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Best road bike handlebars 2024: how to choose them and best reviewed handlebars

The best bike handlebars are an oft overlooked upgrade - we explain why they're so important and outline what to look for when you 're shopping for a new pair

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The Quick List

Best budget

Best flared

Best narrow width

The Best Road Handlebars Buyers Guide

Best road handlebars 2024: jump menu.

The list in brief ↴

Carbon bars 1. Best budget 2. Best flared 3. Best narrow width

Alloy bars 1. Best flared 2. Best narrow width 3. Best aero

Advice A guide to buying the right bars for you

There are three key touch points that connect you to your bike: pedals , saddle, and handlebars. Most cyclists invest a fair amount of time into selecting the first two with military precision - but the best road bike handlebars are often forgotten.

Choosing the ideal handlebars for you can have a huge effect on your comfort and performance, for they play a significant role in determining your position and weight distribution, making them one of the best road bike upgrades you can make.

Though of course movements such as cornering should come largely from shifts in body weight, your handlebars are pretty crucial too - and if they're the weak link in the chain then upgrading them can have a noticeable effect.

To help you find the right bars for you, we've selected six of our favourites - three carbon pairs and three alloy pairs. We've looked to include bars with varying attributes, including narrow width, aero and flared options. To further assist you we've also answered a few of the commonly asked questions when it comes to choosing the best road handlebars.

Carbon bars

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

A lightweight aero bar with good cable integration and a comfort-inducing shape, at a price that's hard to beat.

Read more below

Designed to enhance your aerodynamic position, they match a narrow hood width with some flare at the drops.

Offered in a 36cm width, the shape is great for smaller hands, but does come with an S-Works price tag.

An exceptional all-road bar, combining bags of comfort and control in a lightweight package.

If you need a high-performing road bar in a 36cm width that's also budget friendly these won't disappoint. 

A stylish bar with solid aero properties and a compact shape thats aids smooth hand position changes.

The best carbon road handlebars: Our picks

Best budget carbon bars.

1. Prime Primavera Aero carbon handlebars

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

When we first reviewed the carbon Primavera Aero bars, the smallest size was a 38cm - but now, these start from 36cm and go all the way up to 44cm - giving riders of all shapes and sizes an affordable option in the carbon aero category. 

As for the other dimensions, they opt for a relatively 'short and shallow' approach, combining a 122mm drop with a 76.5mm reach. We found the compact shape to be 'spot on'. Likewise, we also appreciated what we felt was just the right amount of  stiffness. They felt rock solid, with no noticeable flexing,  but importantly this didn't translate to harsh ride feel. Add to this the neat internal cable routing and exceptional value for a carbon option, and they come highly recommended. The only downside was a lack of markings to help out with set-up, but once you've got them fitted, there isn't much we can fault.

Read more: Prime Primavera Aero handlebars full review

Best flared carbon bars

2. Enve SES Aero handlebars

If you perhaps thought that flared bars were for gravel riding only, then think again. A narrow hood width combined with a flare at the drops has become pretty popular in the pro peloton, thanks to its ability to aid a more aggressively aero riding position. 

Enve were early adopters of this design and the fact that its SES Aero bars are still in production - and now with the updated 'IN-Route' system that's designed to work with most internally routed front ends - is proof of their appeal.

Typically when buying bars the stated width measurement relates to the hood width but here it's the drops. This means that the 42cm actually measures just 37cm at the hoods. If you're looking to narrow your front end for racing purposes, then it's likely the SES will be a good fit. However, aerodynamically advantageous positions aren't always the most comfortable to hold, meaning this might not be the best option if your looking for a versatile bar that can be used for endurance rides, for example.

We last reviewed these bars some years ago, and without the integrated cabling, so look out for a new review soon. 

Best narrow width carbon bars

3. Specialized S-Works Shallow Bend handlebars

Finding narrow width bars isn't always the easiest, with many models starting at 38mm or 40mm. Fortunately Specialized has made a habit of releasing its bars in a 36cm width, which is ideal for those smaller in stature. 

The S-Works Shallow Bend, as their name suggest, are.a compact offering. They blend a short 123mm drop with an equally short 75mm reach. Combine this design with the 36cm width option and you really have.bar that's well-suited to those with smaller hands. We loved this shape in the alloy version, finding it to be supremely comfortable.

Being a carbon bar -  using Specialized's FACT construction - you also get the combination of stiff and light. In the 42cm width version they have a claimed weight of just 200g.

We'll be reviewing the bars soon so check back for more details.

The best alloy road handlebars: Our picks

Best flared alloy bars.

1. Zipp SL-70 XPLR handlebars

While many gravel bars offer a significant amount of flare in the drops for better control on off-road terrain, there are a few options that are well suited to road riding too - and Zipp's SL-70 XPLR bars are possibly the best example.

The 11-degree outsweep and five degrees of flare at the drops adds control and comfort without producing a extreme position at the hood, as some flared bars do. Combined with the short and shallow reach and the ergo tops and you have what we found to be a perfect all-road bar, ideally matched to long rides over less than perfect tarmac. 

Read more: Zipp Service Course SL-70 XPLR handlebar full review

2. Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow Bend handlebars

As with Specialized's carbon shallow drop, the alloy version are offered in a 36cm width size and feature the same design that's ideal for riders with smaller hands, thanks to the shallow drop of 123mm, and the short reach of 75mm.

However, unlike the carbon option, these are keenly priced making them an inexpensive upgrade or a good option for a race bike, where a crash can prove costly in more ways than one of you're riding carbon fibre bars. Being made from butted aluminium they're strong but still impressively light - when we reviewed the bars out 36cm size tipped the scales at just 263g.

Read more: Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow Bend handlebars full review

Best aero alloy handlebars

3. Deda Superzero DCR alloy handlebars

Deda's Superzero DCR are an affordable aero handlebar that are designed to mimic the aero styling and performance of the Italian's brands far more expensive carbon options.

They feature the flat profile that you'd expect from a bar that's designed to reduce drag. Deda's Rapid Hand Movement shape is in play here - this means a shallow drop and short reach created for cyclists who like to change hand position often. In terms of the numbers, this equates to a reach of 75mm and a drop of 130mm. Other features include internal cable routing and compatibility with Deda's DCR stems.

We'll be reviewing the Superzero DCR alloy handlebars soon, so check back for more details from our testing. 

How wide should my road bars be?

The bars that come specced on a new bike are an estimate based upon the average shoulder width of the average person riding a bike in your size.

As most cyclists will protest, none of us are truly average, so tailoring the bars to suit you is a good idea. This is particularly relevant for women who have bought a unisex bike over a female specific bike: most women have narrower shoulders compared to men of the same height so will want a narrower handlebar.

Bars that are too wide can put pressure on your neck and arms, and will make riding the bike feel a bit like driving a truck. To the contrary, narrow bars will make you feel cramped, but it's worth remembering that narrower bars will bring your elbows in, having quite a significant impact upon aerodynamics.

The rule of thumb when selecting the correct handlebar width is to measure the distance between the two bony bits on your shoulders - in more scientific terms the distance between your two acromioclavicular (AC) joints.

This measurement gives you a baseline - if it's 38cm, look for 38cm bars - and so on. However, personal preference and riding style play a role, too. If, for example, aerodynamics are important to you, perhaps opt one size down.

Some riders like the stability afforded by slightly wider bars - so you could opt to go one size up - to a 40cm bar. However, this will mean that you are having to move your arms out to reach the levers, causing your shoulder blades to collapse which can cause discomfort.

The standard approach is to measure from the centre of the drops, but some brands measure from the outside, meaning their 40cm bar could be a 38cm in the former approach. It's best to check what approach the manufacturer you have in mind takes.

What is the best road bar shape for me?

When it comes to handlebar width, though you can go up or down a bit depending on preference, there is a right and a wrong answer: too narrow or too wide will cause you pain and have bike fitters all over the world wincing. However, in the case of handlebar shape, it's much more down to personal preference.

Traditionally, road bars had a gentle round curve, which created a deep drop, putting the rider in a low position when off the hoods.

In recent years, compact handlebars have become more popular: these feature a straighter shape, which means the lower section of the drop is higher up. In the middle, are ergonomic bars: rounder than traditional bars, but they have a flat section in the centre which is ideal for hand positioning.

Choosing the best handlebar shape for you comes down to your riding style. If you're after fairly relaxed endurance rides, think compact.

If you want eyeballs out, nose to the bar time trial efforts and tend to hold the bars close to the bottom of the drops, think traditional.

Sitting in the middle, if you want a fair drop and tend to hold the bar right at its centre point, look for ergo bars where doing so won't put pressure on your wrists.

Different manufacturers will shape their bars their own way, and you'll also find adventure road bikes, gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes will sweep them out at the end to create a wider and more stable platform when riding in the drops.

What is the best material for road handlebars?

One of the biggest conundrums facing cyclists upgrading their handlebars is the question of what material to choose.

Carbon handlebars drop the weight of the bike and they're often 20 to 40 per cent lighter than their alloy brethren. The material can also be moulded to any shape, permitting it to be perfectly designed to suit the ideal ergonomic fit. Plus, the carbon layup can be fine turned to create the best mix between strength, low weight and compliance. All sounds perfect?

The problem with carbon handlebars is that they're much more expensive, and a bit more fragile. Though carbon can be very strong, if it's damaged, it's not always as readily apparent as it would be on an aluminium bar and could go undetected.

Not only that, carbon needs to be treated with more care in the workshop - or home workshop - and even if you're using one of the best torque wrenches for bikes it's easier to crack if the wrong settings are used. A further con is the simple fact that aluminium bars are a lot cheaper.

What are aero handlebars and do I need them?

Aero road bikes are becoming increasing popular, and the handlebar set-up plays a huge role in decreasing drag.

Handlebars that improve aerodynamics will often present a smaller surface area at the front, flattening out to create a longer surface area on the top.

This means they slice through the air more efficiently, and also has the added bonus of being comfortable to hold on a long climb. Plus, aero handlebars will be designed to cater for internal cable routing.

More premium versions will champion a high level of integration. The bar and stem may be one unit, and mounts for items such as cycling computers could be built in.

The bonus here is the watt saving. The downside is that if you decide you want to make a change to your fit with a shorter or longer stem, you'll need to fork out for an entirely new unit.

Is there a standard diameter for road handlebars?

An actually quite important yet seemingly boring housekeeping point. Standard diameter handlebars used to always measure 25.4mm - this refers to the centre point where the stem will attach. 

However, some brands are choosing to beef them up to 31.8mm for improved stiffness. This is fine, but you'll need a stem with a matching clamp size: no one wants to arrive home with their new purchase to find they've not got a stem to fit.

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Luke Friend has worked as a writer, editor and copywriter for twenty five years. Across books, magazines and websites, he's covered a broad range of topics for a range of clients including Major League Baseball, the National Trust and the NHS. He has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and is a qualified bicycle mechanic. He has been a cycling enthusiast from an early age, partly due to watching the Tour de France on TV. He's a keen follower of bike racing to this day as well as a regular road and gravel rider. 

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Best road handlebars: How to pick the right option for your needs

With so many options available, how do you choose the best road bike handlebars?

Alloy Budget

Alloy classic curve, alloy compact, carbon aero, carbon budget, carbon classic curve, carbon compact, fully integrated, how to choose the best road bike handlebars for you.

1. Quick List 2. Alloy Aero 3. Alloy Budget 4. Alloy Classic Curve 5. Alloy Compact 6. Carbon Aero 7. Carbon Budget 8. Carbon Classic Curve 9. Superlight 10. Fully Integrated 11. Riser 12. How to choose

Road bike handlebars all do the same thing when you drill down into it. They all offer multiple hand positions, attach via a stem to your fork's steerer, and have your shifters mounted to them. Beyond that, they are a good way to make more subtle changes to the ergonomics of your bike, and I've found can have more of an impact than you might expect, especially with a swap to some of the best bar tape too . Differences in drop, reach, bend shape, and flare can have big implications for comfort, especially on longer rides, and given the bars are one of the key leading edges on a bike there are significant aero gains to be won, too. What's more, swapping from alloy to carbon can save you grams as well, if you're that way inclined. 

There are uncountable options available on the market, and given that ergonomics are a very personal thing I've steered clear of suggesting one bar is 'better' than another. Instead, I've picked some out that I've enjoyed using to illustrate distinct categories within the market, as well as some alternatives. If none of them floats your boat then we've also got a guide to the best gravel handlebars too that have options with more flare, more cushioning, and a greater emphasis on ergonomics. It can be a confusing landscape, so at the bottom of the page I've put together an explainer on reach, curve and drop, plus answered some common questions that crop up when discussing handlebars.

+ Aero gains on the cheap - 40cm narrowest - Limited real estate for lights

Wing-shaped bars have long been the preserve of carbon fibre aficionados, and therefore those with deeper pockets. There are though, if you know where to look, aerodynamic options made of aluminium like the Vision Trimax Aero. You get the same wing shape, if a little less dramatic, as the brand's Metron bars. There are cable groves for Di2, as well as a larger internal cable tunnel. You get a 125mm drop, a 90mm reach, and a 7-degree forward sweep. Sadly though for an aerodynamic bar you can't go narrower than 40cm, so be prepared to turn your hoods inwards.

Other alternatives

+ Incredibly low RRP - 40cm narrowest option - A little hefty

Considering you can pick a set of these bars up for less than a tenner if they're on offer they're very hard to overlook. The finish is a uniform texture, and the indents at the bend for cables and hoses (external only) aren't finished that well, but once they're wrapped you'll never see this and they look no different from more premium options. There is a weight penalty though; they're 68 grams heavier than the more premium Zipp Service Course 70 for the same width, plus the extra weight of the spare cash in your wallet.

+ Classic shape - Pricey for alloy - 42cm narrowest

The classic curve bar is an endangered species, but one you still see on pro bikes. The Deda100 Deep is an archetypical bar, with a sloping section down to the hoods, a very deep 145mm drop, and a 95mm reach. They won't be to everyone's liking, but if you're building up a bike with old-school vibes they're a great choice. If the drop is too much for you Deda also makes a shallower drop version, but that wouldn't fulfil your dreams of being a mid 90's pro no, would it? Aside from the shape, the only real downside is the price. On the upside, they are light at 254g for a 42cm bar. It's worth noting that Deda measures from the outside not the centre of the tube, so a 42cm bar is equivalent to a 40cm. 

+ Comes in narrow widths - No internal routing

The Deda zero100 RHM, which stands for 'rapid hand movement' typifies what most of you would think of as a normal, quality modern alloy handlebar. It's got a classic compact shape, though with a slightly rounder lower section than some. Regardless it's going to leave the hoods in a straight line forward rather than having them on the curve of the bar, as is the modern way. There's no internal routing, but there is a groove pressed into the underside of the round top section to allow you to run the cables more flush for better ergonomics. As a bonus, unlike many options, these come in widths as narrow as 38cm, which is great for riders looking for free aero gains.

+ Aero + Lightweight - Expensive - Nowhere to clamp anything I've fitted these up to my gravel bike, despite the fact they are very much road bars (I'm doing so at my own risk). Ergonomically they are excellent, with the main portion of the drops narrowed for an aero advantage, before flaring out at the ends. This really locks your hands in place when in the drops, though is less suitable to those with larger paws. They do come in 38cm wide too, which is great for narrower riders or just those looking to get even more aero. The main drawback, beyond the high RRP, is the fact that the bars flatten out immediately after the clamp area leaving no room at all for clipping on lights or computers; stem mounts only here!

+ Budget price, for carbon + Comfy tops - No internal routing In days of yore the phrase 'budget carbon' was synonymous with cheap fakes and a sense of unease. Carbon parts are well established now, and these Brand X bars will have passed all the relevant safety tests. If you're looking to shave off a few grams (these are 228g for a 42cm wide option), they're a relatively affordable way to do so. I like the shape of the tops a lot, which have been slightly flattened and feel great, and while a lack of proper internal routing may irk fans of expensive mechanic bills, the deep channels underneath in lieu of actual holes do a good job and mean you don't have to bleed your brakes if you want to swap them out for a similarly externally routed set.

+ Last of its kind - 40cm narrowest If you thought classic curve alloy bars were hard to find then just wait until you try and find carbon versions... The WCS Carbon Neoclassic from Ritchey is, as far as I can tell, the only carbon classic curve handlebar left on the market. I'm sure someone in a forum somewhere will immediately comment to the effect that I'm wrong, but I can handle that. In any case, if you want classic carbon, this is it, and you'd better not want anything narrower than a 40cm. If you're dead set on weight savings then these make sense, but for a classic bike restoration, or anything other than a high performance machine where every gram counts then the alloy options from Deda and the like probably make more sense to me. Other alternatives

+ Very light + Internal routing - 40cm narrowest - Not clip-on bar compatible 220g for a 42cm handlebar is appreciably light. It's not crazy like the Darimo Eclipse, but it's light, with a pretty standard compact drop shape and round tube profile throughout. Unlike budget options like the Brand X, you get fully internal routing, which does make life more fiddly but is a more svelte solution. You can't go narrower than 40cm, and you will have to fork out over £300 if you're paying full price, but this is a pro-tier product. One thing to be aware of here, and with many other superlight options, is you often cannot clip on TT extensions as only the stem clamp area is suitably reinforced, so if you're a triathlete then maybe look elsewhere and take the weight penalty for the aero gains. Other alternatives

+ Crazy light + Custom options available + Good width range - Expensive These are light, crazy light. A 42cm set of bars is only 131g, with a 38cm option that I ride clocking in at a bananas 124g. That's about the same as a large sneeze. These are truly bike bling, they're the preserve of the ultra-weight weenies, and unless you've optimized other cheaper aspects of your bike first they are likely overkill given they are a hair shy of €400. That doesn't stop them, and similarly, superlight carbon parts are extremely desirable. They do come in a wider than normal array of widths, which is really heartening to see as too often riders end up with too-wide bars, and if you want to use them with clip-ons you can request a custom set that is specially reinforced. Madly, given that they are produced in small batches, you can contact Darimo directly and see if you can get them even lighter... Go on, I dare you! 

+ Maximal aero gains - Harder cable routing - Expensive

The majority of top-end race bikes nowadays come with a fully integrated cockpit, meaning the bar and stem are a single piece. This saves weight but primarily adds aerodynamic benefits. We do still see many pros opting to use separate systems, and while many are semi-proprietary you can still pick up an aftermarket option if you want to really go all out on aero. They're not cheap, with this option from Vision clocking in at just under $690, and they are certainly more of a pain to work on, but if you want the best frontal area then this is the way to go. 

+ Helpful for taller riders + Narrow widths - Look a bit funny Having a bike that fits you is imperative, but for various reasons, you may find the front end of the bike just isn't high enough for you. Maybe you're really tall, or maybe like me, you've had back issues that mean you can't get into a super low position on certain bikes. Riser bars like these from ControlTech add 10mm of height to the front end and come in a 38cm wide option which isn't always easy to find. There's a bit of a visual penalty, but can you put a price on comfort?

There is every chance that you've gone over the products in the quick list and still aren't totally sure what you're after. I get it, there are so many options, and it's tricky to work out what you're after. My advice is to really hone in on what you like and don't like about your current setup and go from there. 

If you have a set of alloy ergo bars and just want to make your bike lighter then think about swapping to carbon. If you're not fussed about weight but want some aero improvements then an alloy aero bar is the section to look at. If you want to be able to get a little lower then look up the drop figure for your bars and find something in the same market segment with a similar shape but a larger drop. A bit of forethought up front will stop you from feeling bemused when faced with such an array of options. 

Because there isn't really a perfect handlebar I've also curated a few more options for each category below, to save you scrolling endlessly through online retailers. 

From a price-performance ratio, this is probably the most cost-effective of all the categories. You get the added benefit of increased aerodynamics, without the burdensome cost of carbon. Sure, there will be a weight penalty, but above a relatively sedate 15kph aerodynamics trumps weight, and as the relationship between speed and air resistance isn't linear, but a square, the faster you go the benefits multiply.

If the Vision Trimax Aero doesn't float your boat then you could look at the Prime Doyenne Aero, which is relatively cheap, has internal cable routing, a pronounced wing top section, and the drops extend rearwards further than many. If you don't want such a wing shape, the PLT Compact Ergo from Pro is more of a traditional ergo drop, but with a more subtle flattening of the tops that's halfway between an aero bar and something ergonomically instigated. It doesn't have internal routing, but smaller riders may like this as it comes in a 36cm width. If you want a bit of a flare to the drops then the Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF could be up your street. It's got a 4-degree outward sweep and semi-internal cable routing if you want to keep the front end a little neater.

If price is your number one priority then it's really hard to look past the budget options from Brand X. Not just the model above, but the compact version with ergonomic shaping on the tops. They'll be totally functional, pass all required safety tests, and may be a little heavy. If you want something affordable but from a more well-known brand then there are plenty of options out there, though they may be a little more expensive than the truly budget Brand X offerings.

Deda has the Zero RHM, a classic ergo drop that comes in under £30 at full price, and at the time of writing is discounted, though getting narrower widths will be tricky. Similarly, you could go for the Comp Curve from Ritchey, which is similarly priced but comes in a 38cm option, or the Compact Vero from FSA which is a hair deeper and has more reach than the Ritchey option, but only by a few millimetres. 

Are you building up a classic bike? Want traditional round drop bars but don't fancy the Deda Zero100 Deep? Well, I can't say I blame you necessarily, as they are extremely deep. You could try the Zero100 Shallow, which is basically the same but, you guessed it, shallower, and probably better suited to more riders.

Failing that there's the perennial Ritchey Classic Neoclassic, which has the advantage of coming in silver for those of you who've been hoarding vintage campagnolo groupsets, or there's the Zipp Service Course SL-88 which has a 3-degree outward sweep to the drops for those who prefer a little bit of flare. Finally, you could also try the Energy Traditional bar from FSA which has a 2-degree outsweep down below. 

I suspect this is going to be the main event for many of you, especially if you're putting together a bike from the ground up. It's where there are the most options out there, and consequently where there is the most potential for confusion. I will allay any fears though; having tried a tonne of compact drops over the years they are all extremely similar. Unless you go for something from the fringes with a lot of flare, a lot of reach, or a larger drop they will all feel relatively similar, so you can focus more on things like weight, or which brand logo you want peeping out either side of your stem.

The Prime Doyenne Lightweight Alloy bar is especially useful for smaller riders as it comes in a 36cm width, which isn't always easy to find, and has a reasonable price tag too. The similarly priced Short Reach Bars from Specialized will also work for most applications and come in an all-matte finish, in contrast to the glossy mid-section of the prime. 

If you want something a little more radical then take a look at the WCS Skyline from Ritchey. The tops are ovalised and backswept, which I've always enjoyed on other Ritchey handlebars. The main point of difference though is the drops, which feature a much more angled shape, giving you a long, flat section in the hook of the drops if that's where you like to spend a lot of time riding.

While alloy aero bars may offer performance advantages at a lower price point, for those with deeper pockets or a greater obsession with weight carbon aero bars are the way to go, if you're not going all in on an integrated cockpit.

If the Pro Vibe option isn't to your tastes then you could cosplay at being Wount Van Aert with a set of Vision Metron 4D bars. There's a 'Flat' version with flat, wing-shaped hoods, or an ergo version where there is a slight rise after the clamp area, leaving the wings to slope downwards. To my mind the flat version makes more sense, as if you're buying aero bars you're not planning on spending a great deal of time on the tops anyway, so making them more ergonomic is a little daft. Also be aware the drops kink outwards near their terminus at the base of the curve, putting the base of the drops wider for descending control, but keeping the frontal area more narrow. 

Prime has the Primavera bar, which is noticeably cheaper than most other options, has internal routing and comes in a greater range of widths (down to 36cm). Given that opting for a narrower bar will probably save you more watts than swapping from a round to an aero top section, this could be the best bang for your buck of any carbon bar. The only downside is the drops truncate rapidly after the curve, so you'll be riding more in the hook of the bar than on the bottom section unless you opt for some bar extenders (a useful upgrade if you want to ride more on the flat section).

Finally, you could opt for the EC70 bar from Easton. It doesn't do anything that the others don't, but it is another option that's more competitively priced than options from the likes of Pro and Vision. You can't get narrower than 40cm, but you do get a giant "EASTON" logo across the whole winged section so everyone will know which brand you're riding. 

In all honesty, there isn't really anything that matches the Brand X option for budget carbon. The next closest thing would be the Prime Primavera X-Light, which is a great option but double the price. It is similar in shape, on the curve at least, to the WCS Skyline from Ritchey, with a much more angular profile, which may appeal to some.

Bad news, sports fans... From my extensive searching if you want a classic drop bar made from carbon you're limited to the Ritchey WCS Carbon Neoclassic.

In a similar way to the alloy compact segment, this is where most carbon bars fall on the bell curve, so there are more options to choose from, and also as with the alloy bars, they will all to some degree feel relatively similar. 

If you need a jumping-off point the Ritchey Carbon Evocurve is as good a place as any. I really enjoy the Evocurve shape, and it's especially good if you spend a lot of time on the tops. It has internal routing, though on carbon bars nowadays this is basically ubiquitous. 

The S-Works Shallow Bend bar is just a carbon copy (pun intended) of the alloy version mentioned above. It's a very bread-and-butter shape with a straight top section and a pretty impressive weight at 200g for a 42cm wide bar. 

The Enve Compact Road bar has a more pronounced flattening of its upper section, though not to the same degree as any of the aero offerings, but unlike many others it's flared, and has a curve that extends rearwards for a lot longer. If you like spending time at the end of your drops rather than inside the curve then these may well be the choice for you.

These are definitely going to be the bling-est upgrades you can make to your bike, but unless you're building a bike with low weight being the absolute priority (I'm thinking hill climb bikes here), you will likely get a greater performance advantage from going aero instead.

While the Darimo option is bonkers light, Schmolke has several options that are almost as feathery, but in a wider array of shapes. Ironically, Lightweight makes the heaviest of the superlight, sub 200g bars with its KOMPAKTBÜGEL (yes, it is all capitalised for some reason). 

Any of these will be sure to raise some eyebrows at the cafe, and all will put a dent in your wallet.

There's every chance that if you have an integrated cockpit it's because it came on your new bike. Given how many of these systems are proprietary or at least semi-proprietary if you're looking to replace it the best place to start is probably with the original component manufacturer. 

If you want to add a one-piece system to your bike and it has a separate bar and stem combo on it at the moment then you're more free to choose from any options. The Vision option listed above is one of many, but instead of that, you could easily go for the incredibly space-age-looking Pro Vibe Evo, which gets used in the pro peloton, or the new Roval Rapide cockpit, also now a mainstay on the bikes of Specialized sponsored teams. 

While most integrated cockpits prioritise low drag, the Roval Alpinist is an integrated bar and stem combo with the look of more traditional round profile bars, but weighs in at 220g for a 42cm x 110mm set, which is lighter than many standalone bars!

Riser bars are going to be more of a fit consideration than anything to do with aero or weight. If the ControlTech set doesn't do it for you, then Specialized has the Hoverbar that comes as standard on all its Roubaix models but is also available aftermarket. Likewise, you could opt for the Ritchey WCS Ergomax, perhaps the most ergonomically sculpted of all the Ritchey bars, with gentle swooping curves and ovalised tops, along with a slight flare. 

Finally, Surly has its Truck Stop Bar, with a whopping 30mm of rise. It only comes in widths of 42cm or wider, however, but could be the answer if you've accidentally bought a bike with a steerer tube totally chopped down.

What width handlebar do I need?

The basic rule of thumb is to opt for a bar that's the same width as the bony protrusions on the top of your shoulders, but this isn't the full story. For greater control or confidence over rougher terrain a wider bar may be better for you, though too wide and you'll come into fit issues as you'll effectively be having to lean further forward. Likewise, a narrower bar will be both lighter and reduce your frontal area meaning you're more aerodynamic. 

The best thing to do, in an ideal world, is to consult a bike fitter. For years I laboured under the misapprehension that I needed 40cm bars, going as wide as 44cm on my gravel bike. My fitter put me on 38cm bars and I've yet to look back.

Bear in mind that width is generally measured at the centre of the tubes at the hoods, but Deda for example measures outside to outside, and also bear in mind that any flare will make the drops wider than the hoods. 

What is reach and drop?

Reach is the distance from the horizontal part of the handlebar to the furthest edge of the drops and determines how far away the levers will be placed. Bigger riders will need a more extended reach while shorter riders will be more comfortable with a smaller figure. 

Drop refers to the distance from your tops to your drops. Most people are better suited to a shorter drop because it doesn't require quite as much flexibility, but a lower front end should theoretically result in a smaller frontal area, which in turn requires fewer watts for faster speeds. All in moderation though, as saving 10 aero watts won't benefit you if you lose 20 due to discomfort. It's also worth bearing in mind the most aero position is with your forearms horizontal while holding the hoods, but again this is harder to maintain for longer distances.

Which shape of drops should I choose?

The shape of the drops varies from brand to brand, but they are roughly divided into three categories. Compact, traditional, and ergo. 

Traditional bars are what you expect to see on old school road bikes with a long gentle curve which creates a deep drop and a low position. Compact bars are a bit straighter and put the hoods flatly in line with the tops; the bend into the drops is tighter, meaning it’s also higher. Ergo bars seem to fall somewhere in the middle and feature a flat spot part of the way down the drop.

Bar shape is highly personal, and you want to look for bars which create the least amount of bend in your wrist when you grab the drops — how you like to position your hoods will also come into play.

Are carbon handlebars better than aluminium ones?

Better in what way? They are certainly lighter, but grams matter less than drag coefficients. Carbon is easier to shape into unusual forms to really cheat the wind, so carbon aero bars and particularly single-piece cockpits are technically going to be 'better', as they are lighter, stiffer, and the most aero, but they are almost always far more expensive. The best price-to-performance ratio will come from alloy aero bars, but for many of us switching bars is more about ergonomics than speed.

What is meant by 'clamping diameter'?

The clamping diameter is in regards to the diameter of the very central portion of the handlebars, where the stem clamps onto them. For the most part, road handlebars are 31.8mm (you can view this as 'normal'). Older bars sometimes come in 25.4mm, but this is unusual, and more common on more classic-style bars, or very old-fashioned steel options to pair with quill stems. 

If you are changing handlebars and ordering yourself some new ones, you will need to make sure the handlebar diameter matches the stem clamp size to ensure the bars and stem will fit properly together.

Which handlebar will fit the most accessories?

If you like to clamp lights, computers, bar bags, a bell etc on your bars then a simple set with a horizontal top and round tubing will be the best. Aero bars, and even ergonomically shaped options, reduce the real estate available onto which you can clamp things. Look at the Pro Vibe bars for example; without a Pro-branded very slimline computer mount there is nowhere to mount anything.  

Do all handlebars have internal cable routing?

No, but it's becoming increasingly more common. If you don't have internal cable routing then you can still use bars without access ports worry-free, but if you require cable routing then you need to make sure your new bars have the required holes. Some bars have exit ports before the stem clamp, some within the stem clamp area, and some both, so cross-check with your current bike to avoid any fitting issues. 

What's the point of curved handlebars?

If you're coming to the road (and gravel) riding from flat bars you may be wondering why the silly-looking bars. The short answer is just to provide multiple hand positions, which comes in handy on longer rides. You can hold the hoods, you can hold the tops, and you have several different options down below with the curved portion. All of these move your wrists and hands about and help to reduce fatigue. 

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.

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10 Mezcal Destinations in Mexico City, From Bars to Shops and Tasting Salons

Here's where to taste the agave spirit without venturing to Oaxaca.

Through her extensive background in wine, Lauren Mowery discovered that coffee has many of the same organoleptic properties as fermented grapes, from flavor and body to aromas and acidity. In pursuit of unique coffees, she's traveled to origin to taste with growers and roasters from the mountains of Colombia, the volcanoes of Panama, to the jungles of Costa Rica. She's written extensively on coffee for a variety of publications and believes it's an affordable luxury that more people should enjoy.

OMAR TORRES / AFP via Getty Images

While tequila holds the title as Mexico’s most popular drink, mezcal is rapidly gaining attention for good reason — it’s a wine lover’s spirit. Mezcal producers, or mezcaleros, utilize a range of wild and cultivated agave species that, coupled with regional terroir, provide distinct flavors and textures. Add the various production processes into the mix, and one could spend a lifetime trying to understand this spirit. Though Oaxaca serves as the heart of mezcal production, the designation of origin (D.O.) allows mezcal to be made in nine Mexican states.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore the category, Mexico City offers a great starting point with its range of bars, shops, and tasting salons. Given the city’s sprawling layout, this guide breaks down the options by neighborhood, including where to stay for a mezcal cocktail. 

Mexico City’s cocktail scene has earned an international reputation, in part due to the slew of awards bestowed on its bars by 50 Best. Named after the Náhuatl word for “place of fire,” Tlecān landed on the 50 Best Bars list for being a mezcaleria with a unique point of view, notably by celebrating Mexican heritage on the menu and with decor. Earthen hues and clay pottery textural cues evoke the wild desert landscapes where agave grows. A deep reverence for Prehispanic culture is evident with the iconic Disc of Death sculpture that adorns the bar and the artisanal agave distillates sourced from small, independent producers across Mexico.

Co-owner Eli Martínez, the former head bartender at Pujol, designed a drink menu that highlights the differences in distillates through both neat pours and inventive cocktails in the standing-room-only space. Signature drinks like the Paloma Blanca, made with carbonated clarified grapefruit juice, mezcal, lime, and grapefruit salt, and the Tascalate Sour, inspired by an ancient beverage from the Mexican state of Chiapas, highlight the menu’s approach. Reservations are suggested though not required.

El Palenquito

Recommended by Tosba Mezcal’s Elisandro Gonzalez, an artisan producer in North Oaxaca, El Palenquito (sister bar to La Clandestina) features a slew of small brands discovered by the owner who travels throughout the Oaxacan state to source mezcal and transport it in giant water jugs. Written in Spanish (use Google translate), the menu offers extensive details about the production methods for each spirit. Order tastings by the ounce or small pitcher. As with wine, the best way to learn about mezcal is to taste side-by-side. Order a flight and compare agave varieties, production methods, and even terroir across regions in Oaxaca or states in Mexico. Don’t forget a side of chapulines (fried grasshoppers) to snack in the dark, moody space.

Courtesy of Lauren Mowery, J.D., D.W.S.

Located in Roma Norte, Recia was founded by Ana Blanco and Alberto Espinosa, who have a decade of mezcal culture and hospitality experience combined and collaborations with families from different regions of Oaxaca. Their contemporary, elegant tasting room is inside an emblematic building built by former president Porfiri Díaz and filled with history and legends. Take the elevator to the top floor, then seek out the old metal knocking handle. Inside, you’ll follow your hosts down a gorgeous marble hallway to Recia’s private mezcal experience. Guests taste mezcal mostly from wild and semi-wild rare and relatively unknown agave species. Book through email or DM on Instagram @ recia_mx .

AlmaMezcalera

Founded in 2009 by Erick Rodriguez, AlmaMezcalera is known by insiders for its unique mezcal tasting experience. Often called the "Indiana Jones of Agave," Rodriguez sources mezcals from 23 small producers, including regions outside Oaxaca like Puebla, Michoacán, and Durango. The makers exclusively rely on traditional mezcal production methods with no modern equipment and batches ranging from 5 to 80 liters. Tastings are held in his Roma Sur bodega, filled with artisanal artifacts and aging mezcals. Rodriguez promotes sustainability and fairness, with AlmaMezcalera growing purely by word of mouth. Contact Erick Rodríguez on Instagram @almamezcalera , @pal_alma_mezcal , or Whatsapp +52 55 1201 7844 for an appointment.

Tianguis Mezcalero

Tianguis Mezcalero (TM), founded by Paloma Rivera Uribe in 2015, started as an experiment to foster the sale and exchange of mezcals among friends outside the confines of the traditional retail market. It has grown into an independent project that promotes traditional artisanal mezcals in Mexico City. TM focuses on cultural events that showcase mezcal alongside the cuisine, music, and traditions of these communities. By collaborating with producers and artisans, TM ensures fair practices and pricing while fostering awareness of mezcal customs and traditions. It also distributes mezcal to various venues and offers tastings, training, and agrotourism experiences, supporting more than 50 families from 16 mezcal projects across nine Mexican states. Tastings with TM suit more experienced spirits consumers with some grasp of the Spanish language. Follow @tianguismezcalero on Instagram for events and tastings or reach out for a private experience at the warehouse via email [email protected] .

MisMezcales

If you're looking to dive deep into mezcal, MisMezcales is the perfect place to start. It’s both a shop and private tasting salon owned by Omar Trejo. Trejo speaks excellent English which helps when explaining his rare collection of small-batch mezcals. Omar offers samples along with detailed stories of each mezcal, including its family and brand history, making the experience both educational and personal. His knowledge is vast, yet he remains approachable for the novice. While most bottles are for sale, be aware that a few may not be labeled for easy customs clearance.

La Clandestina

This diminutive spot between the Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods lands on nearly every list of mezcalerias to visit in Mexico City, thanks to its dedication to the spirit. The owners of La Clandestina are passionate about mezcal, offering dozens of artisan options sourced from around Mexico. While the exterior appears unassuming, the dimly lit interior features a glowing hot pink wall lined with glass mezcal barrels and feels like an insider’s secret, especially when you snag one of the candlelit tables in the back rooms. The cocktail list incorporates Mexican flavors like avocado, hierbabuena, hibiscus, and habanero. To explore the breadth of the category, order a flight of mezcals. Snacks and small bites include tacos, fondues, and tlayudas (traditional Oaxacan tortilla “pizzas”), all available with grasshoppers, should you choose to add the popular crunchy insect.

Mezcalería María Sabina

Mezcalería María Sabina , named after the healer and shaman from Oaxaca, is a rustic mezcal bar built inside a house from the 1940s. Featuring original exposed brick as the bar’s backdrop, the space highlights over 50 expressions of ancestral and artisanal mezcal from small-batch mezcales that emphasize respect for tradition and the environment. The selection has been carefully curated by the bar manager Adrián Vázquez who also runs the mixology program. Vázquez creates thoughtful, delicate mezcal-based cocktails using infusions, salts, and syrups made in-house. For example, the Lágrimas de Aurora (Aurora’s tears), combines mezcal with vermouth infused with chipotle and garnished with a salt blend of Mexican herbs such as hoja santa, avocado leaf, chilcuague, and raíz de oro. On weekends, the space hosts special events with live jazz and DJs spinning vinyl.

Tugurio Boutique

This small retail shop recently opened in the Condesa neighborhood just steps away from Mondrian Condesa. Walk into Tugurio Boutique and taste any of the artisan Mexican distillates featured on the wall, or book a private tasting experience. Not only are most bottles in the shop not exported, you’re unlikely to find them anywhere else in Mexico City. The owners, with a shared background in mezcal production and Michelin-starred restaurants, source from small producers around the country, as well as in Oaxaca through their partner Cynthia Ruiz Villalobos. Villalobos works with an NGO to help families bring their tiny batches of mezcal to market through the label Aventureros del Mezcal , some of which are sold through Tugurio. The dive bar across the street, El Aserrín, doesn’t look like much but Turgurio’s owners recently took it over to provide affordable access to their mezcals that might otherwise cost three times the price to taste in a restaurant like Pujol.

Centro Historico

Pass through the red curtains to find unpretentious and boisterous Bósforo , a downtown bar devoted to mezcal. Set in an unfinished minimalist space defined by tall ceilings and a long, slim bar, drinking is a standing-room-only affair. If you arrive early, you might snag a floor seat in the small open loft above. A mix of young professionals and artists looking to unwind crowd into the Centro Histórico district bar. Though the heart of the city is experiencing a renaissance, hip drinking spots are few and far between. Bósforo offers an impressive selection of mezcal that’s sourced well beyond the heart of Oaxaca to include lesser-known regions like Guerrero, Michoacan, Puebla, and San Luis Potosi.

Where to stay in Mexico City

Brick hotel.

With its prime location for mezcal bar hopping, Brick Hotel is probably the most elegant property in the lively Roma neighborhood. This boutique hotel housed in a restored Belle Époque mansion boasts membership in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. It features 17 stylish rooms and roomy signature suites that blend elegant historic details with modern design. The ground-floor terrace serves as a lively gathering spot by day, turning into a chic restaurant by night with excellent cocktails made from an extensive mezcal list. From $300

Circulo Mexicano

Opened in July 2020 by Grupo Habita, hotel Círculo Mexicano occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century residential building in Mexico City's Centro Histórico. Designed by Ambrosi Etchegaray, the hotel blends minimalist modern aesthetics with cultural heritage. Its 25 spacious minimalist rooms, inspired by Shaker design, offer a serene retreat, while the ground floor features curated shops and a mercado with dining options led by renowned chef Gabriela Cámara. The rooftop boasts a pool, bar, and restaurant, offering sweeping city views and a rotating menu of modern Mexican cuisine and excellent Mezcal-based cocktails. From $245

Mondrian Condesa

The brand’s first foray into Latin America, Mondrian chose a former office complex to renovate into an art-filled, design-lovers’ boutique hotel. Excellent location aside, the food and beverage are the property’s strong suit with a lovely ground-floor terrace serving excellent margaritas and classic Mexican cuisine. A newly opened rooftop bar buzzes at night with young and beautiful locals sipping creative cocktails. From $155

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Restoran Krysha-Bar

Passing by Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Temple , visit this restaurant. Order dishes of Italian cuisine at Restoran Krysha-Bar . Based on the visitors' opinions, waiters offer tasty spaghetti , pizza and fish here. It's a pleasant experience to eat good ice cream . Come to this place for delicious wine or good beer . A collection of great tea , juice or coffee is offered to guests.

You can enjoy live music in the evening. Most users point out that the staff is cool. The prompt service demonstrates a high level of quality at this spot. Average prices are what you will pay for your meal. At this restaurant, people can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and spectacular decor. Google users who visited Restoran Krysha-Bar state that the most suitable mark is 4.2.

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