6 aluminum and costs $79.
From Miles’ Hudski Doggler review: The Hudski Longhorn 16 bar is one of the first riser bars I’ve used, and I’m a fan. It’s comfortable when I’m cruising around town, but its 790mm width (can be trimmed if needed) makes it feel equally suitable for riding gravel and singletrack.
- Price: $79
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$125
Hunter Smooth Move Bars
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 38-75mm (1.5-3.0")
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseDesigned in California, Hunter’s Smooth Move aluminum handlebars are made by Nitto in Japan, always a sign of quality. Heritage wise, these bars are designed around the ‘Baja Bend’, pioneered by Renthal MX. The same bar is available in two variety rises; the High Rise (75mm), the Low Rise (38mm), both with a 5˚ upsweep. There’s two finishes available; black and polished.
- Weight: 380 grams (13.4 oz)
- Price: $125
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$93
Jones Loop H-Bar
- Width: 660/710mm
- Sweep: 45°
- Rise: 13mm (0.5in)
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Jones Loop H-Bar is the iconic ‘comfort’ mountain bike handlebar, the blueprint from which many other designs have been based. Although designed for dedicated mountain biking with Jones’ own bikes, it’s also a great option for anyone seeking a more comfortable riding position with other brands of bikes too, by taking noticeable pressure off the wrists thanks to a 45-degree sweep. There’s an ever-growing range of options available, both with and without loops, in a choice of materials, widths and rises. All share the same 45-degree sweep and overall hand position.
In addition to the SG (straight gauge) model shown here, Jones offers the custom butted original, as well as titanium and carbon versions, along with the Jones Bend H-Bar Bend, which does away with the loop altogether. This offers a lighter bar with a more compliant feel, at the cost of some hand positions and real estate (the Loop is ideal for lights and a GPS etc…). Note that Jones bars are designed specifically with long grips in mind, so you can slide up and down the bar for a more aggressive or upright riding position.
- Weight: 625 grams (22 oz)
- Price: $93 (SG)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$99
Jones Loop H-Bar SG 2.5
- Width: 660/710mm
- Sweep: 45°
- Rise: 64mm (2.5″)
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Jones Loop H-Bar SG 2.5 has the same proportions as the standard bar, albeit with a 2.5″ rise. This makes it perfect for bikes with a low stack, or a steerer tube that’s been cut short. As Jeff will tell you, modern mountain bike geometry is designed with racing as the main source of inspiration. The short headtubes and low front-ends that make it difficult for many riders to get their handlebars in a high and comfortable position. The Loop H-Bar SG 2.5 shares the same 45 degree sweep as the original Loop, but adds the equivalent rise of a standard H-Bar with 2″ of spacers underneath the stem. Also like the original Loop, it is offered in black or silver colors options, 660mm or 710mm widths, 31.8mm clamp diameter, and standard 22.2mm grip area diameter for flat bar/mountain bike controls.
- Weight: 635 grams (22.4 oz)
- Price: $99 (SG)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$84
CloseFrom Marin: The Marin Bedroll Bar is a handlebar for bikepacking, adventure cycling, mountain bikes, gravel cycling and pretty much anyone that wants to strap some frame bags to their bike and head off on a two-wheeled escapade.
For Logan’s thoughts on the Bedroll Bar, check out his review of the Marin Pine Mountain here.
- Price: $84
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$312
CloseThe Moné Light Bar is a carbon riser bar rated for mountain biking and bikepacking. It’s designed to have a bit more rise and sweep than stock modern mountain bike bars, offering “all the comfort of carbon with more sweep,” according to Moné. The Light Bar has passed all DH ISO testing, meaning it’s super tough but still incredibly lightweight. The Light Bar uses a standard 31.8mm clamp, has 2.5″ of rise, a BMX-style crossbar, 12° of sweep, and comes in at 825mm wide (trimmable to 665 with 185mm of grip/control area). The latest round also features gold decals, which is extra fancy. Moné is a small operation, and the production and tooling was expensive, so the Light Bar is normally released in small batches.
From Miles’ review: As someone who has never been a huge fan of aggressively swept back handlebars, I’ve found that the 12° backsweep dials back the length of the cockpit without restricting my ability to ride technical terrain. The rise and width play nicely with modern trail bikes, they’re comfortable and lightweight, and I doubt I’d be able to break them even if I tried. It’s really cool to see a small company like Monē come out with a carbon moto riser bar, especially because it’s unique and well-executed compared to what’s currently available.
- Weight: 280 grams (9.9 oz)
- Price: $312
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$465
Moonmen Moonriser Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 0-35°
- Rise: 44-102mm (1.75-4")
- Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm
CloseMade in the USA from titanium, the Moonriser is a wide handlebar with a number of different width and rise options, which is likely to be a good compromise for many. Given that it’s built to spec, individual wishes can be accommodated too. Although it coms with a price tag, quality and finish are fantastic. It is offered in a wide “two-piece” version and a super riser / narrower “four-piece” model.
- Weight: 375 grams (13.2 oz)
- Price: $465 (Titanium)
- Place of Manufacture: CO, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$160
Oddity Razorbar
- Width: 800mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 60mm (1.8")
- Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm
CloseOddity’s Razorbar is made to order in Colorado, USA, constructed from 4130 cromoly steel or titanium. The standard spec – 15 degree backsweep, a 1.8in (45mm) rise, and 800mm wide – can be completely customised to suit your whims, without any upcharge. The straight section is about 30cm wide, so great for attaching bags too, while the ‘rise’ suits a set of feedbags. And there’s a choice of colors too. The ones pictured below are 800mm wide, with a posture friendly 45mm rise and a 30 degree sweep. This particular handlebar has seen action in Peru and Ecuador, both in and on top of bouncy buses, so we can definitely vouch for its durability. Note that there’s no forward sweep, so you may prefer a slightly longer stem, unless you like a shorter reach. The same bar in ti is available for $360 (see main image) and for a similar version with a ‘hook’, check out the Razorbar Plus.
- Weight: 700 grams (24.7 oz)
- Price: $160 (Chromoly)
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$225
Passchier Gump
- Width: 650 / 750mm
- Sweep: 22°
- Rise: 0mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseNamed after Forest Gump, who was more of a runner than a rider, these bars are so comfortable you’ll forget to stop riding and over shoot your desired destination. The are made from laminated bamboo with a carbon fiber sleeve clamping surface. They are offered in two difference widths, 760mm and 650mm, and are based around a 22° sweep.
From Passchier: We use bamboo as it offers greater durability and natural flex than traditional handle bar materials, such as aluminium alloy, steel and carbon fibre. These flex and durability properties are as a result of the tree being exposed to the elements and waving around at everyone, at the hint of a breeze. This is the tree’s equivalent of exercising and gaining strength, not unlike people going to the gym and biking.
In addition to this, the tree’s natural cellulose structure absorbs vibrations naturally, which is exactly what you’re after when you’re riding local trails, gravel roads and undulating road surfaces. So with this attribute, handle bars which is the main point of contact, is the perfect bike component to be made of bamboo (certainly the riders bum has plenty of contact with the seat, however we considered this to be a bad idea!)
- Weight: 330 grams (11.6 oz)
- Price: $225
- Place of Manufacture: New Zealand
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Salsa Bend Deluxe
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 17/23°
- Rise: 5° upsweep
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe double-butted AL-7050-T76 alloy Salsa Bend Deluxe Bars are available with either a 17 or 23° sweep and a 5° upsweep. The Bend Bar swoops forward, then sweeps back to create an angled perch that’s easy to hang on to. They come in two width options, 710mm and 740mm, have graduated ends for easy trimming, and a bead-blast black finish.
- Weight: 297 grams (10.5 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$118
CloseThe PBJ handlebar is an aluminum riser bar suitable for all-day rides, bikepacking, and commuting. It’s made from 7000-series aluminum and has a 31.8mm clamp diameter, 28° back sweep, 40mm rise, and an uncut width of 795mm. The PBJ bar does have a few unique features that make it particularly suitable as a replacement or upgrade for modern bikes with long reach and short stems. The most notable is the PBJ’s center bend (that creates the rise in the bar) and how it has a slight forward rotation. Not only does this keep the total reach of the bar in check, but it means the resulting hand position isn’t as far behind the stem as it can sometimes be with a strictly swept-back bar. A slight forward curve means it plays nicer with modern mountain bike geometry and doesn’t require a longer stem to accommodate for the backsweep. In the real world, this means you get the cruisy comfort of an ALT bar but still maintain the off-road confidence and length of your bike. Read Miles’ review here.
Highlights
- Forward curve plays nicely with long modern geo
- Nice mix of rise, backsweep, and width
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Not too cruisy for your modern ATB or rigid mountain bike
Drawbacks
- Pricier than other alloy handlebars
- Clamp area tapers quickly
- Weight: 295 grams (10.4 oz)
- Price: $118
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€279
SQ Labs 30X16
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 16°
- Rise: 15-45mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseSQ Labs have a wide range of ergonomically designed handlebars in both aluminium and carbon, sporting a broad spectrum of sweeps and rises, with a pedigree of ergonomic research behind them. The 30X 16˚ is really comfortable handlebar that’s likely to suit those who like the sense of control that comes with a more typical trail bar, but want to take some of the pressure off their wrists. These bars feature a 4° upsweep and are available in a 15mm, 30mm or 45mm rise. The carbon version weighs in at a paltry 235g.
Virginia: After carpal tunnel surgery and ongoing wrist and hand issues, it was time to make some changes. I worked with a mountain bike physical therapy coach who provided a couple of recommendations specific to fit and components. Two of these recommendations were to use a handlebar with a moderate backsweep and foam grips. The SQ Labs 30×16 bars came highly recommended.
- Weight: 235 grams (8.3 oz)
- Price: €279 (Carbon)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£72
CloseAccording to Stooge, the 7075 aluminum Moto Bar is ‘inspired by 70’s California and the original klunkers and Motocross bikes’, accounting for the generous 800mm wide. Its 17-degree sweep is one that is likely to appeal to many, with enough rise to offer a noticeably more upright position than you would with a standard flat bar.
- Price: £72
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$100
Surly Corner Bar
- Width: 460 - 540mm
- Sweep: 65.2°
- Drop Flare: 41.4°
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseSitting somewhere between a flat bar and a true drop bar, the Surly Corner Bar is a unique option for those looking to run standard mountain bike controls (brakes and shifters) but with the added benefit of drop bar functionality. The Corner Bar is made from custom-butted 4130 CroMoly steel, coated with an E.D. black finish, and is constructed out of three pieces of tubing. The Corner Bar comes in three widths: 46, 50, and 54cm. Similar to traditional drop bars, those measurements reference the width of the bars from hood to hood. That said, according to Surly, the Corner Bar was built for comfort and control in two primary positions: the drops and the tops. Unlike standard drop bars, it’s not really designed for putting your hands on the hoods.
- Weight: 737 grams (26 oz)
- Price: $100 (54cm)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$110
Surly Moloko Handlebar
- Width: 735mm
- Sweep: 34°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseSurly’s take on the Jones bar is the Moloko, with a touch less sweep and two prongs for extra hand positions – which has proved surprisingly useful. Made from stout steel, it also offers a loop into which nests a stowage compartment (see below). Note that there’s more forward sweep than the Jones and no rise, so you may find yourself wanting to run a shorter, steeper stem. Similar to the H-bar, there’s lots of space for attaching gadgets, like a speaker, a GPS, and the like.
- Weight: 709 grams (25 oz)
- Price: $110
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: JensonUSA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Surly Sunrise Bar
- Width: 820mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 83mm (3.3")
- Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm
CloseThe Sunrise bar is Surly’s take on cruiser bar/trail bar/bmx bar rolled into one. Backsweep is a relatively conservative but noticeable 15 degrees, with a 6.7 degree upsweep. Typical to Surly, the Sunrise built with stoutness in mind, with a generous width that can be cut down to a more svelt 780mm should you find yourself mutilating your prized doorframe or the local woodland. The cross hatched centre is a nice touch that limit slippage in the stem and helps center the bar. Price is a very reasonable $60 too.
- Weight: 780 grams (27.5 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: JensonUSA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$115
Tumbleweed Persuader Bar (Alloy)
- Width: 800 / 840mm
- Sweep: 31°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe alloy Tumbleweed Persuader Bar is more affordable, and a half-pound lighter, than the steel version. It shares all of the same specs, including a 31° sweep, 50mm rise, and massive clamping area for strapping bags and mounting electronics—but does so for $20 less. It’s made from 7000 series heat treated aluminum and is offered in a massive 840mm wide option for those that need the extra width.
From our review: “All in all, the alloy Persuaders may well be my favourite non-custom ‘alt’ bar yet. I’m a fan of their 30-degree sweep, finding it significant enough to alleviate strain on my wrists during all-day rides. Being butted and made from aluminium, weight is relatively low, especially given how burly a handlebar the Persuader is. The 160mm wide, 31.8mm clamp area is a real boon for bikepacking gadgets, whilst the generous grip area offers lots of scope for long grips and more hand positions. And lastly, there’s no doubt that all that extra wingspan offers improved control across rough terrain, especially on a heavily laden rig.”
- Weight: 411 grams (14.5 oz)
- Price: $115 (800mm)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$109
CloseThe latest Crazy Bar iteration is now a full 114mm wider than the previous version, bringing it to a reasonable 780mm wide from end to end. The sweep has also been reduced to a more conservative 35°. And, they also introduced 40mm of rise to the bars. According to Velo Orange, “this combo creates the perfect balance of leverage for out of the saddle climbs and natural wrist positioning for regular riding.” Additionally, the grip area on the bars is longer, providing more room for brakes, shifters, dropper levers, bells, or even longer grips.
Velo Orange states that the Crazy Bars are “intended for touring on paved and unpaved roads, single and double track, gravel and crushed limestone, and everything in between.” The idea is that the widest, swept back portion of the bar provides a stable grip for rough descents, the junction between the horn and the grips mimic a neutral hood-like riding position found on drop bars, and the bull horns provide a slightly more tucked, aero position.
- Weight: 532 grams (18.8 oz)
- Price: $109
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$235
CloseNot only is it wider and taller than most bars on the market, the Whisky Milhouse Handlebar has the distinction of being the first of its kind to market: a full carbon moto-inspired riser bar. The Milhouse features 825mm of width, a 70mm rise, 16 degrees of backsweep, and an 8° upsweep. According to Whisky, it’s designed for mountain biking and it’s been tested and approved for getting rowdy on the rough stuff.
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$149.99
CloseThe Wren Perseverance Adventure Bar is their take on the perfect handlebar for multi-day riding. “Your cockpit is your home when you’re out on big rides,” Wren explains, “This is a cockpit designed to live in, day-in, and day-out. While there are a lot of funky bars out there, we’ve found them all to be lacking in one way or another: too much backsweep with loops that are too small and limited in functionality.”
The Perseverance Bar has a massive aero loop out front offering more room for your hands and gear, while also providing better control while in a tucked, aero position. They have a 25mm rise and 16° back sweep, which is at the most conservative end of things, but still what we consider to be a comfort MTB bar that would make sense for multi-day trips and trail riding.
From Miles’ review: It’s a totally unique handlebar option that merges the benefits of a front loop (albeit much bigger than the competition) with the familiar shape and feel of a more standard mountain bike bar. The bar’s angles and shape pair nicely with modern mountain bikes, it isn’t too swept back for proper trail riding, and you still get multiple hand positions for long days on the bike. While I can see the advantage of having an aero-like riding position, additional armrests are definitely needed for anyone hoping to spend time riding tucked. As tested, I think the biggest advantage is having the ability to mount a light or GPS device up and over a handlebar bag and the versatility of different hand positions and attachment points.
- Weight: 754 grams (26.6 oz)
- Price: $149.99
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$125
Ahearne Uprising Handlebar
- Width: 830mm
- Sweep: 22°
- Rise: 100mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom Ahearne: Taking it to the streets, the Uprising handlebar gives you both rise and sweep, is strong, comfortable and plenty cool. At 830 mm wide it’s got all the grip area you’ll need. The clamp diameter is 31.8 mm, the first of its kind for this type of bar. From clamp to grip there is a full 100 mm (4 inches) of rise, so there’s no more reaching down for the bars — they come up to meet you. Inspired by old BMX bars, the original punks of cycling, and designed during the pandemic, these are the handlebars of choice for those who want to rise up and help make a better world. Ride your bike. It helps. We’ll do our part too — $5 of each handlebar sold will be donated to Equitable Giving Circle Portland.
- Weight: 650 grams (22.9 oz)
- Price: $125
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$49
Alpkit Confucius
- Width: 760mm
- Sweep: 9°
- Rise: 15mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Confucius is UK-based ALpkit’s take on a bikepacking expedition handlebar. The Alpkit Confucious is made of 6061 aluminium and has a large front loop for mounting bags and other gadgets to.
- Weight: 488 grams (17.2 oz)
- Price: $49
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£42
BLB Hobo Loop Bar
- Width: 760mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 0mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom Brick Lane Bikes: The Hobo Bar is the perfect upgrade for any bikepacking, touring, mountain or adventure ride. It offers stability and control on rough terrain as well as uniquely accommodating all the cockpit accessories. The loop front bar allows to mount as many bags, lights, cameras and accessories you would possibly need on your adventure. You’ll never run out of space! Made from lightweight 6061 double butted aluminium.
- Weight: 504 grams (17.8 oz)
- Price: £42
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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Bontrager Crivitz
- Width: 690mm
- Sweep: 25°
- Rise: 0
- clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Bontrager Crivitz is the sweep bar that comes on the Trek 1120. It’s not currently available, but perhaps it will resurface.
- Weight: 270 grams (9.5 oz)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
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$160
BTCHN’ Flat Tracker
- Width: 800/820/850mm
- Sweep: 21°
- Rise: 75mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseFrom BTCHN’ Bikes: The bend is modeled after the classic “Flanders” bend, but with adjustments to improve the fit for modern bikes. It’s rad as hell and perfect for a Klunker or bar banging townie. It has 75mm of rise, three width options (850mm, 820, or 800mm), 21° of backsweep, and a 22.2mm clamp diameter. The Flat Tracker comes in a 4130 Chromoly steel or titanium version, and both are hand-bent in California.
- Price: $160 (4130)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$160
BTCHN’ Low + High Riser Bars
- Width: 780/800/820mm
- Sweep: 13° / 16°
- Rise: 45 / 75mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseBTCHN’ Bikes in Chico, California, has a number of handmade handlebar options that look like promising options for bikepacking and beyond. The Low Riser has 45mm of rise, 13° or 16° of backsweep, and comes in four width options: 820mm, 800mm, 780mm or 760mm. The Low Riser is available in 4130 Chromoly Steel or titanium, and starts at $160.
The High Riser as 75mm of rise, 13° or 16° of backsweep, and three width options: 820mm, 800mm or 780mm. It is also available in 4130 Chromoly or titanium and the steel version costs $160.
- Price: $160 (4130)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$199
Carver Bikes Early Riser
- Width: 830mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 90mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseThe Carver Bikes Early Riser is a titanium handlebar with a BMX-inspired crossbar, generous 830mm width, 15° backsweep, and 90mm rise. It has a 22.2mm stem clamp size but includes shims for 31.8mm stems. 25.4mm shims are available as well, just ask!
- Weight: 438 grams (15.4 oz)
- Price: $199
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$109.95
Carver MyTi Carbon
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 29°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom Carver Bikes: At long last, the drastic sweep and comfortable position of the MyTi alt bar is available in carbon! Featuring a 29 degree backsweep, this bar places the hands at a more natural positioning to alleviate strain on long rides. With this offering, we have dispensed with shims so the bar bulges to a 31.8mm diameter at the clamp. A great addition to almost any kind of bike, the MyTi has been a Carver bestseller for close to a decade. We also raised the overall width to 710mm, in an effort to keep up with rapidly changing preferences.
- Weight: 210 grams (7.4 oz)
- Price: $109.95
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$149
Carver MyTi Handlebar
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 29°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseFrom Carver Bikes: The Carver Bikes MyTi Handlebar has “swept” the alt-bar market with a light, forgiving alt bar. Constructed from 1.55mm thick 3/2.5 Titanium alloy and with a 180mm wide grip area on each side that sweeps back at a 29degree angle, the MyTi lets you ride longer and harder without the pins and needles. Overall bar width is 710mm, and you can choose between 25.4mm, 26.0mm, 31.8 mm, or 35mm shims.
- Price: $149
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$160
Corvus Sweetrise
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 16°
- Rise: 48mm
- Clamp : 31.8mm
CloseThe Corvus Sweetrise Carbon Bar shares the Sweet 16’s 16-degree sweep but adds 48mm (1.1″) of rise for a slightly more upright riding position. They are 780mm wide but can be trimmed down if needed and feature a carbon construction with something Corvus calls CoolCore for extra vibration dampening. This is the first we’ve heard of it, so we asked Corvus how CoolCore works. They say it’s a supercritical foam core inside the bar that improves vibration dampening and is somewhat unique because cold temperatures have minimal effect on the compliance of the foam. Corvus is using CoolCore in their Sweet 16 bar as well.
- Weight: 240 grams (8.5 oz)
- Price: $160
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$105
Crust Jungle Runner
- Width: 800mm
- Sweep: 45°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe chromoly Jungle Runner is Crust’s take on the multi position flat bar, or Jones bar. This bar is 800mm wide at it widest point. The grip section is 185mm in length and at the “areo” position or hood position it is 490mm wide. It is made in Taiwan using heat treated Chromoly steel and offered in raw or black.
- Price: $105
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
Crust x Nitto Loose Bar
- Width: 700-750mm
- Sweep: 14°
- Rise: 15mm
- Clamp: 26 and 31.8mm
CloseMade for Crust by Nitto in Japan, the Loose Bar has a 14° back sweep, 15mm rise, and comes in both 700 (26.0mm clamp) and 750mm (31.8mm clamp) widths. It is available in either a black or dull bright finish.
- Weight: 380 grams (13.4 oz)
- Price: $120 (750mm )
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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Ergotec Space Bar
- Width: 630mm
- Sweep: 34°
- Rise: 30mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseElegant, comfortable and, above all, stable—the Ergotec Space Bar delivers with its extravagant shape, wrist-gentle offset of 34° and a moderate 30mm rise. Make sure to check out Ergotec’s other offerings, as they have a huge range of comfort bars that look great for bikepacking and touring.
- Weight: 306 grams (10.8 oz)
- Place of Manufacture: Germany
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$30
Fairdale Archer V3 Cruiser Bar
- Width: 685mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 70mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom Fairdale: Archer v3 handlebars were developed for use on our Weekender Archer. This design has less backsweep for greater comfort when pedaling out of the saddle during a climb. They have a 685mm width, 15° sweep, and 70mm rise. For even more sweep, check out the Archer V2 Cruiser Bar with its 45° backsweep and 50mm rise.
- Price: $30
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$99
Farr Aero MTB Alloy Handlebar
- Width: 760mm
- Sweep: 6°
- Rise: 0mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Farr Aero MTB Alloy Handlebar is constructed from Alloy 6061-T6, has a moderate 6° back sweep, and is 760mm wide. Farr claims their new bar can add comfort to your mountain bike and is best suited for “stage racing, bikepacking and endurance riding.”
- Weight: 515 grams (18.2 oz)
- Price: $99
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$89
Farr Supa-Moto Riser Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 16°
- Rise: 32mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseWorking with NITTO in Japan, the Farr Supa-Moto Riser Handlebar provide some extra height and a healthy 16° sweep that might just offer the comfort you’re looking for. They are constructed from 2014 Alloy, use an updated 31.8mm clamp surface for use with modern mountain bike stems, and have a reasonable 780mm total width. Farr has also widened the centre clamping surface for more mounting space, which is a nice touch.
- Weight: 395 grams (13.9 oz)
- Price: $89
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$195
Forager Cycles Oyster Bar
- Width: 860mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseHandmade in Washington state, the Forager Cycles Oyster Bar is a wide 4130 Chromoly Steel handlebar designed to pair up well with modern trail bikes. It has a clear powder coat finish, fillet brazed construction, and a cool crossbar for street cred. The relatively low rise strikes a balance between performance in the jumps and corners, and the comfort many prefer on long rides. It has a 100mm clamping area for straps and other gear, and can be cut down to ~740mm for those who don’t need such a wide bar. Forager Cycles offers crossbar shims for lights and bells, as well as clamp shims for 31.8mm stems.
- Weight: 667 grams (23.5 oz)
- Price: $195
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$300
Groovy Cycleworks Luv Handles
- Width: 635-762mm
- Sweep: 21.5°
- Rise: 25mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseThe Luv Handles are handmade by Groovy Cycleworks in Ohio, USA. They are hand built of 3/2.5 Haynes Titanium, featuring a gentle 4 degree rise and a 21.5 degree back sweep, meeting the natural anatomic position of your wrist and hands to allow for reduced stress on the supportive structures resulting in all day comfort and control. The design allows you to use your current stem and the grip section is long enough to mate with any combination of shifters and brake levers…just slide them on and hit the dirt.
- Weight: 275 grams (9.7 oz)
- Price: $300 (Brushed Titanium)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$130
Koga Denham Bar
- Width: 711mm
- Sweep: 34°
- Rise: 0mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Denham handlebar was developed for and by Alee Denham in collaboration with KOGA. Especially for world travellers and perfect for touring. The width gives you much control over your loaded bike, there are lots of hand positions for comfort and the inboard positions allow you to be way more aerodynamic in headwinds.
- Weight: 400 grams (14.1 oz)
- Price: $130
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$259
Meriwether Double Bend Sweeper Bar
- Width: 800mm
- Sweep: 20°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseCalifornia-based Meriwether Cycles has a few different stock handlebar options in their lineup, but each one can be customized to your liking. The Double Bend Sweeper bar is perhaps the most popular, made from 3/2.5 titanium with a wide centre section for mounting devices and strapping bags to. The bar has a stock sweep of 20°, no rise, and a completely custom width depending on the user. For those wanting more sweep options, Meriwether also has the Single Bend option for $150.
- Weight: 380 grams (13.4 oz)
- Price: $259
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$194
MONē Oddmonē Bar
- Width: 805mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 75mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseHandmade by Oddity Cycles for MONē in Colorado, the Oddmonē Bar is one the highest end bars they offer. It’s made from full 4130 Chromoly Steel, brazed by hand in a van by a dirtbag, and includes a clear powder coat to show off those fillet brazes. It has a big 75mm rise, 15° sweep, and is 805mm wide.
- Price: $194
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$349
Myth Cycles LoMoTo Handlebar
- Width: 820mm
- Sweep: 10°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseFrom Myth: The LoMoTo is a low-rise moto style handlebar. Want to go moto but don’t need huge rise or tons of sweep? We designed this bar to work well when swapped in on modern mountain bikes so that it doesn’t change the riding geometry too drastically. The LoMoTo Handlebar is 820mm wide, has a 10° backsweep, and a 50mm rise. It uses a 22.2mm clamp but includes a shim for 31.8mm stems.
- Price: $349
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
Nitto X Crumbworks KT Bar
- Width: 720mm
- Sweep: 39°
- Rise: 40mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseFrom Crust Bikes: The Nitto X Crumbworks KT Bar is a really cool option if you’re looking to keep that classic mountain bike look, but get rid of some of that reach or gain a little rise. This obviously really comes into play when you’re using a vintage mountain bike frame for your bike of choice as they are typically long n’ low with not much stack and long front ends. The KT uses a 25.4mm clamp diameter, which means it will bolt straight into most stock stems on older bikes. Cool!
- Weight: 385 grams (13.6 oz)
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$44
On-One Geoff Handlebar
- Width: 720mm
- Sweep: 45°
- Rise: 13mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe On-One Geoff Handlebar is optimized for long distance over tough terrain, where the ride is judged by the time in the saddle. They are made from 6061-T6 aluminum, featuring a 720mm width, 45° back sweep, and 13mm rise.
- Price: $44
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$44
On-One Mary Bar
- Width: 645mm
- Sweep: 40°
- Rise: 38mm (1.5")
- Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm
CloseConsidered by the company to be their ‘extreme sweep riser bar’, On-One’s Mary is a budget swept back aluminium handlebar that also comes in a variety of colors and two clamp diameters. It’s long been a staple of UK riders looking for more comfortable alternatives to flat bars. Upsweep is listed as 21˚; width is a little on the narrow side at 645mm.
- Weight: 300 grams (10.6 oz)
- Price: $44
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$30
On-One OG V2 Bar
- Width: 680mm
- Sweep: 25°
- Rise: 38mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseCruisy swept-back alloy handlebars from all types of bikes, Town bike, Hack, or Frankenbike. The V2 versions have been on a diet to shed some weight and give improved damping and shock absorption.
- Weight: 272 grams (9.6 oz)
- Price: $30
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$83
Origin8 Space Bar Off Road 2 Bar
- Width: 655-675mm
- Sweep: 25-40°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseAmongst Origin8’s wide range of bars, Space Bar Off Road 2 bar is a popular budget model. It features a 40-degree backsweep with 50mm of forwardsweep. There’s used to be wider carbon incarnation too, the UL8, albeit with a 25 degree backsweep and 40mm of forwardsweep, but it’s currently discontinued. Note that the even more budget-friendly and slightly narrower Space Bar Off Road ($25) has a similar backsweep to the Off Road 2, albeit without the forwardsweep, in a 25.4mm clamp diameter.
- Weight: 170 grams (6 oz)
- Price: $83
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$101
Origin8 Strongbow
- Width: 760mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 0
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseIf you like the idea of the Jones bar and its convenient loop, but aren’t convinced by the amount of sweep, check out the 6061-T6 Aluminum-constructed Strongbow. Amongst a vast range of options, this one sports a 15 degree backsweep and a ‘loop’ that offers potential mounting points for a light and GPS, as well as possible hand holds with a 120mm of additional reach.
- Weight: 500 grams (17.6 oz)
- Price: $101
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Amazon
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$175
Protaper 20/20 Carbon Bar
- Width: 780/810mm
- Sweep: 20°
- Rise: 20mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseProTaper 20/20 is named for its 20mm rise and 20° backsweep. These carbon bars are manufactured using PFL (Plastic Foam Lamination), which Protaper claims uses less excess resin and fewer plys, resulting in a 15% lighter bar. The Protaper 20/20 comes in 780 and 810mm widths and features cut marks and textured “Grit Grip” finish in the clamp area.
- Weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz)
- Price: $175
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$49.95
Ritchey Comp Buzzard
- Width: 820mm
- Sweep: 27.5°
- Rise: 70mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseAccording to Ritchey, the Comp Buzzard Bar is “designed for the adventurous spirit of off-road touring and bikepacking devotees everywhere.” It’s a flat MTB-style handlebar with a unique 70mm flat rise, 27.5-degree backsweep, and a generous 820mm width. Bikepackers will be happy to see it has a wide center section to accommodate various bags and accessories. The Ritchey Comp Buzzard handlebar is made from double-butted 6061 alloy, uses a standard 31.8mm clamp size, and weighs 367 grams.
- Weight: 367 grams (12.9 oz)
- Price: $49.95
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$40
Ritchey Kyote
- Width: 800mm
- Sweep: 27.5°
- Rise: 35mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFeaturing a 27.5-degree sweep and 35mm rise, the 6061 Alloy Kyote bar is designed for bikepacking and exploring near and far, according to Ritchey. “With a plentiful 800mm width, there’s lots of space for bags, lights and navigation, while the Kyote’s rise and sweep offer a natural hand position for comfort and control – even when loaded with gear.” Looking for a more classic look? Check out the Classic Kyote Bar with a high-polish silver finish.
- Weight: 355 grams (12.5 oz)
- Price: $40
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$128
SimWorks Fun 3 Bar
- Width: 680 / 750mm
- Sweep: 35°
- Rise: 20mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom SimWorks: The FUN 3 bar has been a staple offering in the Simworks by Nitto handlebar family for almost 10 years. Since discontinued in our Chromoly offering, we’re pleased to have it available in 2 widths in our heat-treated aluminum variety. The 31.8mm bar clamp along with the material will provide stability and accurate steering input while keeping your hands comfortably positioned. Strength test, test again, then test again … Fun 3 is an ATB bar that is made of Nitto HEAT TREATED alloy, which is an absolute requirement for peace of mind, and has a unique shape, specifications and ergonomics that just feels right on most bikes- no matter where you ride.
- Weight: 360 grams (12.7 oz)
- Price: $128 (680mm)
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$82
SimWorks Getaround Bar
- Width: 700mm
- Sweep: 20°
- Rise: 10mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseThe SimWorks Gataround bar is a CrMo Steel bar available in black or silver with skid proof and clear coating finish. From SimWorks: When asked to give a word to best describe this beloved bar we always say “superb”. We carefully follow trends and when developing the Getaround CrMo Bar we focused on an optimal blend of width, rise and sweep- the holy trinity of any great handlebar. They also offer an alloy version with the same specs for $128.
- Price: $82
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$130
SimWorks Ramble Bar
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 65°
- Rise: 30mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe SimWorks Ramble Bar is the result of a collaboration between Portland-based shop owner Kevin Purcell of Golden Pliers, SimWorks, and Nitto. The Ramble Bar has a large sweep angle and is designed to be shreddy but comfortable, featuring a generous 65° back sweep that pairs up nicely with 70-90mm stems. It can be set up with a positive or negative rise, and they recommend using low-profile brake/shifter levers to take full advantage of the hook bend in the grip area. The Ramble Bar is made from heat-treated aluminum, uses a standard 31.8mm clamp, and is 710mm wide from end to end.
- Weight: 460 grams (16.2 oz)
- Price: $130
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$89.99
Soma Clarence Bar
- Width: 670mm
- Sweep: 34°
- Rise: 37mm (1.5")
- Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm
CloseEven Soma agrees that the 6061 aluminum straight gauge Clarence bar is inspired by the Jeff Jones H-Bar, albeit with less sweep and a little less width, too. Note that there’s both a 31.8mm version and a 25.4mm one, too, which will be useful for some riders. The official spec lists a 19˚ upsweep, too. Soma also has a version with adjustable extensions, for even more hand positions, called the Clarence II.
- Weight: 390 grams (13.8 oz)
- Price: $89.99
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$109.99
Soma Dream Riser Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 25°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseA roomy riser bar with about 25° of backsweep for a natural wrist position. Offers comfort without sacrificing hardly any control. Dream Cycle Vancouver helped us design this model. They wanted to replicate something close to bars found on MTB bikes of the early 80’s. Recommended for bikepacking and touring. In February 2022, Soma introduced two new options to the Dream Bar lineup: the Dream Lowdown Riser with a 25mm rise and 20° backsweep, and the Hi-Rise Riser with big 70mm rise and 30° backsweep.
- Weight: 420 grams (14.8 oz)
- Price: $109.99
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$109.99
Soma Osprey Bar
- Width: 710mm
- Sweep: 40°
- Rise: 12mm (0.5")
- Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm
CloseThe Osprey has more backsweep than the Clarence Bar, with a wider straight section (135mm) in the middle, for attaching accessories. Like the Osprey, it’s available in both a 31.8mm version and a 25.4mm one too. It’s made from plain gauge 6061 Aluminium.
- Weight: 400 grams (14.1 oz)
- Price: $109.99
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$89.95
Steve Potts Cycles Camper Riser Bar
- Width: 740mm
- Sweep: 18°
- Rise: 38mm
- Clamp: 25.4 / 31.8mm
CloseThe Steve Potts Cycles Camper Riser Bar is a 2014-T6 aluminum riser bar with an 18° back sweep. The sweeps gives more wrist comfort vs. standard 9 degrees bend bars, but still offers predictable control on most trail riding. Soma offers the Camper Bar in a Taiwan-made version and a Japan-made version from Nitto.
- Price: $89.95 (Taiwan-made)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$99.95
Steve Potts Cycles Siskiyou Handlebar
- Width: 760mm
- Sweep: 30°
- Clamp: 25.4 / 31.8mm
CloseSteve Potts has been making the titanium Siskiyou MTB-gravel-travel bar by himself for many years now, but Soma offers both a Taiwan-made version and a Nitto (Japan) made version. Both feature a 760mm width, 80mm horns, a 30° backsweep, and your choice of 25.4mm or 31.8mm clamp size.
- Price: $99.95 (Taiwan-made)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£78
Stooge Junker Bar
- Width: 820mm
- Sweep: 20°
- Rise: 85mm / 100mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseFrom Stooge: Designed to get you up and ready for steaming off-road action, this beauty is manufactured from triple butted 4130 cromo and comes with a 31.8 shim so you can use a regular mtb stem. 820 wide, 20 degrees of sweep, black ED coated. Rock on! The Junker Bar is available in a 100mm rise and 85mm rise version.
- Price: £78
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$100
Stridsland Anchor Bar
- Width: 850mm
- Sweep: 20°
- Rise: 75mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseThree years in the making, the Stridsland Anchor Bar is a klunker-approved 4130 Chromoly steel riser bar that looks perfect for anyone on hunt for a comfortable but shreddable handlebar. It’s 850mm wide and has a 22.2mm clamp, 20° backsweep, 5° upsweep, and 75mm rise, weighing in at approximately 750 grams. It’s heat treated, and aluminum shims are available for 25.4mm or 31.8mm stems.
- Weight: 750 grams (26.5 oz)
- Price: $100
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$60
Surly Open Bar
- Width: 666mm
- Sweep: 53°
- Rise: 0 / 40mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseFrom Surly: The Open Bar is an upright bar but not an uptight bar. It’s equally suited to cruising, commuting and even some singletrack – though it should be noted that this is not by any means a DH bar. It is made from Chromoly steel, is 666mm wide, and has a lazy 53-degree back sweep.
- Weight: 475 grams (16.8 oz)
- Price: $60
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Surly Sunset Bar
- Width: 820mm
- Sweep: 22°
- Rise: 110mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseThe Sunset Bar is made from custom-butted 4130 Chromoly steel tubing and finished in an anti-rust Black ED coat. It’s tested to comply with ASTM 3 and ISO Mountain Standards for rowdy trail riding and beyond and uses a 22.2mm clamp size, but Surly includes shims for 31.8mm stems. The Sunset Bar is generously wide at 820mm (trimmable), has 110mm of rise, a 22-degree backsweep, and a 14-degree upsweep. Learn more here.
- Weight: 827 grams (29.2 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$80
Surly Terminal Bar
- Width: 735mm
- Sweep: 34°
- Rise: 40mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseFrom Surly: The Terminal Bar isn’t just a comfortable cruiser-style bar like the Surly Open Bar. And it’s not just a tough off-road touring bar like the Surly Moloko, either, though it does have the same 34-degree sweep. Sharing properties of both bars, it’s a hybrid built for long, rough rides on rocky roads and mean-as-hell singletrack. Best suited for rugged touring applications with the Troll, Ogre, ECR, Bridge Club and Pugsley, the Terminal Bar’s basically the Liger, Coywolf, or Beefalo of handlebars, and its versatile swept-back design means you’ll remain comfortable through even the longest days in the saddle. Made of lightweight aluminum, it’s available in either polished anodized black or polished anodized silver and can be run with a 40mm drop or rise, depending on what you want to get into.
- Weight: 400 grams (14.1 oz)
- Price: $80
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
Sycip JJJ Bar
- Width: 660mm
- Sweep: 48°
- Rise: 20mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Sycip JJJ Bar is a mountain bike bar with a 660mm width, 20mm rise, 48° sweep, 22.2mm bar diameter, 31.8mm camp, and is made by the experts at Nitto in Japan. The JJJ Bar comes in black or polished silver.
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$265
Ti Cycles Titanium Handlebar
- Width: 750mm
- Sweep: 15° / 30°
- Rise: 30mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseThe Ti Cycles Titanium Handlebar is made from a 7/8″ thickwall, 3/2.5 alloy titanium. It is 750mm wide, has a 15° sweep, 30mm of rise, 200mm of straight section for grips, levers and shifters, and weighs just 265 grams. They include shims for 25.4, 26.0, or 31.8mm stems. They offer three different finish options, including a durable Cerakote finish for an upcharge. Looking for more sweep? There’s a 30° version with all the same specs.
- Weight: 265 grams (9.3 oz)
- Price: $265
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Velo Orange Klunker Bar
- Width: 680mm
- Sweep: 45°
- Rise: 76mm
- Clamp: 25.4mm
CloseFrom Velo Orange: The Klunker Bar will quickly become your favorite handlebar. These upright, chromoly handlebars are the perfect position for bombing dirt roads, a trek across town to visit the new coffee shop, and loaded touring. The Klunker is 680mm wide, has a comfortable 45° sweep, and 3″ (7.6cm) of rise. The clamp diameter is 25.4mm and the grip area is 22.2mm – standard outer diameters for mountain and city brakes and shifters.
- Weight: 792 grams (27.9 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Velo Orange Seine Bar
- Width: 780mm
- Sweep: 35°
- Rise: 40mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Velo Orange Seine Bar is similar to their Crazy Bar, minus the forward extensions. It’s designed for off-road riding, but features a 40mm rise and 35° sweep that should help create a fairly upright riding position for long days on the bike. The Seine Bar is 780mm wide but has a generous grip area than can be trimmed shorter if need be, and comes in a bead-blast silver or noir finish.
- Weight: 443 grams (15.6 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$60
Whisky Scully Bar
- Width: 780 / 820mm
- Sweep: 23°
- Rise: 20mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Whisky Scully Bar is designed to be a versatile handlebar for long-distance tours and short day rides alike. “We wanted to create something that had the right amount of backsweep and upsweep but still be a true mountain and performance bar that covers a wide range of riding styles,” says Product Manager Jeremy Christianson. Available in both a carbon and alloy construction, the Scully Bar has a slight forward bend before sweeping back again, allowing riders to find comfort without compromising on stem length or reach preferences.
The Scully Bar has a 5-degree upsweep, 23-degree backsweep, 20mm rise, and a generous clamping area on either side of stem for mounting cradles, accessories, or bags. The bar comes in two widths (780mm or 820mm) and can be trimmed down to 750mm. Both the carbon and aluminum models are ISO tested for harsh terrain, which means they’re as well-suited to fast, technical descents as they are urban cruises.
- Weight: 413 grams (14.6 oz)
- Price: $60 (Alloy)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$190
Whisky Winston Bar
- Width: 600mm
- Sweep: 73°
- Rise: 25mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseThe Whisky Winston handlebar is a completely new breed of comfort bar, or a performance carbon moustache bar, if you will. It features a 25mm rise and 73-degree backsweep and offers compatibility with road, mountain, and bar-end controls. It’s pretty enough for your commuter but strong enough to handle rough off-road conditions. The Winston can be comfortably ridden in both the drop and riser positions, depending on your preference.
- Weight: 250 grams (8.8 oz)
- Price: $190
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$130
Wilde Cardinal Bar
- Width: 830mm
- Sweep: 15°
- Rise: 73mm
- Clamp: 22.2mm
CloseDesigned with cruisers, klunkers, mountain bikes, and country bikes in mind, the Wilde Cardinal Bar another promising component release from Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Wilde Bicycle Company. Founder Jeff Frane says bringing the Cardinal Bar to the market in collaboration with legendary BMX brand S&M Bikes is a dream come true, and he’s been an admirer of their American-made ethos since he was cruising the streets on his BMX decades ago. By the numbers, the Cardinal Bar has a 73mm rise, 15-degree backsweep, and 7-degree upsweep. It’s 830mm wide and has a 22.2mm clamp area (meaning you’ll need shims to use a 25.4, 26.0, or 31.8 stem). Powder coat finishes are available in Transparent Gold, Transparent Black, or Clear, and all are handmade in California from 100% chromoly steel.
- Weight: 793 grams (28 oz)
- Price: $130
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
Wilde Nitto Country Bar
- Width: 800mm
- Sweep: 27°
- Rise: 50mm
- Clamp: 31.8mm
CloseInspired by early mountain biking trailblazers, the new Wilde x Nitto Country Bar features a comfortable sweep and rise that Wilde says makes it perfect for bikepacking, city cruising, and riding just about anywhere. The Country Bars have a 50mm rise, 27-degree backsweep, 7-degree upsweep, 31.8mm clamp, and are 800mm wide. They’re made from heat-treated aluminum and weigh in at 420 grams.
- Weight: 420 grams (14.8 oz)
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: Japan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
Bags and bars
One key factor to consider is the general shape of the bar with regard to how your bikepacking bags will fit. Handlebars with shapes that sweep forward before they sweep back can especially create an issue with wider bags. Similarly, the angle of your brake levers—and even the brand of the brake—will affect cable routing. In some cases, you may need to change your cables out for longer ones, especially for wide bars with a significant rise. Look for loops and prongs to help affix bags and navigational aids, too. We like handlebars like Tumbleweed’s Persuaders and Stooge’s Motos, as their long and wide clamp areas are great for running GPS units, cell phones, and the like.
Inner Bar Ends
Swept-back bars tend to rule out the use of traditional bar ends, as favored by many cross-country riders in the past, for added long-distance comfort. However, positioning them inboard can be a creative way of adding usable hand positions and adjusting reach or helping position your body in a way that feels more efficient on windy days. The latter is especially the case if you’re making the move to wider handlebars. SQlab’s Inner Barends 411 are a great place to start, as they can be easily added to your favorite handlebar. We’ve fitted them to SQlab’s excellent 30×16 handlebars and seen them on Tumbleweed’s Persuaders, too. If you’re moving from a drop-bar setup, this style of inner bar end, whether added or integrated into the actual bar—as per the Koga Denham Bar, Velo Orange Crazy Bar, or Surly Moloko Bar—can also mimic the position of riding on the hoods. Make sure to check out our mini guide to adding alt hand positions to flat bars here for more options.
Loophole Bags
There are various bags on the market designed for the loop of your Surly or Jones bars, making use of that nook. Pictured below, from left to right, are Surly’s Moloko Handlebar bag ($60), Jones’ Loophole H-Bar Pack ($89), and Randi Jo’s custom-colored Jeff ‘n Joan ($90). Note that the latter is deeper, so it works best as a standalone bag or perfectly with a basket. UK bikepackers can check out the Wildcat’s Tom Cat (£65). Certain rollbags are designed to be used exclusively with Jones Loop H-Bars, like Carsick Designs’ Handee Randee and Rockgeist Dr. Jones system. Cedaero has loop bags for both Surly and Jones bars equipped with a nifty magnetic lid and a wide assortment of color/fabric options.
Variations on a theme (wrap-up)
There are simply too many models to cover every permutation on the market. Note that Soma, Velo Orange, On-One/Planet X, Rivendell, Origin8 (recommended for budget-priced options), and SQlab have a wide range of handlebars beyond the ones we’ve selected. Nitto makes many bars for other brands and is always a good mark of quality. If you’re more of a gravel and forest road rider, you may want to check out the classic Albatross, which has seen a number of imitations over the years.
As mentioned, check out What Bars for more options and use its clever overlay, allowing you to compare how a handlebar sweeps forward and backward. When choosing bars, check their intended uses, as some are designed for urban commuting and gravel riding rather than off-road touring.
These guides are subject to changes and updates. Please let us know if you’ve come across any related products that are standout options, and we’ll add them in!
