MTB handlebar width

[Sagan97]

Hi guys. I've been given 29" mountain bike for next months by a buddy. Yes, I know - very cool friends. First time on big wheels, but one thing I haven't used to yet has to be the handlebar. It's a flatbar and must be 780mm. Can't help, it feels too wide.

Are there size sharts for the most suitable handlebar width according to another measure? Is it typically height or the body build? I'll be waiting to hear your experience with MTB flatbars and their sizing.

[fishboy316]

Just grab a set of bars that are shorter and try em out. At our shop we sell a set of used bars cheap. I don't know of a chart for bars as bars will be so much a personal preference. My fatty had 780 on it when I got it and it felt good. my 29er is 700. Depend on body type and preference.

[Sagan97]

660-700mm must be the best fit, based on all the info that I've absorbed over the past days. What do you think - can I simply ride to the local shop and ask them for a handlebar test, right there on the spot? I'd just take a parking spot loop with a 29er that has such handlebar. Isn't that an odd request?

[CofkoCof]

Bar width depends on your preferences, mostly depends on your riding style, bike geometry,...

A pretty common bar width for 29 trail/enduro bikes is around 760-780mm. There are some bikes with 800mm - never tried that one, but it must be interesting.

I would definitely try going to your local bike shop. It doesn't hurt asking.

[Sagan97]

(04-11-2020, 01:05 PM)CofkoCof Wrote:  Bar width depends on your preferences, mostly depends on your riding style, bike geometry,...

A pretty common bar width for 29 trail/enduro bikes is around 760-780mm. There are some bikes with 800mm - never tried that one, but it must be interesting.

I would definitely try going to your local bike shop. It doesn't hurt asking.

Thanks for your comment!

Over the past few weeks I actually tried out MTBs with various handlebar width. What's interesting, I got used to my 780mm flatbar and it took only 2-3 rides to feel alright with it. This muust be a case of someone switching from years of dropbar experience to a wide mountain bike handlebar. Different riding positions.

[CofkoCof]

I also had similar experience where I switched from 680 to 760. At first it seemed wide, but now I don't even notice it.

[Zviedrs]

Oh yes. When I went on my first 29" MTB bike ride some five years ago, it felt like I am cruising on a podium. Instant thumbs up.

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

Specialized MTB bars in alloy can be found for cheap sometimes.

I recently scored one for $25.

I was going to buy an FSA Afterburner and pay out the ass $80.

Lucky me that I like to buy GT bikes, and they typically come with very good handlebars.

[Flowrider]

What is the relationship between your shoulder width and the handlebar width? Or does it not matter?