Man, have you guys noticed that mountain bike handlebars are getting taller? Like, in some cases, really tall. For instance, take the new Range High Rise Handlebar from PNW Components; this sucker rocks a 75mm rise. Let’s go over some of the handling benefits of an ultra-high-rise handlebar.
I think the first thing to cover is the why.
Comfort & Control
If you’re riding and the trail suddenly becomes very steep, a taller handlebar would definitely be helpful. It would allow the rider to get all of their weight to the back, where it belongs. This allows for better control of the front end.
A taller bar means a more upright riding position. And a more upright riding position means less load on the back, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. That means less discomfort. And, with mountain bike rides getting longer and the popularity of bikepacking, a taller bar would be more comfortable on those long rides.
A taller bar can help with a bike with a short stack height. If you’re riding a bike that has a boat-load of spacers under the stem, you need more stack height. A taller bar might be the answer. And using a taller bar would leave the bike’s reach where it was designed to be.
Sure, it might look a little goofy at first, but so did 29″ wheels when they first came out. This trend of mountain bike handlebars getting taller is a result of the industry listening to the needs of the cyclist. It’s a good thing.
To that note, PNW is offering a high rise bar of their own. The new and aptly named Range High Rise bar checks in at 75mm rise with 10º backsweep and 5º upsweep. The clamp width is 70mm to allow for wider stems and room to mount accessories like handlebar bags or cradles, and it uses a 35mm clamp diameter. And since it’s made of aluminum, it won’t break the bank at $69. Nice.
Range High Rise Retail & Detail
Retail: $69
- 2014 Aluminum Alloy
- 35mm Bar Diameter
- 70mm Stem Clamp Width
- Backsweep: 10°, Upsweep: 5°
Check the link below and give your cockpit a rise.
