Handlebars

Handlebars
Name	Handlebars
Type	Control interface

Handlebars

Handlebars are steering and control interfaces mounted on bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, wheelchairs, and boats, serving as points of contact for direction, braking, acceleration, and accessory mounting. They appear across designs from road racing frames used in the Tour de France to cruiser motorcycles appearing at rallies like Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and in adaptive equipment for athletes competing at the Paralympic Games. Riders and technicians cite standards from organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization, the European Committee for Standardization, and national regulatory agencies like the Department of Transportation (United States) when selecting or modifying handlebars.

Etymology and Terminology

The term "handlebar" derives from early Velocipede and Safety bicycle eras when riders grasped a bar; contemporaneous innovators such as Kirkpatrick Macmillan and manufacturers like Rudge Whitworth and BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company) popularized variations. Industry jargon encompasses terms like "drop", "flat", "ape-hanger", "bullhorn", and "cruiser" reflecting styles adopted by figures in cycling competition at venues including Paris–Roubaix and by motorcyclists attending events such as Isle of Man TT. Standards bodies such as the International Cycling Union and trade firms like Schwinn and Raleigh Bicycle Company influenced lexicon through catalogs and race regulations.

Types and Designs

Handlebars are classified into distinct forms aligned with use cases: road racing drop bars used by teams in Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España; flat bars commonly found on commuter bicycles in cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen; riser and cruiser bars favored by builders showcased at Essen Motor Show and Mooneyes exhibitions; and clip-on bars used by prototypes in MotoGP and Superbike World Championship. Other specialized types include bullhorns and pursuit bars seen in UCI Track Cycling World Championships, butterfly bars used on expedition bicycles in transcontinental events such as Race Across America, and ape-hanger bars associated with custom builds appearing in media about Easy Rider and custom shops like West Coast Choppers.

Materials and Construction

Manufacturers source tubing from alloys and composites developed by corporations and research centers including Alcoa, Carpenter Technology Corporation, and laboratories affiliated with MIT and ETH Zurich. Common materials include chromoly steel used by heritage firms like Schwinn and Peugeot, 6061 and 7005 aluminum alloys produced by companies such as Alcoa and Aalberts Industries, and carbon fiber laminates manufactured by firms like Trek Bicycle Corporation and Specialized Bicycle Components. Construction techniques reference welding methods promoted in standards from American Welding Society and bonding and layup techniques used by aerospace contractors like Boeing and Airbus for high-performance composites.

Function and Ergonomics

Handlebars mediate control inputs affecting stability in disciplines exemplified by Downhill Mountain Biking and Enduro World Series, and rider posture in events like UCI Road World Championships and long-distance tours such as Transcontinental Race. Ergonomic choices influence wrist, shoulder, and neck biomechanics studied at institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and University of Oxford. Brake and shift lever integration follows patterns set by component makers like Shimano, SRAM (company), and Campagnolo, while motorcycle throttle and brake geometries reflect standards from Harley-Davidson, Honda Motor Company, and Yamaha Motor Company applied in competitions such as MotoGP.

Historical Development and Cultural Significance

From the penny-farthing era promoted by pioneers like James Starley to twentieth-century mass-market bicycles from Hercules Cycle and Motor Company and Raleigh Bicycle Company, handlebars evolved alongside transport revolutions captured in exhibitions at the Great Exhibition and motor shows in Geneva Motor Show. In motorcycle culture, bar styles became symbols in films like The Wild One and in custom scenes represented by builders such as Orange County Choppers and venues like Daytona Bike Week. Adaptive handlebars engineered for Paralympic athletes intersect with assistive-technology research at centers including Sheffield Hallam University and University of Sydney, while urban planning initiatives in Copenhagen and Portland, Oregon influenced commuter handlebar trends.

Maintenance and Installation

Routine maintenance follows procedures recommended by cycling organizations such as British Cycling, mechanics trained at schools like the United Bicycle Institute, and OEM guidelines from manufacturers including Giant Manufacturing Co. and Cannondale. Tasks include torqueing stem bolts to specifications used by teams in UCI Continental Circuits, inspecting clamping surfaces influenced by standards from the International Organization for Standardization, and replacing grips or bar tape using products from firms like Brooks England, Lizard Skins, and Fizik. Professional installation is advised when modifying control systems in contexts regulated by authorities such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and events governed by Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

Category:Cycle parts