When it comes to handlebars for your bike, you want something that is going to be solid and effective. Handlebars not only steer your mountain bike where you need it to go, but also bears most of your weight while you’re riding or racing.
You want something that is going make handling your bike seamless, yet make you feel like you are in complete control – enter Race Face MTB handlebars.
Race Face are a Vancouver, B.C., Canada based company specializing in bike components.We have already written about some of their awesome products like stems, and pedals now lets check out their MTB handlebars.
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Race Face Turbine R 35 Handlebar
This handlebar has a modern, sleek design that is ideal for mountain biking and racing. With this handlebar, you can set it up to the precise dial you want and it also has a great strength to weight ratio.
This type of handlebar is made from 7075 aluminum. This makes it lightweight and durable. It’s a great handlebar for the aggressive rider who knows what they’re looking for. It has rise sizes of 10/20/35 for all preferences. It’s black, so it can match whatever color bike you have.
Pros
- Slim design
- Made with 7075 aluminum
- Provides great overall control of the bike
Cons
- May not be ideal for every day biking but is great for mountain bike use
- Grips not included
Race Face Next Flat Handlebar
This carbon fiber handlebar is unique because it’s designed to have a great strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also designed to meet the strength requirements for Race Face’s downhill guidelines. This is ideal for racers.
This handlebar is made from carbon fiber that is in a unidirectional weave for added strength. It also has an 8-degree rear sweep with a 4-degree upsweep. What’s great about this type of handlebar is that it comes with aluminum bar ends for added strength and comfort.
Pros
- Comes with bar ends
- Absorbs vibration
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only has ¼” rise for a choice
- Grips not included
Race Face Next 35 20MM Rise Handlebar
This handlebar system comes in a variety of colors. Plus, it’s made from a unidirectional carbon fiber weave. It’s ideal for the mountain biker because of its lightweight and low-ride design. It provides a strong grip while also buffering against any vibration caused by any bumps in the trial.
The color portions have a matte clear coat, which is great to reduce reflection from the sun. It’s made from unidirectional carbon for the lightweight durability that’s ideal for racing or mountain biking. It has a 20mm rise and is lightweight, weighing in at only 180 grams.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Great at eliminating vibrations
- Minimizes vibration
Cons
- May not fit all bike models
- Grips not included
Race Face SixC 820 Carbon 35 Handlebar
This handlebar is great for trail racing, as it minimizes vibration. It has great small bump compliance. It boasts strong control while still maintaining the agility needed for the sharp turns and downhill riding.
This handlebar does have variations of rise and width, so you have some wiggle room in the type of adjustments you want.
Made from carbon fiber for a sleek, yet durable feel, the rise is 20/35 depending on your needs. It also has an 8-degree back sweep and 4-degree upsweep.
Pros
- Minimizes vibration
- Clamp Diameter of 35mm
- Great handling
- Varies in the rise and the width
Cons
- Grips not included
See this post if you are looking for more carbon fiber handlebars by other brands.
Features of the Best MTB Handlebars
There are a few things you want to keep in mind when you look for the perfect handlebars for your mountain bike. This will help you gauge exactly what you need. to make it the most comfortable for you.
Durability
When racing on rocky terrain, vibration from bumps and dips can be a problem. It can cause fatigue in your hands, arms, and shoulders. Worst of all, it can make the ride uncomfortable.
Finding a handlebar that is lightweight and durable is great, but you also want one that can buffer against any vibrations that you face on the trail.
Good Balance
A good set of handlebars is going to give you proper support. You’ll also have the option to adjust accordingly. Based on your build and the bike’s build, you’ll want to have handlebars that will provide comfort. Once you have all of this, you can effectively balance and steer.
Your balance is what is going to contribute to your steering precision. It’s vital to have as much control as possible when on rocky terrain or down steep slopes. Making sure that you have handlebars that adjust to your specific needs is key to ensuring you have a successful ride.
Withstanding Force
If you are using your bike for racing, you are going to come across different terrains. These are going to require you to exert more force on your handlebars that the normal ride in the park. You’re going to need handlebars that can handle the force of your weight while you take sharp turns, go downhill, and stand to pedal.
Comfort
Racing and mountain biking sometimes require you to be on your bike for a long time. So, you want to have something that provides some level of comfort. How the handlebars feel in your hands is just as important as how they steer.
Lightweight
Because these handlebars are designed for mountain biking or racing, you are going to want something lightweight. Just because you are choosing something that’s lighter does not mean you have to sacrifice quality. A good handlebar will not only be lightweight but will also be able to withstand any weight-to-strength ratios, all while continuing to give you the control you desire.
Conclusion
Whether it’s mountain biking, racing or both, you want to make sure that you have the most lightweight and durable set of handlebars out there.
This will help your overall performance, plus it will keep the vibration of the roads and trails at bay. There are many options to choose from, so you want to make sure to choose the one that’s right for you. Once you’ve got the perfect handlebars, hit that beautiful mountain trail.