| Level of thickness | | | | Bicycle handlebars made of carbon are becoming |
| Before, almost all handlebars had the same size of | | | | very popular these days as this material is strong and |
| center section. When stem and alloy bars were | | | | light. But, they can get easily damaged or snap if you |
| invented, all bars would fit, irrespective of the stem you | | | | crash. All you have to then do is throw them away. |
| had. Nowadays you get standard sized or oversized | | | | Available in different sizes and shapes some of them |
| middle sections which are more comfortable to hang | | | | have a flat, aero top section which is very comfortable |
| on to while climbing. You are barred from holding | | | | for resting your forearms. |
| centre if the heart rate monitor and the cycle | | | | Also important is the depth and width of bicycle |
| computer are placed in the middle section. Both sizes | | | | handlebars. Narrow bars will constrict your breathing |
| are made by bar and stem manufacturers, and it is a | | | | as well as your chest, and it they are wide you may |
| good idea to go in for standard sizes. | | | | find it difficult to control the bike. With wider bars a |
| Types of materials: | | | | small rider finds it difficult to ride with the bike wobbling. |
| Earlier stems and bars were made of steel, but | | | | Smaller riders need shallow bars with less-drop while |
| nowadays carbon and alloy are used. Track sprinters | | | | bigger riders call for a longer drop. |
| still use the steel ones today as steel is considered | | | | Only round bars were available earlier. Today there |
| heavy and strong. This kind of heavy weight can be | | | | are flat sections put onto the lower section of the |
| carried only by track sprinters. Different quality alloys | | | | drops. You can place your forearm on certain places. |
| are available which are basically light. You have to | | | | But many find this uncomfortable. A round bar is more |
| decide on the stiffness and price as alloys are | | | | comfortable as there are many ways in which you |
| expensive because they are flexible and light and | | | | can rest your forearms on the bar. |
| comparatively durable as compared to other materials. | | | | |