NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING BMX HANDLEBARS?

BMX handlebars have a lot of options, some differences are obvious, others more subtle. We have made this buyer's guide to help you understand the ins and outs of handlebars geometry. Here at SourceBMX we are 100% rider own and run, feel free to contact us for any questions you have!

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CONSTRUCTION



BMX Handlebars come in either a 2 piece construction or a 4-piece construction. What one you choose is down to personal preference. 4-piece bars offer additional strength (and weight) and are popular mostly with Street riders. 2-piece bars offer a more classic look and are typically lighter.

Handlebar Geometry

RISE

The rise refers to how tall the bars are, and is the biggest influence on how your handlebars will feel. The rise of the bars is completely down to personal preference. If you are starting from scratch and need a reference point, then handlebars with a rise of 8"-8.75" are considered average.

UP SWEEP

This angle measures how much the bars angle upwards at the grip area. A 0˚ up sweep would mean that the grip area is perfectly flat and parallel to the ground. The up sweep angle choice is completely down to rider preference with the average being between 2˚ - 3˚.

WIDTH

The width of handlebars simply refers to how wide the handlebars are - they typically range from around 27" to 30" in iwdth. Again this is completely down to personal preference and many riders cut the bars down to a required width if needed with a hacksaw.

BACK SWEEP

Back sweep refers to the amount the grip area of the bars angles back towards the rider. This angle plays a pivotal part in how the handlebars feel. A 0˚ back sweep would mean the bars are completely flat, the larger the angle the more the bars angle back. An average back sweep would be between 2˚ - 3˚.