MTB handlebar width is one of the most important factors in bike fit and handling. Go too wide and your cockpit feels stretched and awkward—too narrow and you lose stability when the trail gets rough. With modern bars ranging from 720mm to 800mm, choosing the right size can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll explain how bar width impacts control, comfort, and performance, and help you find the sweet spot for your riding style.
Why Handlebar Width Matters
Your handlebars are more than just a place to rest your hands—they’re the steering wheel for your bike. Width directly affects:
-
Stability: Wider bars give you more leverage and confidence at speed.
-
Steering response: Narrower bars make for quicker handling, ideal in tight terrain.
-
Comfort: The wrong width can strain your shoulders, elbows, or wrists over time.
Get it right, and your bike feels planted and natural. Get it wrong, and you’re either wrestling your cockpit or twitching through descents.
The Evolution of MTB Handlebar Widths
-
2000s XC Era: Bars rarely went past 680mm. Riders wanted efficiency for climbing and long-distance racing.
-
2010s Enduro Boom: Bars stretched to 740–760mm as riders tackled steeper, rougher trails.
-
Today: 780–800mm is standard on enduro and downhill rigs, with cut marks so riders can trim to preference.
The trend has followed bike geometry. As bikes got slacker and longer, bars got wider to keep steering balanced.
Pros and Cons of Wider Handlebars
Wider (780–800mm)
Pros:
-
Maximum stability at high speeds
-
More leverage in corners and on steep descents
-
Favoured by downhill and enduro riders
Cons:
-
Can feel awkward in tight tree lines
-
Stretches smaller riders
-
May cause shoulder or wrist discomfort on long rides
Pros and Cons of Narrower Handlebars
Narrower (720–760mm)
Pros:
-
Easier to maneuver in tight terrain
-
More comfortable for smaller riders or long rides
-
Quicker steering response
Cons:
-
Less stable on high-speed descents
-
Reduced leverage when muscling the bike through rough sections
How Handlebar Width Impacts Your Ride
-
Stability & Control
-
Wider bars = more leverage, which means better stability at speed and more control on steep descents.
-
Narrower bars = quicker steering, but less confidence when things get rowdy.
-
-
Comfort & Body Fit
-
Shoulder width matters. A rider with broad shoulders will feel cramped on a 740mm bar, while a smaller rider might feel stretched on 800mm.
-
Overly wide bars can cause shoulder, elbow, or wrist strain on long rides.
-
-
Trail Type & Riding Style
-
XC/Marathon: Usually 720–760mm for efficiency and quick handling.
-
Trail/Enduro: 760–780mm is the sweet spot for most riders.
-
Downhill/Freeride: 780–800mm for maximum stability in high-speed, aggressive terrain.
-
How to Choose the Right Handlebar Width
-
Consider your body size:
-
Riders under 5’7″ often prefer 720–760mm.
-
Riders over 6’0″ generally feel comfortable at 780–800mm.
-
Shoulder width is just as important as height—go with what feels natural.
-
-
Think about your trails:
-
Tight, wooded singletrack → slightly narrower.
-
Wide-open descents or bike park laps → go wider.
-
-
Experiment and trim:
-
Most handlebars come at 780–800mm with cut marks.
-
Ride them full width first, then trim in 5mm increments until it feels right.
-
Final Thoughts
There’s no “one size fits all” for MTB handlebars. The right width depends on your body, bike, and terrain. Think of it this way: a wide bar gives you confidence at speed, while a narrower bar keeps things nimble in the woods. Start wide, trim smart, and dial in your cockpit until the bike feels like an extension of you.
Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. Orders are all processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well. Looking for mountain bike parts? We stock hundreds of parts from multiple brands and you can shop our entire selection here.
Spend less and ride the best with TBS Bike Parts.
Related Articles
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MTB HANDLEBAR
HANDLEBAR RISE AND SWEEP: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR RIDE
VERTICALLY COMPLIANT MTB HANDLEBARS – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
NEW RELEASE: TITLE MTB CARBON AND ALLOY REFORM HANDLEBARS
ALUMINUM VS. CARBON MTB HANDLEBARS – ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
