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List of Comfort MTB Handlebars (Alt Bars)

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Don't let comfort come second to performance when you bikepack, because the farther you ride, the more important it is that you look after your body. A comfortable handlebar (also known as an alt bar) is a great place to start. Find our full list of swept back and riser models here, including nearly 50 options, many of which we've tested...

Updated January 2022

Modern mountain bikes are often stocked with relatively wide and straight handlebars, typically with a 9-degree sweep or less, and a subtle rise at best. Whilst this style of handlebar may well suit a trail rider’s needs, it’s not necessarily the best option for big backcountry rides and long-distance bikepacking. After all, a comfortable setup allows you to cover more miles, recover more easily, and enjoy the scenery whilst riding.

For those looking at alternatives to their stock handlebars – be it ones with more backsweep, more rise, or more width – we’ve collated our favorite “alt bars” and “comfort mountain bike bars,” for want of a better term. By “comfort MTB,” 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 favoured by many long-distance road tourers. Alt bars is another term that’s developed when describing these handlebars.

  • Jones SG Loop H-bar, bikepacking
  • Surly Moloko Handlebar
  • Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, handlebar

Exactly what rise, width, and sweep you prefer will boil down to personal preference, the geometry of your bike, 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 likely to also 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 SQ Lab is a good place to start your research.

But 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 and borrow as many as you can so you can 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 setup and its geometry, we think you’ll really 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 is allowed to 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 30-45 degrees, which we recommend trying too, depending on the kind of riding you favour. Just be sure to consider the shape of the bar too – some bend straight back, 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. Just 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 an extremely useful website that will help you visualise different forward and backwsweeps, allowing you to compare an ever-increasing number of handlebars as an overlay. Bear 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 yourselves 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 favour wider cockpits. We’re fans of 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 bike tourer negotiating a bike 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, Chromoly steel, carbon, and titanium. Each has its own merits. Aluminum is popular, affordable, and a good all-rounder, but 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-the-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 manhandled 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 the 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. Note that some of the gear listed hasn’t 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.

  • $160
    Corvus Sweet 16° Bar

    Corvus Sweet 16° Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 16°
    • Rise: 30mm (1.1')
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Corvus’ 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! A generous 16° sweep, 30mm rise, and 780mm length when left uncut, the Sweet 16° bar can offer a great deal of comfort without effecting handling on the trail. Weighing in at just 225g, the added comfort won’t be adding any weight to your setup either.

    • Fatback Sweet 16 Bar
    • Fatback Sweet 16 Bar
    • Weight: 225 grams (7.9 oz)
    • Price: $160
    • Place of Manufacture: Vietnam
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $150
    Defiance Frameworks Arise! Bars

    Defiance Frameworks Arise! Bars

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 12°
    • Rise: 102mm (4")
    • Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm

    For 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.

    • Defiance Arise! Handlebars
    • Defiance Arise! Handlebars
    • Price: $150 (Chomoly)
    • Place of Manufacture: AK, USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $240
    Doom Bars Lucky Riser

    Doom Bars Lucky Riser

    • Width: 880mm
    • Sweep: 14°
    • Rise: 50mm
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    Forged 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.

    • Doom Bars Review
    • Doom Bars Review
    • Doom Bars Review
    • Weight: 662 grams (23.4 oz)
    • Price: $240 (matte Cerakote finish)
    • Place of Manufacture: USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $120
    Hunter Smooth Move Bars

    Hunter Smooth Move Bars

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 38-75mm (1.5-3.0")
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Designed 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 Mid Rise (38mm), both with a 5˚ upsweep. There’s two finishes available; black and polished. Hunter also offers a Flat Sweeper, with no rise but a 20˚ backsweep instead.

    • Hunter Smooth Move handlebar
    • Hunter Smooth Move handlebar
    • Weight: 380 grams (13.4 oz)
    • Price: $120
    • Place of Manufacture: Japan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $89
    Jones Loop H-Bar

    Jones Loop H-Bar

    • Width: 660/710mm
    • Sweep: 45°
    • Rise: 13mm (0.5in)
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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.

    • Jones SG Loop H-bar, bikepacking
    • Jones SG Loop H-bar, bikepacking

    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: $89 (SG)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $95
    Jones Loop H-Bar SG 2.5

    Jones Loop H-Bar SG 2.5

    • Width: 660/710mm
    • Sweep: 45°
    • Rise: 64mm (2.5″)
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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.

    Jones Riser Loop H-Bar, Jones SG 2.5 Aluminum Loop H-Bar
    • Jones Riser Loop H-Bar, Jones SG 2.5 Aluminum Loop H-Bar
    • Jones Riser Loop H-Bar, Jones SG 2.5 Aluminum Loop H-Bar

    The 660mm 2.5 SG Aluminum Loop H-Bar weighs 635 grams and the 710mm version weighs 650 grams. Both retail for $79.00. The SG 2.5 Aluminum Loop H-Bars are available now for pre-order, so head over to the Jonesbikes.com online store to grab one. As for the grips shown in the photos, they are the Kraton Clear H-Grips…

    • Weight: 635 grams (22.4 oz)
    • Price: $95 (SG)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $465
    Moonmen Moonriser Bar

    Moonmen Moonriser Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 26°
    • Rise: 102mm (4")
    • Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm

    Made in the USA from titanium, the Moonriser is a wide handlebar with a 3.5in rise and a 26 degree sweep, 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.

    • Moonmen Moonriser handlebar
    • Moonmen #M32 Tour Divide Rig, Lynne Slivovsky
    • Weight: 375 grams (13.2 oz)
    • Price: $465 (Titanium)
    • Place of Manufacture: CO, USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $160
    Oddity Razorbar

    Oddity Razorbar

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 60mm (1.8")
    • Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm

    Oddity’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.

    • Oddity Razor handlebars bikepacking
    • oddity razor steel handlebars
    • Weight: 700 grams (24.7 oz)
    • Price: $160 (Chromoly)
    • Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $280CAD
    Passchier Gump

    Passchier Gump

    • Width: 650 / 750mm
    • Sweep: 22°
    • Rise: 0mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Named 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.

    • Paschier Gump
    • Paschier Gump

    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: $280CAD
    • Place of Manufacture: New Zealand
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $72
    Salsa Bend Deluxe

    Salsa Bend Deluxe

    • Width: 710mm
    • Sweep: 17/23°
    • Rise: 5° upsweep
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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: $72
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe 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
    contract Close
  • €200
    SQ Labs 30X16

    SQ Labs 30X16

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 16°
    • Rise: 15-45mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    SQ 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.

    • SQ Labs 30 x Comfort Handlebars
    • SQ Labs 30x16 review

    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: €200 (Carbon)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $100
    Surly Corner Bar

    Surly Corner Bar

    • Width: 460 - 540mm
    • Sweep: 65.2°
    • Drop Flare: 41.4°
    • Clamp: 25.4mm

    Sitting 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.

    • Surly Corner Bar Review
    • Surly Corner Bar Review
    • Surly Corner Bar Review
    • Weight: 737 grams (26 oz)
    • Price: $100 (54cm)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $110
    Surly Moloko Handlebar

    Surly Moloko Handlebar

    • Width: 735mm
    • Sweep: 34°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Surly’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.

    • surly ECR Ethiopia bikepacking
    • Surly ECR 29+ 27.5+
    • Surly ECR review
    • Weight: 709 grams (25 oz)
    • Price: $110
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe 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
    contract Close
  • $75
    Surly Sunrise Bar

    Surly Sunrise Bar

    • Width: 820mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 83mm (3.3")
    • Clamp: Shimmed to 31.8mm

    The 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.

    • surly sunrise handlebar
    • surly sunrise handlebar
    • surly sunrise handlebar
    • Weight: 780 grams (27.5 oz)
    • Price: $75
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe 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
    contract Close
  • $115
    Tumbleweed Persuader Bar (Alloy)

    Tumbleweed Persuader Bar (Alloy)

    • Width: 800 / 840mm
    • Sweep: 31°
    • Rise: 50mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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.”

    • Tumbleweed Persuader Alloy Review
    • Tumbleweed Persuader Alloy Review
    • Tumbleweed Persuader Alloy Review
    • Weight: 411 grams (14.5 oz)
    • Price: $115 (800mm)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $135
    Tumbleweed Persuader Bar (Steel)

    Tumbleweed Persuader Bar (Steel)

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 30°
    • Rise: 50mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The Tumbleweed Persuader handlebars feature a 30-degree sweep, tons of grip area, and a couple more interesting features. We’ve been using the Persuader Bar for a number of years now, and so far it seems quite special as far as handlebars are concerned. You may have guessed this considering we don’t review a ton of handlebars independently. It certainly lives up to its claims. The straight area fits handlebar packs with tons of room to spare and it also has plenty of real estate for non-traditional grips. As you can see in many of these photos, we fitted it with the massive 205mm long Jones Kraton H-Grips, which provide plenty of wiggle room to change hand positions. The Chromoly Persuader Bar is only offered in an 800mm wide version, check out the alloy version for something wider and a little more affordable.

    • Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, handlebar
    • Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, handlebar
    • Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, handlebar

    One thing is for sure, the finish, logos, and style behind the Persuader are aesthetically perfect. All in all, the Persuader is a beauty of a handlebar that seems suitable for a reeaallly long ride.

    • Weight: 638 grams (22.5 oz)
    • Price: $135
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $109
    Velo Orange Crazy Bar

    Velo Orange Crazy Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 35˚
    • Rise: 40mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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
    contract Close
  • $235
    Whisky Milhouse Handlebar

    Whisky Milhouse Handlebar

    • Width: 825mm
    • Sweep: 16°
    • Rise: 70mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Not 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.

    • Whisky Milhouse Review, handlebars
    • Whisky Milhouse Review, handlebars
    • Whisky Milhouse Review, handlebars
    • Weight: 286 grams (10.1 oz)
    • Price: $235
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $45
    Alpkit Love Mud Confucius

    Alpkit Love Mud Confucius

    • Width: 760mm
    • Sweep:
    • Rise: 15mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The Confucius is UK-based ALpkit’s take on a bikepacking expedition handlebar. The Alpkit Confucious is made of 6061 aluminium.

    • Weight: 488 grams (17.2 oz)
    • Price: $45
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £42
    BLB Hobo Loop Bar

    BLB Hobo Loop Bar

    • Width: 760mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 0mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    From 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
    contract Close
  • Bontrager Crivitz

    Bontrager Crivitz

    • Width: 690mm
    • Sweep: 25°
    • Rise: 0
    • clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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
    contract Close
  • $99.95
    Carver MyTi Carbon

    Carver MyTi Carbon

    • Width: 710mm
    • Sweep: 29°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    From 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: $99.95
    • Place of Manufacture: China
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $149
    Carver MyTi Handlebar

    Carver MyTi Handlebar

    • Width: 710mm
    • Sweep: 29°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    From 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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  • $105
    Crust Jungle Runner

    Crust Jungle Runner

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 45°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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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  • $118
    Crust x Nitto Loose Bar

    Crust x Nitto Loose Bar

    • Width: 700-750mm
    • Sweep: 14°
    • Rise: 15mm
    • Clamp: 26 and 31.8mm

    Made 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: $118 (750mm )
    • Place of Manufacture: Japan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $195
    Doom Bars Bikepacker’s Delight

    Doom Bars Bikepacker’s Delight

    • Width: 875mm
    • Sweep: 19°
    • Rise: 38mm
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    Your dream handlebar awaits! The Doom Bars Bikepacker’s Delight is handmade in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 4130 Chromoly Steel. 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.

    • Price: $195
    • Place of Manufacture: USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • Ergotec Space Bar

    Ergotec Space Bar

    • Width: 630mm
    • Sweep: 34°
    • Rise: 30mm
    • Clamp: 25.4mm

    Elegant, 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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  • $99
    Farr Supa-Moto Riser Bar

    Farr Supa-Moto Riser Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 16°
    • Rise: 32mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Working 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: $99
    • Place of Manufacture: Japan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $195
    Forager Cycles Oyster Bar

    Forager Cycles Oyster Bar

    • Width: 860mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 50mm
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    Handmade 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

    Groovy Cycleworks Luv Handles

    • Width: 635-762mm
    • Sweep: 21.5°
    • Rise: 25mm
    • Clamp: 25.4mm

    The 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

    Koga Denham Bar

    • Width: 711mm
    • Sweep: 34°
    • Rise: 0mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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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  • $175
    Meriwether Double Bend Sweeper Bar

    Meriwether Double Bend Sweeper Bar

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 20°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    California-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: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $179
    MONē Oddmonē Bar

    MONē Oddmonē Bar

    • Width: 805mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 75mm
    • Clamp: 22.2mm

    Handmade 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.

    • Mone Oddmone Bar
    • Mone Oddmone Bar
    • Price: $179
    • Place of Manufacture: USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $37
    On-One Geoff Handlebar

    On-One Geoff Handlebar

    • Width: 720mm
    • Sweep: 45°
    • Rise: 13mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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: $37
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $37
    On-One Mary Bar

    On-One Mary Bar

    • Width: 645mm
    • Sweep: 40°
    • Rise: 38mm (1.5")
    • Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm

    Considered 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: $37
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $25
    On-One OG V2 Bar

    On-One OG V2 Bar

    • Width: 680mm
    • Sweep: 25°
    • Rise: 38mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Cruisy 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: $25
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $83
    Origin8 Space Bar Off Road 2 Bar

    Origin8 Space Bar Off Road 2 Bar

    • Width: 655-675mm
    • Sweep: 25-40°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Amongst 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

    Origin8 Strongbow

    • Width: 760mm
    • Sweep: 15°
    • Rise: 0
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    If 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
    • helpWe 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

    Protaper 20/20 Carbon Bar

    • Width: 780/810mm
    • Sweep: 20°
    • Rise: 20mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    ProTaper 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.

    • Protaper 20/20 carbon Bar
    • Protaper 20/20 carbon Bar
    • Weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz)
    • Price: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: China
    • helpWe 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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  • $40
    Ritchey Kyote

    Ritchey Kyote

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 27.5°
    • Rise: 35mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    Featuring 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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  • $120
    SimWorks Fun 3 Stealth Bar

    SimWorks Fun 3 Stealth Bar

    • Width: 680 / 750mm
    • Sweep: 35°
    • Rise: 20mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    SimWorks’ Fun 3 Stealth Bar is now offered in a wider 750mm version for those who need it. SimWorks says it’s one of their most popular bars because it works well on so many different styles of bikes. Plus, it’s bent three times, which makes it three times the fun. Can’t argue with that. The Fun 3 is half riser bar and half promenade bar, with a 20mm rise and 35° sweep.

    • Weight: 360 grams (12.7 oz)
    • Price: $120 (680mm)
    • Place of Manufacture: Japan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $74
    SimWorks Getaround Bar

    SimWorks Getaround Bar

    • Width: 700mm
    • Sweep: 20°
    • Rise: 10mm
    • Clamp: 25.4mm

    The SimWorks Gataround bar is a CrMo Steel bar available in black or silver with skid proof and clear coating finish.

    • Sim Works Getaround Bar
    • Sim Works Getaround Bar
    • Price: $74
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $80
    Soma Clarence Bar

    Soma Clarence Bar

    • Width: 670mm
    • Sweep: 34°
    • Rise: 37mm (1.5")
    • Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm

    Even Soma agree 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.

    • Weight: 390 grams (13.8 oz)
    • Price: $80
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $80
    Soma Dream Riser Bar

    Soma Dream Riser Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 25°
    • Rise: 50mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    A 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: $80
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $80
    Soma Osprey Bar

    Soma Osprey Bar

    • Width: 710mm
    • Sweep: 40°
    • Rise: 12mm (0.5")
    • Clamp: 25.4 and 31.8mm

    The 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: $80
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe 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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  • £66
    Stooge Moto Bar

    Stooge Moto Bar

    • Width: 800mm
    • Sweep: 17°
    • Rise: 38mm (1.5")
    • Clamp: 31.8

    According 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: £66
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $60
    Surly Open Bar

    Surly Open Bar

    • Width: 666mm
    • Sweep: 53°
    • Rise: 0 / 40mm
    • Clamp: 25.4mm

    From 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
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $75
    Velo Orange Seine Bar

    Velo Orange Seine Bar

    • Width: 780mm
    • Sweep: 35°
    • Rise: 40mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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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  • $200
    Whisky Winston Bar

    Whisky Winston Bar

    • Width: 600mm
    • Sweep: 73°
    • Rise: 25mm
    • Clamp: 31.8mm

    The 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: $200
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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  • $149.99
    Wren Perseverance Bar

    Wren Perseverance Bar

    • Width: 780MM
    • Sweep: 16°
    • Rise: 25MM
    • Clamp: 31.8MM

    The 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.

    • Weight: 754 grams (26.6 oz)
    • Price: $149.99
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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Bags and bars

Other factors to consider are the general shape of the bar, with regards to how your bikepacking bags will fit. Handlebars with shapes that sweep forward before it sweeps 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 as ways of fixing 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 favoured 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. SQ Lab’s Inner Barends 411 are a great place to start, as they can be easily added to your favourite handlebar. We’ve fitted them to SQ Lab’s excellent 30×16 handlebars and seen them on Tumbleweed’s Persuaders too. If you’re making the move from a drop handlebar 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.

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 works best as a standalone bag or perfectly with a basket. UK bikepackers can check out the Wildcat’s Tom Cat (£52). Certain rollbags are designed to be used exclusively with Jones Loop H-Bars, like Carsick Designs’ Handee Randee, pictured as well.

  • Surly Moloko Handlebar bag
  • Randi Jo Jeff and Joan handlebar bag
  • Carsick Designs Handee Randee bikepacking
  • Jones Bars bikepacking

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, Origin 8 (recommended for budget-priced options), and SQ Lab have a wide range of handlebars, in addition to the ones we’ve selected. Nitto make many bars for other brands and are 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 a bar, be sure to 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!