Does the diameter difference between road and mountain bike handlebars make some bikes incompatible?

Asked by: Alberto Hernandez

Can you put a road bike handlebar on a mountain bike?

Mountain bike stems are made for smaller diameter flat bars, so road bars don’t fit them.

Are all handlebars same diameter?

Road Bike – Handlebars generally come in two clamp sizes 26mm (older style) and the newer ‘oversized’ 31.8mm. The area where you attach the Oi bell will most likely be either 25.4mm or 31.8mm. Mountain Bikes – Handlebars generally come in two clamp sizes 25.4mm (older style) and the newer ‘oversized’ 31.8mm.

Are MTB handlebars the same diameter?

Mountain bike bars generally had 1” (25.4mm) clamp diameter and 7/8” (22.2mm) grip sections. Those two grip diameters remain unchanged, even though the clamp diameter is pretty universal now at 1-1/4” (31.8mm) between road and MTB bars.

What diameter are mountain bike handlebars?

What about handlebar diameter? Mountain bike handlebars are available in only one diameter at the grips: 22.22mm. That means you can chop and change grips as you please. However, clamp diameter can be either 31.8mm or 35mm.

Do all handlebars fit all bikes?

– Yes, they are interchangeable, but the process is not simple. There are dozens of handlebar types to suit different rider needs, leverage on the bicycle, and diameter measurements will vary for each. The standard handlebar diameter is 25.4mm on mountain bikes, often upwards of 30mm+ on road bars and cruisers.

Why do road bikes have curved handle bars?

That modification for racers was the drop handlebar. It had just one purpose–to bend the rider from an eight-foot-tall wind obstacle to a seven-foot-tall wind obstacle. There was still the matter of wind and falling from great heights. Bicycles had become their own safety issue.

What is the standard bicycle handlebar diameter?

The most common diameter is 31.8mm, but older bars can be 25.4mm and there’s even an oversize 35mm standard being introduced by Race Face that promises even greater strength and stiffness.

What diameter are road bars?

Standard handlebar grip area diameters. There are only two current standard sizes: Flat bars have a 22.2 mm (7/8″) grip area diameter. Road (“drop”) bars have a 23.8 mm (15/16″) grip area diameter.

How wide should my bike handlebars be?

The standard fitting advice is to get a handlebar as wide as the measurement between your AC joints. Those are the bumps atop your shoulders where the collarbone attaches just inboard of your deltoid muscle. But many riders prefer a handlebar slightly wider than their shoulders. A wide bar opens the chest.

Is 780mm handlebar too wide?

It tells you that you probably shouldn’t buy a bar narrower than 780mm. The other thing we’d strongly recommend is to mimic different bar widths by sliding your lock-on grips in and out. Take care how you do it though…

Are wider mountain bike handlebars better?

Making the switch to a narrower handlebar will wake up the front end of your bike making it more twitchy and easier to maneuver; while a wider bar will increase the stability of your front end and provide a calmer feel than before.

How do I know what size handlebars to buy?

In general terms, narrower equals faster. If you’re currently riding 44cm bars and would like a little free speed, consider moving to 42cm or 40cm bars, for example.

Can you put different handlebars on a mountain bike?

Handlebars are arguably the most important contact point on your bike. With so many different handlebars available from a variety of different brands, mounting up two different handlebars on the same bike can drastically change your experience on the trail.

Can I put straight handlebars on a road bike?

And some of the positions are more aerodynamic, for times when you want to ride faster. But it’s still perfectly ok to ride a road bike that has flat handlebars. You’ll get the advantages of a bar that gives you a steady grip like a mountain bike, which can help give beginner cyclists more confidence.

What is the most comfortable bike handlebar?

The best handlebars tested

• Prime Primavera Aero Carbon Handlebar. Carbon aero bar at a great price. …
• Ritchey WCS Carbon Streem handlebars. Lightweight with a flat top. …
• Zipp Service Course SL 70 – 88 handlebars. …
• Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow Bend Handlebars. …
• Fizik Cyrano 00 handlebars. …
• Coefficient Road Race Handlebar.

Is it okay to put drop bar on MTB?

Yes, drops can be slapped on any mountain bike, but they shouldn’t. For instance, most MTBs have a geometry with a much longer reach, and generally don’t fit as well with drop bars.

Can I put mountain bike shifters on a road bike?

Most 8- and 9-speed Shimano mountain bike and road kit is inter-compatible because they both use the same cable pull ratio. This means that you can use an 8 -or 9-speed mountain bike derailleur with road shifters or vice versa.

Can you turn a road bike into a mountain bike?

There are things you need to ensure if you are converting a road bike to a mountain bike, from suspension, tires, to handlebars read this article to know. Yes, a road bike can be converted into a mountain bike.

Do drop bars make you faster?

The faster you cycle, the more aerodynamics comes into play. Drop bars allow you to crouch down and reduce drag. This position can greatly increase your speed and efficiency. This comes in handy when you’re descending a hill, riding a long flat section, or riding into the wind.

Can you put straight handle bars on a road bike?

And some of the positions are more aerodynamic, for times when you want to ride faster. But it’s still perfectly ok to ride a road bike that has flat handlebars. You’ll get the advantages of a bar that gives you a steady grip like a mountain bike, which can help give beginner cyclists more confidence.

Are flat bars better than drop bars?

Brake Access In Multiple Hand Positions



While you can get multiple handholds using flat bars, you don’t have brake lever access from all of those hand positions. In comparison, drop bars provide brake access in the hoods or drops, and you can even get additional “inline” brake levers for your bar tops too!