I just can't shake this lower back pain when I'm riding...
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Aero handlebars are one way to improve the aerodynamic prowess of your bike
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You should be comfortably able to use all of the handlebar - the hoods, tops and drops - when riding
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Carbon might be all the rage, but you can still make an exceptional - and light - set of bars from aluminium like the Ritchey WCS Neo Classic
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FSA supply finishing kit to a host of WorldTour teams
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Zipp are best known for their wheels but they make handlebars, stems and seatposts as well
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Fizik's Cyrano R3 bar is impressively light for the money and comes with an option of three bends
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The carbon version of Deda's M35 handlebar is 35mm in diameter across the width of the tops
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Aero handlebars are one way to improve the aerodynamic prowess of your bike
-
You should be comfortably able to use all of the handlebar - the hoods, tops and drops - when riding
I just can't shake this lower back pain when I'm riding...
One part of a bike that a look of riders overlook is the handlebars. If you’ve bought a bike off the shelf, chances are that you’ve never even considered the bars that came with it, even if you find yourself subconsciously avoiding the drops whenever possible.
If your bars have a drop that’s too deep, or a reach that’s too far you’re not only ruling yourself out of one of the three common riding positions, you’re also potentially making your bike less comfortable.
Buyer’s guide: how to choose a handlebar upgrade
If you’ve had issues with lower back pain or too much strain on your upper arms while riding, especially in the drops, it might be time to have a look for a more suitable set of bars. Or take up yoga, of course.
With that in mind, we’ve picked out six sets of handlebars across the price and fit- range that could make a difference to your ride, or offer something different that you might enjoy. Whether you’re looking to spend £70 or £270, there’s something on the market for you…
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