How to choose your handlebars?
There are handlebars with different heights, widths, shapes and even compression systems... So how do you find your way around?
You should pay attention to the following points when choosing the handlebars of your dreams.
1. The height
Height is one of the most important elements! To choose your ideal handlebar height, you will need to consider your riding level, your height and your riding style.
For an intermediate rider, it is generally recommended that the handlebars are positioned just below the waist.
- For riders measuring between 1m00 and 1m40, we recommend a handlebar of less than 580mm.
- For riders measuring between 1m20 and 1m60, we recommend a handlebar that's 580mm up to 630mm.
- For riders taller than 1m60, we recommend a handlebar that's taller than 630mm.
Your riding style will influence the height of your handlebar as well.
For the street, you'll need handlebars that are little higher and for skatepark, handlebars that are a little lower.
2. The width
The width is also an important element when choosing a handlebar.
The wider your handlebars, the more stability you will have on your scooter. But be careful, for some tricks like the barspin, a narrow handlebar will allow you to enter your trick more easily!
As a reference size, you can take your shoulder width and depending on your riding style, you will increase or decrease your handlebar width.
In summary:
You like to do barspin everywhere? Then choose a shorter handlebar that will be super handy!
Do you like to do big, high jumps? Then get wide handlebars to stay stable in the air and on the ground!
3. The diameter
The most important thing when choosing the diameter of your handlebars is to check that they are compatible with your fork and clamp.
There are two handlebar diameters/bar, so you will have to make sure that your clamp and fork are adapted to the handlebar diameter.
You will find handlebars with a diameter of 31.8mm and handlebars with a diameter of 34.9mm.
You can still fit a 34.9mm handlebar to your 31.8mm fork, but you will need to buy an adapter called a shim.
4. The shape
For the shape of your handlebars/bar, you will have the choice between 2 types: the handlebars in T and the handlebars in Y.
There's not much difference between the two shapes so it doesn't really affect your ride, so just choose the style you like!
However, you may want to pay attention to the materials your handlebars are made of.
There are three types of materials used to make a handlebar:
- Steel handlebars : it guarantees a solid handlebar but will be heavier compared to an aluminium handlebar.
- Aluminium handlebars : An aluminium handlebar will give lightness but also high rigidity.
However, it will not be as strong as a steel handlebar.
- Titanium handlebars : Titanium will give you lightness and strength.
It will be as light as aluminium and as strong as steel but the price of a titanium handlebar is higher.
5. The compression system
It is imperative to choose a handlebar that is compatible with your compression system.
You have a compression system SCSyou need a handlebar without slot.
You have a HIC, IHC and ICS compression systemyou have to choose a handlebar with a slot.
Don't you know the differences between all these compression systems?
So check out our article " Compression systems"(soon online).