What Do I Need to Know About BMX Handlebars?

Handlebars for BMX bikes are essential for staying in control. They are strong and durable and usually made out of 4130 Chromoly, aluminium, or high tensile steel. Many bars are also heat-treated, a process that strengthens the bars even further.

BMX bars can be categorised into two-piece and four-piece bars. Two-piece bars are made from two tubes, with one bent to form the main bar and the second crossing the “U” between the handles, providing stability. Four-piece bars are two main bars positioned vertically opposite each other, which are held together by two crossbars. What type you choose depends on your own personal style, and will have little impact on your riding.

How Are BMX Handlebars Measured?

When buying any BMX bar there are four things to take into account: rise, width, upsweep and backsweep. Your bar’s upsweep is the degree of the angle at which the handles point upwards. The backsweep refers to the bars bending back from the centre. The upsweep and backsweep will have little influence on how your bike feels and is a more personal preference. The rise refers to the height of the bar and is measured from the bar’s lowest to the highest point. The width can be measured from one end to the other end of the bar. The bars’ width ranges from around 27 to 31 inches. But let’s talk about some simple rules for choosing the right bar.

What Size BMX Handlebars Do I Need?

The rise or height of your handlebar is largely down to your personal preference. However, many taller riders will prefer taller bars, as they are more comfortable to ride because they don’t need to hunch as much. Check out our Handlebars Size chart to get a better idea of what height you should go for.

When it comes to width, it is recommended that you get a bar that matches the width of your shoulders. A slightly wider bar will give you more stability when riding, although some riders opt for a slightly narrower bar to have more knee clearance.

To get a fresh pair of grips for your bar, head over to our BMX Grips page.