Handlebars: Difference between revisions

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(Rewrite on parts page to include bar variants and more integration to shifter and brake lever pages)
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There are ''two types'' of '''handlebar''', and it is helpful to be familiar with the difference when working on bikes.
Handlebars are the mechanism for controlling steering on a bicycle.  They also support part of a rider’s weight, depending on position, and provide a location for mounting other controls, such as [[shifters]] and [[brake levers]], and accessories, such as a reflector, light, bell, or side mirror.  Handlebars attach to the [[stem] via a clamp.


This is because the two styles of handlebar are different sizes: they are made of different diameters of tubing.  This means that they require different accessories and different brake levers, and are set up differently on bicycles.  If you're working on a bike and you need to replace a brake lever, you will need to know where to look.
==Types==


To the right are four examples of bar types, shown to give an example of what bars are likely to look like in practice, with brake levers and grips or tape on them.  
There are two broad categories of handlebars.  These are flat and drop handlebars. While each is named for the most common variant within them, they are categorized according to the diameter of the tubing, particularly that in the grip area.  Both due to design and tubing diameter differences, each style has associated controls and accessories. These differences and some variants of each style are discussed below.


== First Type: Flat Bar ==
===Flat ===


[[Image:oldflat.jpg|thumb|Old flat bar]]
[[Image:oldflat.jpg|thumb|Upright bar]]
[[Image:newflat.jpg|thumb|New flat bar]]
[[Image:newflat.jpg|thumb|Riser bar]]


One type is known as a '''''mountain bar''''', or '''''flat bar'''''. These bars are meant to be held at the end, where they have rubber [[grips]].
One style of handlebar is the flat handlebar.  The conventional form of this type consists of a straight tube, hence the name.  The grip area diameter of this tube is 22.2 millimeters while the clamp size may be either 25.4 millimeters, as on older bikes, or 31.8 millimeters, for some more modern bikes.


== Second Type: Drop Bar ==
Flat handlebars are held by rubber grips at the bar end and the bar is either covered by the grip or by a plug.  They all share a [http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Brake_Levers#Flat_Style similar style of brake lever] and may use thumb, grip, or trigger [[shifters]]


The other type is known as a '''''road bar''''', or '''''drop bar'''''. These bars are meant to be held anywhere on the bar, and are typically covered with some sort of padded tape. The [[bar tape]] is usually cork on modern bikes, but plastic or cotton was used on older bikes.
Flat bars come in a number of variants. The following is a list of some such variants.


Many cheaper bikes will have no tape. The primary difference between these bars to the bicycle mechanic is that they require different [[brake levers]]. As is covered in the stem section, on very new bikes they may require different [[stems]].
* Riser
* Upright or North Road
* BMX
* Cruiser


[[Image:oldroad.jpg|thumb|Old road bar]]
===Drop ===
[[Image:newroad.jpg|thumb|New road bar]]


== Important Points ==
[[Image:oldroad.jpg|thumb|Old drop bar with extension brake levers]]
[[Image:newroad.jpg|thumb|New drop bar with integrated shifting]]


* The older flat bar is not flat at all, but it does have grips.
The other style of handlebar is the drop handlebar.  These handlebars are bent in such a way to provide multiple hand positions, including a low, aerodynamic position from which they derive their name.  The grip area diameter of this tube is 23.8 millimeters while the clamp size may be either 26.0 millimeters, as on older bikes, or 31.8 millimeters, for some more modern bikes.


* The brake levers on the old road bar have extensions that point inward - these are known as extension levers or safety levers.
Drop handlebars may be gripped anywhere along the bar, which is typically covered by some sort of [[bar tape]] for comfort.  Bar ends are covered by a plug that also often doubles to secure the bar tape.


* The old flat bar has a thumb shifter - the black thing near the brake lever, used to shift gears.  The new flat bar has a shifter which is operated by twisting, labeled "[[Grip Shift]]" and located between the brake lever and the grip.
They all share a [http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Brake_Levers#Drop_Style similar style of brake lever], which can be activated while on the hood or in the drops.  Old examples of such brakes incorporated [http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Brake_Levers#Extension_Levers extension brake levers] for use while on the flat portion of the bar.  More modern examples have done away with this, but may be paired with [http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Brake_Levers#Interrupt_Levers interrupt brake levers] for this purpose.


* On the old road bicycle, the [[shifters]] are on the [[downtube]]. On the new bicycle, the brake levers are also shift levers. This style is used on almost every modern road bicycle.  Shifters will either be on the downtube or attached to the stem on road bicycles.
On old bikes with drop bars, the shifters were commonly on the downtube or stem. Some have what are called bar end shifters, which take the place of plugs. Modern bikes with drop bars often use shifters that is integrated into the brake level, often called [[brifters]].


* You will find old flat bars on city bikes and cruisers.  New flat bars are on all mountain bikes and some newer city bikes and hybrids.  Road bikes will look more like the old road bars here than the new ones, except that many will not have extension levers.
Drop bars come in a number of variants.  The following is a list of some such variants.


* The old and new examples are only provided to show that not all bars of the same type look very similar.  All road bike brake levers will fit all road bars, and all flat bar brake levers, shifters, and grips will fit all flat bars.
* Traditional
* Randonneur
* Track


== Sorting ==
<!--  Bullhorn or Pursuit  -->
<!--  By design ; Tubing of flat bars -->
<!--  “Flop and chop” drops; Drop bar flipped over, [[Making “flop and chop” bullhorn bars]]  -->
<!--  Variation; Anything goes, bar end (tri) brake levers, road style brake levers  -->


Handlebars come in two materials and two types at the co-op. They are either made of aluminum or steel, and they are either flat bars or road bars.
<!--  Aero or Triathlon  -->


=== Material ===
==Summary of [[Important Points on Handlebars]]==
 
If a magnet will stick to the bar, it is steel. Otherwise it is aluminum. You can't always tell by weight, or by finish, so be sure to use the magnet.
 
=== Shape ===
 
Road bars and flat bars are shaped differently - but be aware that flat bars are not always flat. There is more information in the article on ((Handlebars)).
 
=== Where they go ===
 
Steel bars go in the free parts room, up front by the loaner bikes. Aluminum bars go in the Limited Stock Room, near member parking, just inside the door (look up!).


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Wrapping Handlebars]]
* [[Wrapping Handlebars]]
* [[Shop Manual]]


== Spanish ==
== Spanish ==

Revision as of 13:07, 22 December 2014

Handlebars are the mechanism for controlling steering on a bicycle. They also support part of a rider’s weight, depending on position, and provide a location for mounting other controls, such as shifters and brake levers, and accessories, such as a reflector, light, bell, or side mirror. Handlebars attach to the [[stem] via a clamp.

Types

There are two broad categories of handlebars. These are flat and drop handlebars. While each is named for the most common variant within them, they are categorized according to the diameter of the tubing, particularly that in the grip area. Both due to design and tubing diameter differences, each style has associated controls and accessories. These differences and some variants of each style are discussed below.

Flat

Upright bar
Riser bar

One style of handlebar is the flat handlebar. The conventional form of this type consists of a straight tube, hence the name. The grip area diameter of this tube is 22.2 millimeters while the clamp size may be either 25.4 millimeters, as on older bikes, or 31.8 millimeters, for some more modern bikes.

Flat handlebars are held by rubber grips at the bar end and the bar is either covered by the grip or by a plug. They all share a similar style of brake lever and may use thumb, grip, or trigger shifters

Flat bars come in a number of variants. The following is a list of some such variants.

  • Riser
  • Upright or North Road
  • BMX
  • Cruiser

Drop

Old drop bar with extension brake levers
New drop bar with integrated shifting

The other style of handlebar is the drop handlebar. These handlebars are bent in such a way to provide multiple hand positions, including a low, aerodynamic position from which they derive their name. The grip area diameter of this tube is 23.8 millimeters while the clamp size may be either 26.0 millimeters, as on older bikes, or 31.8 millimeters, for some more modern bikes.

Drop handlebars may be gripped anywhere along the bar, which is typically covered by some sort of bar tape for comfort. Bar ends are covered by a plug that also often doubles to secure the bar tape.

They all share a similar style of brake lever, which can be activated while on the hood or in the drops. Old examples of such brakes incorporated extension brake levers for use while on the flat portion of the bar. More modern examples have done away with this, but may be paired with interrupt brake levers for this purpose.

On old bikes with drop bars, the shifters were commonly on the downtube or stem. Some have what are called bar end shifters, which take the place of plugs. Modern bikes with drop bars often use shifters that is integrated into the brake level, often called brifters.

Drop bars come in a number of variants. The following is a list of some such variants.

  • Traditional
  • Randonneur
  • Track


Summary of Important Points on Handlebars

See Also

Spanish

Manillar (f)

Bicycle Parts

Ball Bearings • Brakes (Caliper Brakes, Cantilever Brakes & Disc Brakes) • Brake Levers • Chainrings • Chains • Cranks
Derailers (Front & Rear) • Forks • Frame • Front Derailers • Handlebars • Hubs • Pedals • Quick Release
Rim • Seatposts • Seats • Shifters • Skewer • Spokes • Stems • Tires • Tubes • Wheels
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