Best Road Bike Handlebars

Updated April 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Control Tech
Formidable Handlebar
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Bottom Line

Best choice for the most performance and ergonomic support during intense and long rides.

Pros

Features extra contours along the surface of the handlebars to keep the hands well supported. Helps to cut down on common biking hand and arm injuries.

Cons

Not as durable as carbon fiber road handlebars.

Best Bang for the Buck
Upanbike
Bent Handlebars
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Bottom Line

A great budget set of handlebars for basic road bikes, children's bikes or renovation projects.

Pros

Dropbar-style handlebars are light, cutting down the overall weight of the road bike. Handle surface provides plenty of space for accessories like bells and bike computers.

Cons

Does not fit all road bike brake and shift levers.

FSA
Omega Compact Handlebar
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Bottom Line

A small profile makes this handlebar a good option for smaller road bikes or travel and touring rides.

Pros

More narrow than traditional race-oriented handlebars. Provides a comfortable, ergonomically-designed dropbar handle for longer rides and tours.

Cons

No place to properly route cables.

RXL SL
Carbon Handlebar
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Bottom Line

An affordable option for race-inspired carbon fiber to keep the grams off of the road bike.

Pros

Carbon fiber construction lightens the overall weight of the handlebar and front of the bike for extra speed and power. Comes in several different sizes for a personal fit.

Cons

Internal cable routing can damage brake and shifting cables.

Alston
Ultralight Toray Handlebar
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Bottom Line

The type of handlebar to choose when you are looking for an upgrade set for that next level of performance.

Pros

Handlebar set is extremely durable with a scratch-resistant carbon fiber surface. Lighter than most steel and aluminum handlebars. Good for racing and touring.

Cons

Handlebar width is on the smaller side, compared to professional-level racing handlebars.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

17 Models Considered
5 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
180 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.

Road bike handlebars can have far-flung effects on a bike's stability and handling. The handlebars may be ideal for racing and touring. They are often lightweight and include ample space for bells, bike computers, and other accessories. Bike handlebars are sometimes designed to help riders limit the risk of hand and arm injuries. The handlebars may feature contours along the surface to ensure that your hands are fully supported at all times. Road bike handlebars may consist of carbon fiber and other quality materials. They come in multiple sizes and styles, and they may be used in conjunction with a variety or road bike models.

The team that worked on this review
  • Austin
    Austin
    Writer
  • Eliza
    Eliza
    Production Manager
  • Enid
    Enid
    Editor
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
×

Upanbike

Bent Handlebars

Upanbike

Bent Handlebars

A great budget set of handlebars for basic road bikes, children's bikes or renovation projects.
$20
×

FSA

Omega Compact Handlebar

FSA

Omega Compact Handlebar

A small profile makes this handlebar a good option for smaller road bikes or travel and touring rides.
$44
×

RXL SL

Carbon Handlebar

RXL SL

Carbon Handlebar

An affordable option for race-inspired carbon fiber to keep the grams off of the road bike.
$47
×

Alston

Ultralight Toray Handlebar

Alston

Ultralight Toray Handlebar

The type of handlebar to choose when you are looking for an upgrade set for that next level of performance.

$61
×

Control Tech

Formidable Handlebar

Control Tech

Formidable Handlebar

Best choice for the most performance and ergonomic support during intense and long rides.
$102

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