Is It Just Time to Call Them Bars?
Handlebars have always been a critical component of cycling, shaping not just the look of a bike but also its performance and feel. For decades, the distinction between flat bars and drop bars has served as a convenient shorthand for categorizing bicycles. Flat bars conjure images of mountain bikes and urban rides, while drop bars evoke the streamlined posture of road racing. Yet, as cycling has diversified, so too have the options for handlebars—leading to the rise of what many have dubbed "alt-bars."
Alt-bars, short for alternative handlebars, encompass a wide range of designs: Trekking Bars (the original alt-bar), Crazy Bars, Klunker Bars, Far Bars, and more. Originally the domain of bikepacking, touring, and other niche disciplines, these handlebars offered solutions to specific challenges—more hand positions, improved comfort, or enhanced control on technical terrain. But as cycling has evolved and these bars have become more common, a question arises: are they still "alternative," or is it time to simply call them "bars?"
The Evolution of Handlebars
For much of cycling history, handlebars were neatly divided into flat and drop categories. This split reflected the two dominant cycling purposes: utility and speed. Flat bars dominated in mountain biking and urban settings, offering upright posture and stability. Drop bars, on the other hand, catered to speed and efficiency, prioritizing aerodynamics and multiple hand positions.
As cycling transformed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries (oh, that phrase makes me feel old), so did its handlebars. Designers began to experiment with forms that defied the flat/drop binary. The results—from swooping mustache bars to multi-position butterfly bars—were embraced by touring cyclists, gravel adventurers, and everyday riders seeking comfort and utility.
Alt-Bars Go Mainstream
What was once considered unconventional is now a mainstay of modern cycling. Alt-bars have moved beyond their niche origins to adorn bikes of all types, from gravel grinders to commuter rigs. Today, it’s not uncommon to see drop bars on a cargo bike or Klunker Bars on a single-speed commuter.
This change reflects a growing diversity in cycling culture. Riders are prioritizing comfort, versatility, and individuality over traditional notions of speed and efficiency. Alt-bars, with their ergonomic advantages and unique aesthetics, have proven to be the perfect match for these priorities.
Rethinking the Label
But if alt-bars are now mainstream, does the "alternative" label still make sense? At its core, the term "alt-bar" implies a deviation from the norm. Yet, with their widespread adoption, these bars arguably are the norm for many cyclists. Has maintaining the "alt" label, created distinctions where none are needed?
Breaking down handlebars into subcategories like "trekking bars" or "bullmoose bars" might serve a marketing purpose, but it risks overcomplicating things for new riders. After all, what truly matters is not the name but how a handlebar feels, performs, and aligns with a rider's needs.
Embracing a Unified View
Perhaps it’s time to reframe how we talk about handlebars. Instead of rigid categories, we might think of handlebars as existing on a spectrum—a continuum of shapes, angles, and purposes. By shifting the focus from labels to functionality, we can encourage riders to explore what works best for them without being constrained by terminology, applications and preconceptions.
This approach simplifies the conversation, reflecting the inclusive spirit of modern cycling. Whether you’re rocking a set of Granola Bars for your daily commute or Far Bars on your gravel bike, the choice should be celebrated as part of the medley that makes cycling so vibrant.
Thoughts?
So, what do you think? Are we at the point where it’s just time to call them all "bars"? Or do you think the distinctions still serve a purpose? Share your thoughts, your favorite handlebar setups, and the adventures they’ve taken you on. Let’s keep the conversation rolling—on whatever bars you prefer.
@J: You say “they should still fit into one of two categories either flat or dropped”.
I really don’t understand what you mean by that.
Take a swept back, riser bar. In which of those two categories does that fit? And a handlebar like on a Dutch ‘omafiets’? A BMX bar? A bullhorn bar? An aero bar?
Even given what alt bars are they should still fit into one of two categories either flat or dropped so why not keep things simple? I know this will bother people that market for a living but please… it’s not that complique
@Jim,
But there are touring frames, road frames, mtb frames, etc… I think with bars since there aren’t very many limitations on what they can be put on, you can mix and match a lot easier than you can with frames, to an extent.
@Kirbie,
I’d probably say the Granola Bar. Hard to say though because the Moth Bars are very wide. Basically MTB width but very swept back.
@Dragomir,
Indeed, drastic changes in bars (drops → flats and vice versa) can lead to changes in handling. But in my experience, you’ll get used to it within a few minutes. Does that mean it will be better for your setup and fit? Not necessarily, but it can be worth a try just even to spice things up a bit. Adding luggage to the the bike may have a bigger effect, but unladen you’ll feel right at home pretty quickly. A fork change in rake can definitely change handling, but same thing – you’ll get used to it pretty quickly. Though, it might make handling outside the realm of what the designers had intended, which could make things interesting. Putting a low trail fork on a road racing bike for example.
@WhateverBikes,
Interesting perspective! I loved all of the city bikes out in Denmark and Germany. Lol geriatric vibe. I have some friends in Europe and they say the same thing about those bars. All of the 4 pannier retired tourists are using those. Maybe not so much nowadays though with ebikes.
I am a big believer in the old “form follows function”. And I add that the necessary function follows operation – which is how you want to use the bike. I am a big fan of the “Tourist” style bar and have bought several. They just work best for most of the very “alt” bikes I build (see G4Bikes.com).
Getting names right is hard. As biking overall has become more diverse, “alt” is not sufficient. I vote for more descriptive names. Maybe physically vice funtionally or operationally.
As a Dutch person, I have a love-hate relationship with alt bars.
Thing is, most of those handlebars are as ‘alt’ here as a Starbucks at an airport. Bars like in the 5th picture are bog standard on the typical bikes you see here. Run of the mill, dime a dozen.
Now I realize it is a bit childish, but it is what it is: if I put such a handlebar on any of my builds, not one person here will think ‘hey that’s a funky handlebar on that mountain bike, what a unique look’. The will either think ’what’s a city bike handlebar doing on a mountainbike?’ or, far more probably, they just won’t care at all.
And those bars in the 4th picture have a very strong geriatric vibe over here 😬
But hey, sadly, there isn’t any ‘alternative bike’ culture here at all, so nobody cares anyway
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