Handlebars are getting wider. There’s definite trend for mountain bikers, from cross-country racers to downhillers, to choose wider bars.

And it seems manufacturers are rushing to release wider bars. Recently USE brought out a new 710mm wide carbon fibre flat handlebar, aimed at XC and marathon riders. We’ve seen a flurry of 750mm bars from Nukeproof and Easton, popular choices with trail riders leaning towards maximising fun on the technical downs.

Why go wider?

I’ve been riding 750mm bars on most of the recent test bikes for the past few months, and haven’t looked back since. My riding has improved immeasurably. I fell more confident pushing the bike through fast techy corners, and I’m having more fun as the increased leverage makes it easier to sling the bike around and muscle it faster through corners.

Getting them through some tightly packed tree-lined trails can raise objections however, but generally I’m getting on well with them.

How wide are your handlebars?