Our Five Favorite MTB Handlebars for 2017

In this series of Our Five Favorites, we are laying out some of the best mountain bike handlebars on the market. The handlebar is such an important component to the fit and feel you have with your bike. With so many handlebar width, rise, upsweep and back sweep options available, getting the right handlebar setup will give you more confidence on the trail. We carry a full collection of mountain bike handlebars from brands like Race Face, Renthal, Chromag, Thompson, Deity, Crank Brothers, Truvativ, Salsa, and more! 

1. Race Face SIXc 35

The Race Face SIXc 35 carbon fiber handlebars use a 35mm clamp diameter and use a 8 degree back sweep and 5 degree upsweep. The SIXc bars are molded from uni directional carbon fiber and are finished with a matte clear coat. SIXc bars are offered in either a 800mm or 820mm width and come in either a 10mm, 20mm, or 35mm rise. Weighing in at 210 grams and 235 grams depending on the width, Race Face has created a super strong downhill worthy handlebar in a lightweight package. Just like all of the different handlebars from Race Face, the SIXc bars are offered in a variety of colors to match your bike!

2. Renthal Fatbar

For years, Renthal has been a leader in the motocross industry and since they emerged into the mountain bike market, they've done nothing but create a killer product with their signature style. The Renthal Fatbar was their first mountain bike handlebar designed to meet the needs for downhill and endruo riding. The Fatbar is now offered in both carbon (225grams) and aluminum (345grams). The Fatbar uses a 7 degree back sweep and 5 degree upsweep and features a 780mm width. The aluminum version comes in either a 10mm, 20mm, 30mm or 38mm rise. The carbon version comes in either a 10mm, 20mm, 30mm or 40mm rise. 

3. Race Face Next 35

The Race Face Next 35 handlebars are the same Next handlebars you have come to love now on steroids. Now featuring a 760mm width and 35mm clamp diameter, the Next 35 bars still manage to weigh 180 grams and are perfect for your XC or trail bike. Just like all of Race Face handlebars, the Next 35 handlebars use a 8 degree back sweep and 5 degree upsweep.  These bars come with either 10mm or 20mm rise and are available in a range of colors! 

4. Renthal FatBar Lite

With so much success with the Fatbar, Renthal went on a diet and created the Fatbar Lite intended for trail riding use. Just like the traditional Fatbar, the Fatbar Lite is offered in both carbon and aluminum! The Fatbar Lite is available in both a 760mm and 740mm width and comes in all the same rise options as the Fatbar. With a 7 degree back sweep and 5 degree upsweep, the Fatbar Lite is a great option for someone with the one do it all bike on an adventure. 

5. Race Face Next R

The Race Face Next R handlebars are as sleek as they get. The entire Next R lineup of products, from the cranks to handlebars, all scream performance! The Rally series from Race Face is designed for the modern enduro rider, someone who is pushing the limits of their bike and equipment. The Next R handlebars, which come standard at 800mm wide and a 35mm clamp diameter, are strong enough to push yourself to the limit. With a stealthy look, the Next R bars look sharp on the front of any bike!