Bicycle owners, who often use this vehicle, prefer to choose various accessories and bicycle parts for it. One of them are the steering wheel horns. Opinions regarding the functionality of this attribute were divided, some users consider them useless. Why, after all, are horns needed, and what are their main features?
What are they for?
Users believe that the horns on the steering wheel are an accessory designed to facilitate the life of a cyclist. They are attached around the edges. You can choose short, medium length and long models, the latter have several bends, due to which the grip can be carried out in different positions. The grip area is from 70 to 120 millimeters.
So, the first task of the horns is let the cyclist change grip. This is especially true when driving uphill and long driving. Often this accessory is used for mountain bikes. Also, the horns perform a protective function and protect the equipment, for example, during a fall. Landing becomes more elongated, which can also be considered a plus.
You can attach various accessories to the horns, such as a mirror, a flashlight, etc. In addition, when the bike needs to be put on the steering wheel, for example, for repair, it will be much easier to do this, even without removing various additional elements. On the horns, you can also hang various, not too heavy objects.
The steering horns will generally improve the aerodynamic properties of the Iron Horse.In bad weather, under the influence of precipitation and excessive humidity, the hand sometimes slides off the steering wheel, which threatens with bruises and even injuries. Using horns, this nuisance is eliminated. Hands are comfortable, the grip can be changed periodically, which is especially important for those who are driving for a long time.
In addition, the bike begins to look stylish and spectacular, attracts the attention of others.
disadvantages
In general, it can be noted that the horns on the steering wheel are special handles attached to the edges. This accessory was not originally provided for by the design; accordingly, in addition to the positive aspects, it also has disadvantages. One of them is the possibility of injury when operating improperly installed horns. Experts also do not recommend bullying them too much. Better to give preference standard models.
If the cyclist moves on rough terrain, there is a risk of catching something and falling, respectively, this also threatens injury. The weight of the structure increases, and there is already not so much space on the bike. If the movement occurs in difficult terrain, it is best to keep your hands on the brake levers, in some cases this can save you from trouble.
There is also a risk that if the fall is unsuccessful, the cyclist himself is injured on the horns. It may be difficult to place the bike for the winter. If a special case is used for this, the horns will be very in the way.
The size
As for the size, the horns for the bike wheel are short, medium and long. In some cases, short ones may be bundled with flu. They perform a protective function, as well as provide firm grip. On medium models, grip is available in only one position. They are universal and can be mounted on different bikes.
When using them, the body can be in a different position, for this it is enough to just change the angle of inclination. Due to this, they can be called the most popular among users. The difference between long horns is that they have a curved shape. Great for road bikes. They are preferred by users for whom long trips are relevant, when it is possible to periodically change the grip options. Provide good hand protection.
Geometric shape
Approaching the question of choice, you need to decide what kind of accessory the user needs. The most commonly chosen anatomical. It is very convenient and reliable. In this position, the hands do not get tired for a long time. The most expensive are the curved horns. Their advantage is that there is a maximum number of grips. Very convenient to use triangular and geometric shapes.
The direct form is most often the case with cheap Chinese options. They are not too convenient to use, and users do not recommend purchasing such models.
Materials of manufacture
Materials manufacturing there are many. On sale you can find plastic, carbon, composite, titanium, metal and aluminum horns. They have several connection methods, the most reliable of which is welding. It can also be gluing and adhesion. Among the models, manufacturers recommend giving their preference to carbon or titanium horns.
They are the most reliable, however, at the same time the most expensive. In the next price category are products composite and aluminumwhich also have high quality. Steel materials, of course, are durable, but at the same time very heavy. More and more popular plastic hornshowever, they have a significant drawback - they are not repaired in the event of a breakdown.
Type of fastening to the steering wheel
Velorul has 2 types of mount horns. The first one is external. Horns are fixed using clamps.With internal fastening, they are placed with a spacer. It is worth stopping at a method that is more convenient for the cyclist.
How to install?
Installation must be preceded by removal or circumcision of influenza. You also need to prepare clamps and hexagons. Horns are clamped with clamps. After that, the horns themselves are installed. The optimum angle of inclination should be 45-50 degrees. If it is very different, this will lead to a quick tired hand of the cyclist.
It should be noted that carbon horns are easy enough to damage. Therefore, when working with them, care must be taken.
How to choose?
When choosing horns for the steering wheel, there is usually no difficulty. They are in a wide range on the shelves of specialized stores. However, there are a number of factors that should be decided in advance. The main one is hardware compatibility. Better to use products of trusted and reliable manufacturers. Next, the issue of the type of mount is solved. A significant role is played by the value of the goods.
It is worth deciding which fabrication material is more preferable for the user. Manufacturers also offer a wide range of shapes and sizes; they are responsible for ease of use. If relevant, the weight of the product is estimated. Users should consider that there must be sufficient free space for installing bicycle horns with an external mount on the handlebars. This condition can be ensured by cutting off the edges of the flu.. In the case when there is not enough space, it is better to abandon such models and choose the option with internal mounting.
Also, when buying, you need to consider the purpose. If you need as many grip options as possible, you should pay attention to long models, while small ones will close their hands well when falling. Medium horns are universal and suitable for any user. In addition, you must measure the diameter of the steering wheel. Horns should be evaluated visually. They should have a flat surface, on which there are no defects and chips.
In this case, special attention should be paid to inexpensive Chinese goods. You will need to pay attention to the length, which should exceed the width of the palm.
See how to install the horns on the handlebars of a bicycle in the next video.
