Handlebars are one of the first components we tend to upgrade on our mountain bikes, whether that’s for sizing preference, comfort or just because they look nice.
There’s heated debate on which material is best for mountain bike handlebars, with many fearing carbon fibre is too delicate for such a structurally important component despite its benefits. Equally, some bemoan the potentially uncomfortable ride of a stiff alloy bar.
Some claim titanium, only seen on premium options, is another compelling choice.
In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each and suggest which material is best for your riding style.
The case for carbon fibre
It’s hard to find a component that hasn’t been reincarnated in carbon fibre, with the material's impressive strength-to-weight ratio beloved by those wanting to shed a few grams.
Carbon fibre is lightweight, and the ability to build in compliance during the construction process makes it a great material to make handlebars out of.
Carbon bars are generally claimed to reduce vibrations and increase vertical compliance (how much the bar can bend up and down) over aluminium alternatives, making them more comfortable on the trail.
However, carbon fibre handlebars are often treated cautiously because the composite material can be prone to invisible stress fractures and delamination.
Because carbon fibre is made using a layered construction process, it is impossible to identify fractures without specialist equipment.
If fractures are found, the handlebar is a write-off and needs to be replaced.
This is a worry for those who make a habit of crashing, which often slams bars into the ground.
These stress fractures can result in catastrophic failures and lead to serious injuries as you try to pilot your bike with two separate handlebars.
It’s not only small impacts that are worrisome – we’ve all heard horror stories of riders crashing out and breaking bars on impact, often leaving jagged, sharp frayed ends.
Some carbon handlebars can end up being too stiff – sometimes stiffer than their alloy counterparrts – with manufacturers trying to compensate for these failures, leading to an uncomfortable bar that provides too much feedback from the trail below.
For those looking for the lightest handlebar around, carbon fibre is the go-to choice, but may not be the best choice for the worrisome or crash-prone
All for aluminium?
By far the most popular material for making handlebars, aluminium is chosen for its relatively lightweight and sturdy construction.
Aluminium bars are a very popular choice with downhillers and dirt jumpers.
Most bikes come with an aluminium handlebar as standard, and thanks to their hardy construction, it's rare to hear them fail.
It’s not impossible, but they tend to bend rather than break. This can be just as catastrophic and there are occasions where they can shear similarly to carbon fibre due to poor construction.
However, fractures are easier to identify than with carbon fibre, enabling you to spot a problem before you’re impaled by your top cap.
There is a weight penalty for this resilience, with aluminium often coming in heavier than carbon fibre and titanium bars – although they're much cheaper and there’s not much in it when comparing an entry-level carbon bar to a premium alloy one.
Despite this, aluminium bars offer reassurance after a crash that carbon fibre never could, and we’d argue this is more important than weight savings.
Tantalising titanium – and what about steel?
Titanium is certainly the rarest material for handlebars to be made from, although its properties stack up well against carbon fibre and aluminium.
It’s only marginally heavier than carbon fibre, but due to its construction, it can take a similar beating to aluminium.
There’s something special about a titanium bar, with the shiny metal giving your bike plenty of bling factor.
Thompson says its MTB Ti handlebars provide incredible comfort and stiffness, while lasting a lifetime.
The main drawback of titanium is when it comes to cutting your bar down, where you’ll likely need a specialist saw blade and plenty of patience. There’s also the fearsome cost to consider – titanium bars are a boutique option and priced to match.
If money is burning your pocket, then titanium handlebars would make an excellent upgrade to your mountain bike compared to carbon fibre.
Steel bars are only seen on the very cheapest bikes and a few niche typically bikepacking-oriented alt-bars, and won’t be a consideration for most mountain bikers.
Which material is best for me?
If you’re looking for the last word in weight savings, carbon fibre is the answer, but be wary and check for any damage should you crash or bang your bar.
While titanium is excellent for weight and strength, its hefty price tag will be off-putting for many.
That leaves aluminium, which is the best option for most riders due to its light weight and high strength.
