Handlebars are a vital element of a bicycle. It connects the steering wheel and the plug stem, representing, in fact, the steering bracket. Accordingly, the selection becomes a very important task.
Features of choice
This element is present on almost all types of bike bikes. But its characteristics may vary depending on the species. We are talking about indicators such as manufacturing material, production technology, size, adjustment and tilt.
To choose the rudder extension, the diameter of the fasteners should also be taken into account: on ordinary bicycle bikes and mountain models, it can differ by more than 60 mm. In this regard, the choice becomes much more difficult. Short holders are most often mounted on street and stunt bikes.
If the mount is small, the handling will improve and the rider will be as straight as possible. In this case, the frame is deflected even when the steering wheel is turned slightly. This is very important in urban road conditions, as well as when it is planned to overcome obstacles.
Design
When it comes to road bikes, their owners should opt for a long steering wheel. This is due to the fact that for driving along the highway significant speed and excellent aerodynamics are required. The design of the bike, as well as the position of the rider affect the air resistance, reducing it. In this case, an extended stem ensures a correct fit. The angle can be adjusted, respectively, the landing is adjusted in accordance with the growth.
As for mountain bikes, here you should stay on the holders of the medium sized handlebars. And if long offsets reduce the resistance of air currents, shorter ones can improve the maneuverability of the bike. If we are talking about medium-length brackets, they successfully combine the main advantages of both types. Using them, you can adapt to the conditions of the territory where the movement occurs, respectively, the ride will be more safe and dynamic. If the bike does not have a special purpose, you should install universal steering wheel on it..
Types
This item is divided into types depending on the mounting method. It can be fixed on 1, 2 or 4 fixing bolts.
Outriggers are divided into short, medium and long. There are also universal models. Some of them are unregulated, while others can change both the angle of the steering angle and the distance to it. This is a very important point, since changing the angle allows you to make the arrangement of the handles more convenient, respectively, the cyclist will be more convenient and safe to be behind the wheel.
Depending on what type of handlebars the bike has, the holder is also selected. For example, for compact bike bikes, the folding steering wheel, which is fixed on the telescopic bracket, is most suitable. With it, you can not only fold the handles, but also remove the steering wheel if necessary.
Dimensions
As for the size of the steering holder, it can range from 5 to 140 mm. Products with a length of up to 40-60 mm are called short and are mainly placed on urban bike bikes. Universal holders have a size of 60 to 100 mm. The size of the middle steering brackets is from 100 to 120 mm. The long steering bracket is most often placed on track bike bikes; its length can be from 120 to 140 mm.
And also note the difference in diameter. The 25.4 mm holder is placed on bike bikes designed to move around the city. For mountain bikes, 31.8 mm parts are intended. And, finally, for track - the figure is 35 mm.
How to set the length of the bracket?
The convenience of controlling the bike, its maneuverability and the rider’s landing most often depend on the height and angle of the steering wheel. The concept of "extension length" implies a gap from the center of the steering wheel to the center of the steering column. And the more significant this indicator, the more inclined the person will be. It should be noted that when driving on rough roads, a large take-out is very inconvenient, but cyclists who are driving for a long time feel comfortable with it.
Short takeaway is most relevant for people who need maneuverability. The steering wheel in this case is placed as close to the chest as possible.
The length of the rudder is measured as follows:
- for starters, the saddle is installed as it will be most comfortable for the owner;
- after that, an elbow is applied to the edge of his nose - with an ideal distance, the driver must reach the helm with his fingers.
If you plan to mainly walk on city roads, the steering wheel should be a little closer to the axis, and with long movements, on the contrary, a little further from it, which will allow the human body to be as horizontal as possible. In this situation, you can allow your fingers to touch the middle of the mount.
It should be noted that it is most convenient in most cases when the steering wheel is at a distance of 100-120 mm from the steering axis. If the cyclist feels uncomfortable with different mounting options, this may mean that the frame is too small. In this case, it makes sense to look for other options.
In addition, you need to consider a few more nuances. If a person is going to choose a long bicycle rudder, he must know that the body will move. Accordingly, the load on the front wheel will be increased.This can create some difficulties when exiting the mountain. However, on the hills, on the contrary, it is very convenient.
The horizontal inclination of the body of the landlord provides a remote location of the steering wheel. In this case, the load on the hands becomes many times greater.
With a short steering holder, the center of gravity moves back. This is useful when demonstrating bike tricks, as the front wheel can be easily lifted. In addition, the steering wheel spins more conveniently, respectively, it’s easier to maintain balance, since the bike does not lean to the side.
Materials of manufacture
The cost of the part also depends on the choice of manufacturing material. The most budget options are steel and iron. They are used mainly in domestic production. Among the disadvantages, first of all, the serious weight of the products. This leads to the cost of unnecessary effort on the part of the cyclist, and also generally burdens the structure.
Better and more expensive parts are based on aluminum alloys processed by cold forging. The optimal solution is carbon fiber. Products made from it are often used by athletes, as they help reduce the weight of the bike.
Production technology
The steering wheel can be carried out using various technologies: welding, forging, milling, as well as a mixed method.
As for welding, it is used only for cheap models. The main disadvantage is the seams. In addition, serious loads often lead to cracks on the product.
The most popular technology is forging. Such rudders are very durable, and at the same time have a low weight. In addition, in this situation, it turns out to get rid of welds.
When milling on a machine, cast products are processed. It should be noted their strength and reliability. This is the best option for significant loads on the steering wheel.
Finally, with mixed production technology, the fork clamp is located directly in the holder, and the steering is welded. The price of such parts is quite budget, and the quality is at a high level.
Features of removal and replacement
Each owner should bear in mind that when defects appear on various parts of the steering wheel, they must be replaced. If the holder was originally welded to the plug stem, it must also be replaced. In the case of installation on bolts, everything is much simpler, they simply unscrew.
For dismantling, a pin is first of all removed from the fork pipe. To do this, unscrew the central nut.
To adjust the angle, the bracket is adjustable. This can be done by tightening the bolts. The length is set in the same way. Do not be afraid to carry out the adjustment not once, but several, as this is how the most convenient position for the cyclist is selected.
Experts advise to install unregulated take-off of the steering wheel in city and pleasure bikes. The product, which will cost an order of magnitude more expensive, in this case does not make much sense. Adjustable parts are essential for mountain and sprint bikes.
However, whichever option you choose, first and foremost It should be comfortable for the cyclist. Otherwise, cycling will not give pleasure, in addition, it may become unsafe.
See the next video for how to choose a bike rudder.
