If you’re upgrading a fixie or a mountain bike for more control and a comfortable upright riding position, wide riser handlebars are a smart choice. These bars offer increased leverage, better balance on rough terrain, and a more neutral shoulder posture. The top options below are well-suited for riders who want stability, strength, and a wide stance without sacrificing maneuverability. Each product targets a specific rider type, from trail riders to urban fixie enthusiasts.
Quick comparison — Here’s a snapshot of five popular wide riser bars and who they’re best for:
- PLATT 31.8mm MTM Bar — Best for riders seeking a versatile, durable aluminum bar with multiple rise options.
- FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bar — Best for riders who want a very wide, strong bar with light weight at 50mm rise.
- BUCKLOS MTB Bar — Best for riders needing a longer, highly adjustable range of rises for different bikes and terrains.
- RXL SL Carbon Bar — Best for riders prioritizing ultra-lightweight and stiffness with carbon fiber.
- GEWAGE 31.8 Bar — Best for riders wanting a modern, comfortable geometry with multiple rise choices.
The choices below are organized to help you identify the best fit based on material, width, and rise. All products are designed to accommodate 31.8mm clamps, a common standard for mountain bikes and fixed-gear builds that favor durability and compatibility with wide tires and aggressive riding styles.
PLATT 31.8mm Mountain Bike Handlebar
The PLATT handlebar is a broad 780mm wide aluminum alloy bar with a 31.8mm clamp and multiple rise options (35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, 120mm, 160mm). It weighs as a practical balance of strength and weight, using 6061 aluminum for durability and a back-swept design at 9 degrees to reduce shoulder and wrist fatigue. Best for riders who need a versatile, rugged bar for diverse terrains and rides. The design favors stability and a comfortable grip under long climbs or rough trails.
Who it’s best for: Trail riders and mixed-terrain cyclists who want an adjustable rise and a stable, secure feel at a reasonable weight.
Limitations: Larger rise options may increase overall reach; ensure your frame geometry supports the chosen rise for optimal leverage.
FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bar — 31.8mm, 780mm Wide
This bar emphasizes durability with 6061 aluminum alloy, double-butted construction, hard anodizing, and CNC precision bending. It presents a very wide 780mm width and offers 50mm rise (with a lighter 340g weight) for a commanding posture and stable handling on challenging trails. Best for riders who value a light, strong, wide bar with straightforward sizing and a capable all-mountain stance.
Who it’s best for: All-mountain riders who want a wide leverage bar that remains relatively light for the size.
Limitations: The very wide width might feel oversized on tight sections or smaller frames; consider frame clearance and cockpit fit.
BUCKLOS MTB Handlebars — 720/780mm Wide
The BUCKLOS bar comes in several widths (580/620/720/780mm) with a 31.8mm diameter and a wide selection of rises (20/30/50/90/100/120/160mm). Made from 6061 aluminum with hard anodizing, it emphasizes a solid feel and ergonomic CNC-bent geometry. Best for riders who want broad compatibility across different bikes, including e-bikes and folding bikes, with a robust, adjustable riser set.
Who it’s best for: Riders who frequently switch bikes or ride on varied terrain and need flexible rise options.
Limitations: Heavier builds may not be as nimble in tight urban settings; verify fit with your cockpit length before purchase.
RXL SL Carbon Flat Bar — 31.8, 780mm
The RXL SL carbon bar focuses on ultra-lightweight performance and stiffness, with a 780mm width and a flat, upright riding stance. Carbon fiber offers shock absorption characteristics and reduced weight, making it appealing for riders who prioritize efficiency and a nimble, responsive feel. Best for riders who want minimal weight without sacrificing strength or stiffness.
Who it’s best for: Competitive cyclists and riders prioritizing lightweight, stiff handling with carbon construction.
Limitations: Carbon bars can be more sensitive to impact damage; inspect closely after heavy use and avoid overtightening components.
GEWAGE 31.8 Bike Handlebar — Multiple Rise Options
The GEWAGE bar offers a modern geometry with 12 degrees of rearward sweep and a wide 780mm width. It uses 6061 aluminum alloy and provides several rise options (25mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm, 120mm). This combination balances comfort with control, making it a versatile choice for diverse riding styles. Best for riders who want a stable, ergonomic bar with multiple rise choices and a carbon-like feel in aluminum.
Who it’s best for: Riders seeking a well-rounded, comfortable bar that fits most mountain bikes and dirt bikes.
Limitations: Some riders may prefer a slightly narrower bar for tighter trails; measure your cockpit before selecting width.
Buying Guide
- Width and Rise: Wider bars provide leverage for off-road control, but may feel unwieldy on tight trails. Choose a width that matches your frame and riding style. Rise affects cockpit height; higher rises improve upright comfort but can alter steering feel.
- Material: Aluminum bars are durable and affordable; carbon bars offer weight savings and stiffness but can be pricier and require careful handling. Consider riding conditions and maintenance needs when selecting material.
- Compatibility: Ensure the bar clamp diameter is 31.8mm if your stem and brake levers require that standard. Confirm end-cap and bar-end compatibility with your brakes and shifters.
- Ergonomics: A slight back sweep (around 9–12 degrees) reduces wrist fatigue and encourages a neutral shoulder posture. Ergonomic shaping improves long-ride comfort and control on rough surfaces.
- Intended Use: For enduro and all-mountain riders, a wide and strong bar is advantageous. For urban fixie setups, consider a bar with a comfortable reach and a broad stance for stability during daily riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What width should I choose for a fixie with wide riser bars? A width around 780mm is common for all-mountain and urban fixie builds, but choose a width that matches your shoulder width and riding style.
- Are carbon bars safer than aluminum? Carbon bars are lighter and stiffer but can be damaged by impact. Aluminum bars are more forgiving and generally cheaper.
- Do I need a different rise for a fixie compared to a mountain bike? Yes. Fixies often benefit from a lower rise for responsiveness, while all-mountain use may favor a taller rise for comfort on long rides.
- Can I install these bars on a standard mountain bike stem? Most 31.8mm bars are compatible with standard stems, but verify clamp compatibility and ensure proper torque specs.
- Will wider bars affect brake cable routing? Wider bars may require routing adjustments for brake and derailleur cables to avoid interference.
- What maintenance is needed for aluminum vs carbon bars? Aluminum bars require inspection for dents and corrosion; carbon bars require checking for fiber damage and proper tightening to avoid delamination.
| Product | Width | Rise Options | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLATT 31.8 Mountain Bar | 780mm | 35/50/70/90/120/160mm | 6061 Aluminum | Versatile, all-terrain riders |
| FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bar | 780mm | 50mm | 6061 Aluminum | All-mountain, lightweight preference |
| BUCKLOS MTB Bar | 580/620/720/780mm | 20/30/50/90/100/120/160mm | 6061 Aluminum | Bike-switching or varied terrains |
| RXL SL Carbon Bar | 780mm | — | Carbon Fiber | Lightweight, stiff handling |
| GEWAGE 31.8 Bar | 780mm | 25/55/70/90/120mm | 6061 Aluminum | Comfortable modern geometry |
These options provide a range of choices for riders seeking wide riser bars for fixie and mountain bike use. When selecting, prioritize your riding goals, cockpit fit, and frame geometry to ensure a balanced, confident ride without compromising safety or control.