Harley-Davidson introduced several new motorcycles, one of them being an upright naked-style street bike. As a Streetfighter model, this prototype will enter production with the planned selling during the 2024 model year.
In today’s technologically-inclined world, it’s possible to do pretty much anything on your smartphone – including GPS tracking. But when you’re on the trail during a mountain biking excursion, your phone’s GPS might not be the most accurate way to track your movements and location.
However, GPS watches specifically designed for mountain biking not only solves this problem but can help improve your own experience on the trail. With these watches, it’s possible to keep an eye on how far or fast you’ve ridden, and can even help you improve as you track each ride.
Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or just starting out, you’ve probably already realized just how many mountain biking accessories are on the market right now. With all of the potential choices, it can be difficult to pinpoint which GPS watch really is the best for you.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you make the right purchasing decision. With product comparisons and individual reviews, you’ll be on your way to finding the GPS mountain biking watch that’s best for you!
The SUUNTO Ambit3 GPS watch provides accurate GPS, compass, barometer, weather, and altimeter reading with up to 100 meters of water resistance. With 200hrs of battery life on a full charge, this GPS also provides heart rate tracking and connectivity with smartphone devices.
Via the Movescout App, this watch can sync your activities, calls, and other notifications to ensure that progress is always being tracked. The watch can be adjusted on the go for sharing photographs and updates about your trail ride.
The watch is built for durability and has a large face for optimal notification and location visibility. The GPS tends to be quite accurate, and once paired with a smartphone notifications come in immediately. Additionally, as the compass is not GPS based, it can be used reliably at all times regardless of connectivity.
It’s important to note that the temperature reading feature on the watch sometimes provides a 5-10 degree higher reading than the actual temperature.
This product comes in two colors.
Pros
Up to 100 meters of water resistance
200 hours of battery life
Smartphone connectivity
Durable build
Accurate compass doesn’t rely on GPS
Cons
Temperature readings may be inaccurate
2. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a multi-sport GPS smartwatch that includes color maps to help you locate and follow popular paths. Additionally, the watch estimates heart rate and includes a built-in navigation sensor with a three-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter.
The Fenix 5 Plus also functions as a smartwatch, allowing you to store and play up to 500 songs on the watch. It connects both to your smartphone and Bluetooth headphones. This also features Garmin Pay, which allows you to use the watch to pay for purchases.
This watch is designed with either stainless steel or DLC titanium bezel, buttons, and rear case, depending on the watch color you choose.
There may be connectivity issues when it comes to internet connection and smartphone syncing. Additionally, the tracking system and some of the maps may take a while to load on the watch.
Cost is a factor to consider with this watch, with prices on the higher side.
Pros
Functions as both GPS and smartwatch, with a smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity
Designed for durability with either stainless steel or DLC titanium body
Cons
May have connectivity issues
The tracking system may be slow to update
The watch comes with a high price point
3. SUUNTO Spartan Sport Wrist HR
This GPS watch is designed to help track your progress both during your rides and over time. It comes with a convenient heart rate monitor, as well as a durable color touch screen and up to 100M of water resistance. This screen is designed for optimal visibility outdoors.
This watch also includes sport expertise and support for those athletes looking to set and beat their workout goals. During your ride, the watch can be conveniently operated with both the touch screen and the three side buttons.
In addition to tracking your daily activity and heart rate, the watch includes data about your step count and calorie consumption levels. The watch can also be synced with your smartphone.
The watch is built with mineral crystal glass and stainless steel bezel for durability.
The battery life on this watch isn’t the longest, particularly when the GPS is used for longer periods of time. Additionally, there isn’t much in the way of customization when it comes to the watch faces, and it can be slow and difficult to sort through all of the menus on the watch.
This product comes in multiple colors.
Pros
Full-color screen designed for outdoor visibility
Convenient heart rate, activity, and calorie consumption tracker
Cons
Software and interface can be slow and difficult to use
Battery life is short when GPS is used
4. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is designed to monitor your training with adjustments for heat, altitude acclimation, and GPS tracking. With a compatible heart rate strap, the watch also tracks heart rate throughout your ride.
This watch is yet another that features smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, including the ability to sync music from streaming services when paired with a smartphone. Additionally, up to 1,000 songs can be stored on the watch.
Safety is another feature of the Garmin Forerunner 945, with built-in tracking features such as incident detection, which can send your real-time location to your emergency contacts when paired with a smartphone. The battery life is up to 2 weeks as long as it’s in smartphone mode but drops to 10 hours in GPS mode.
The watch also features full-color maps and guides, as well as Garmin Pay.
The side buttons on the watch have some functionality issues at times, and the battery life appears to drain quickly whether or not the GPS function is enabled.
Pros
Features smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity
Includes safety and tracking features such as incident detection
Cons
Button functionality may be spotty
Battery life may drain quickly, whether or not the GPS function is enabled
5. Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch helps monitor your fitness levels before, during, and after your rides. Made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and stainless steel bezel, as well as a fiber-reinforced polymer stainless steel rear cover, this watch is designed for durability.
The watch’s activity tracking features include a step and floor counter, distance traveled, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking. Additionally, you can plan your rides and other exercises via the training, planning, and analysis feature that comes built-in. GPS speed and distance, customizable data pages, and multiple heart rate feature all come included.
The battery life on this watch tends to drain quickly, whether or not the GPS is being used. On top of that, the step tracker is inconsistent at times. Additionally, while this watch is designed to work with both Android and iPhone smartphone models, there are more customizable options for Android users.
Pros
Designed for durability with polymer stainless steel and Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and route planning come included
Cons
Step tracker may be inconsistent
The battery life of the watch may drain quickly, whether or not the GPS is being used
May have less customizability for iPhone users
Mountain Bike GPS Watches Buying Considerations
Source: watchipidia.com
With so many different models of GPS watch on the market – and a variety of technological add-ons to choose from – it can seem difficult to narrow down your purchasing decision to just one.
GPS Tracking vs. Smartwatch Capabilities
It’s important just how you’ll use your watch before making that decision. Consider whether or not you’re looking for a watch that’s just focused on GPS tracking and exercise, or one that has smartwatch capabilities as well. Is Bluetooth connectivity important to you? If so, you’ll want to go for watches that have better connectivity software.
Determine Your Personal Needs
Of course, this is just one of the things you may want to think about before you take the plunge. With the five GPS watches we’ve reviewed, you’ll find that some fit your mountain biking needs better than others and may be the best choice for you moving forward. And if you’re still not sure that you found the right one, you can click here for more information.
The Final Word
When it comes to choosing the right GPS watch for mountain biking, you’ll want to weigh the functionality that will best suit your everyday use. Whether you’re looking to just start out mountain biking or you’re already an expert, using the right GPS watch is the perfect way to take your adventure to the next level.
Take a look at some other models available on Amazon:
If you are a motorbike lover or you just purchased one for your own amusement, you probably know that one of the most essential parts you should have, especially when riding a bike. Probably, you will not face any hardships in terms of price and availability. But the quality is one thing that you should have your attention on. As you can presume, there are a plethora of manufacturers on the market and all of them claim that they have just the right product for all your needs.
2024 saw Jeep and others taking their adventure vehicles to the next level, offering more off-road features and ways to customise each ride than ever before. Plus, the off-road market is booming right now, with more people than ever looking to accessorise and upgrade their rides. The 4×4 market has seen a huge trend in aftermarket rock sliders and side steps as the premier choice for those looking to add on components. The reasons are varied, but the proof is clea according to PPD Performance: rock sliders and side steps are here to stay, thanks to products for specific vehicles like Hilux rock sliders and others.
Performance Improvements
Source: performancealloys.com
There have been several performance improvements in the available aftermarket parts for things like side steps and rock sliders. Today’s products are made from durable materials that are designed to withstand a lot of force and give you years of reliable use. They often include additional coatings or protections and give you the chance to get more out of your 4×4 while keeping it protected at the same time. Today’s rock sliders feature full frame-and-body bolts so that you get a secure fit with premium materials for long-lasting durability.
Better Selection
There’s a growing market, and thanks to the Internet, it’s easy for people to find a wide selection of upgrades that are less expensive than they used to be. Plus, people are starting to realize that they’re not the same thing and that having both running boards and rock sliders is a must for total protection. There are models available for just about every vehicle that can fit them, and there are several styles within those to choose from, as well. You’ll find manufacturer models and aftermarket styles alike, offering something for just about everyone.
Protection
Source: traxindustries.com.au
The obvious reason for upgrades with something like rock sliders is to protect your 4×4. Of course, when you do so, you will have your choice of stylish options so that you’re getting a custom look with your safety upgrade. Side steps make it safer for you to get in and out of your 4×4 and give you a little extra protection for the edges of the undercarriage when you’re out on the dirt or playing on the trails.
More People Outdoors
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, social activities and getting out are very limited right now. In 2024, that caused a lot of people to get back to the only safe place—the great outdoors. That means more people were buying and upgrading 4x4s, ATVs, and other equipment so that they could still have some adventure even if they weren’t able to spend as much time with family and friends. As the market demand grows, so does the available selection.
Style
Source: mcarmor4x4.com.au
Again, the 4×4 and off-roading markets are booming right now. People are clamouring to get out and have a good time and of course they want to do it in style. With the available selection of aftermarket parts and components like rock sliders and side steps, everyone can create a customised look for their ride and add useful features at the same time. Whether you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind finish, or you just want something as edgy and cool as your 4×4, you’ll find plenty of different options to choose from. It’s a great way to customise your ride without spending a fortune on custom accessories. Plus, you get extra protection along the way.
What’s the Difference?
Some people don’t understand the difference between running boards or side steps and the actual rock sliders that are used for protection. For starters, side steps are typically designed only for easier access to your vehicle, not so much for protection. They may offer a buffer, of sorts, but they won’t take as much of a beating as rock sliders will. They come in several sizes, lengths, materials, and styles, so you can get the ideal finish, and most suppliers will remind you that they’re more for style and access than they are for durability like rock sliders.
The latter are specifically designed to bolt to the frame or the body of the vehicle, or both, to help with sliding off of obstacles when your vehicle gets stuck. Rock sliders are made of premium durable material and designed to withstand the entire weight of your vehicle, no matter what kind of terrain you’re stuck on. They offer a very functional purpose and are often necessary for many terrain conditions. Rock sliders are a godsend for off-roaders, and they can take your adventures to a whole new level.
What’s Up for 2024?
Source: brashoffroad.com.au
There’s a debate raging as to whether this trend will continue into 2024 or something else will take the spotlight. However, people are still begging for new releases and solutions, and there are tons of advantages to upgrading both of these elements. Of course, rock sliders are the more valuable and necessary of the two. Getting in and out is good but getting off that rock without having to call a buddy with a winch is going to be even better.
If you’re lifting your vehicle, side steps will be a helpful addition. You can find nerf bars, side steps, running boards, and so much more. The new market is for sleek, simple features that don’t take up a lot of space. It’s no wonder that these two upgrades are so popular as the 4×4 community gets more active and heads out on the open road. With more capable 4x4s comes the need for more capable accessories.
You’ll be able to pick the side steps and rock sliders that you like best for your specific off-road vehicle (for example check out these Ford Ranger side steps). Just make sure that you check out all of the features, get the right fit, and read some reviews to see how people actually like the parts in practice. It might seem like you’ve found the perfect sliders but if they’ve got more bad reviews than good, you’ll want to keep looking. It’ll be interesting to see what 2024 brings, but for now, the style and substance of rock sliders and side steps are captivating the 4×4 community.
The motorcycle-driving euphoria can easily get to you, especially if you are already a fan of both the culture and the lifestyle. In the past few years, the number of motorcycles purchased throughout the United States increased by a few percent, and the overall culture saw more fans and followers than ever.
It’s not a secret that the biker culture is a cool thing, and it can really make your life more interesting. Usually, the followers of this culture are nice and friendly people, so it’s easy to make more friends if you decide to enter those circles. But, as cool and sweet all that is, there’s still one thing that many people forget.
Source: paulcrowley.co.uk
According to statistics, a motorcycle is the single most dangerous transportation vehicle that a person can operate. Numbers tell us that there’s a huge amount of road accidents happening on a daily basis, all of them involving a motorcycle, whether as the cause or the victim of the unpleasant occasion. And, that’s not all. Out of all the vehicle types you can drive these days, due to the nature of the motorcycle, you are the least safe if you are caught in an accident while being on one.
With all this being said, you are probably wondering whether and how you should protect your legal rights after such an unfortunate thing takes place in your life. Well, let’s take a look.
1. Don’t leave the spot by any means
Source: kuzyklaw.com
Sometimes people think that the damage they’ve caused is just nothing significant, so they leave the spot. This is the worst thing you can do. If you do this, the other person can overdramatize or bend the situation in their favor, and even if you caused nothing but a scratch, you can pay a penalty for something much larger. So, don’t leave the spot by any means. The next thing you should do is take a look at the witnesses around and ask if someone can help you out. Here’s how.
2. Try to immediately seek the attention of nearby witnesses
Usually when an accident happens, it’s loud and people around it will be aware of the event. Most of the time, at least one or two witnesses will voluntarily come and offer their help, as well as their statement, depending on whose fault it was. In most countries this is mandatory for them whatsoever. But, sometimes witnesses don’t want to participate in any similar situations, so they’ll just flee the spot. If there are just a few, and all of them want to flee, perhaps asking them to stay and give their statement to the police real quick is the smartest thing.
3. Inform the police about everything that happened in-detail
Source: herrmanandherrman.com
Give your best to be accurate in your statement when explaining what really happened. Every detail matters and the police will ask for a statement coming from both sides, so make sure to cover all the things in the chain of events from your perspective. Most modern streets in larger cities these days are equipped with cameras, so chances are that the police will find footage of the event, whether from those cameras, or the nearby security cameras for the stores. Maybe even a mounted camera by one of the drivers in front or behind you. Don’t hide anything and don’t lie about it, it can only get you in more trouble. If you weren’t the one who made the mistake, with enough evidence you’ll easily prove it. This is why witnesses are really important too.
4. Hire an attorney and do it soon
There are tons of options when it comes to hiring attorneys, but it’s really important to do it fast. If you happen to be from Los Angeles, and you urgently need one, McNicholas Law is a website where you can learn more about the entire procedure, when to start it, how much it’s going to cost you and a lot more. If you don’t hire an attorney and the other person does, you’ll be at a huge disadvantage in case things end up going to court.
5. If your state allows it, mount a camera on your motorcycle
Source: improb.com
More and more people are starting to drive around with a camera on their motorcycle, purely because of these reasons. People are often being distracted and they make tons of mistakes while driving, and guess who suffers the most. Bikers. That’s the reason Bikers are now mounting cameras on their motorcycles.
6. Always wear all the protective gear
If the police arrives and witnesses say that you weren’t wearing any protective gear, you can easily get in trouble, and that’s not what you want to happen in such a situation. So, we recommend that you always wear all the protective motorcycling gear for your safety of course, and then for everything else. This includes a helmet, protective gloves and other things such as Kevlar pants for example. If you end up being in an accident, at least be safe before getting the compensation for it.
Conclusion
Nowadays people don’t really pay enough attention during traffic, probably because it’s considered a “very normal thing” to drive, and anyone can do it. Especially with the newer vehicles that basically drive on their own. But, in an age where the number of distractions is quite high, we should start being more careful than ever. Scrolling through Instagram or any other form of social media while driving is definitely not advisable. And, as safe as you may be in your car, someone on a motorcycle can end up being seriously hurt or even lose their life if they end up colliding with you or someone else.
We’re not saying that bikers shouldn’t be more careful, but usually they are the ones suffering the most damage in these unfortunate events. We hope that our post helped everyone understand more about legal rights post-accident, as well as raise some awareness about carefulness in traffic. Remember to stay safe and we’ll see you in the next one.
Many individuals like motorcycle riding. It’s fun, and it’s completely different from driving a car. You feel free, but you also feel exposed.
You’re out there in the wind and the elements, and there’s no steel shell surrounding you. The road flies by beneath you, and if you overbalance or hit a bump, you could experience some road rash firsthand. You also might hit your head, break bones, etc.
When you get on a motorcycle, you risk severe injury, but that’s your choice. So is wearing a helmet. In this article, we’ll talk a little about motorcycle helmet use and how that sometimes comes into play if a car hits you.
Can You Bring a Motorcycle Accident Claim if You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?
Source: vaughanpa.com
As the Console and Associates Law Firm notes, “the nature and extent of a motorcyclist’s injuries following an accident are typically very severe.” Some different factors will probably come into play, such as:
How fast you were going
The road conditions
Whether you ingested alcohol or other substances before riding
However, whether you were wearing a helmet or not will make a huge difference regarding what happens to you. If you were wearing a helmet, a severe injury is less likely.
If a car hits you, and you’re confident that it was their fault, you will probably want to know if you can bring a lawsuit against them. Their insurance might cover the medical bills, motorcycle damage, and lost wages, but it might not cover your pain and suffering.
If you weren’t wearing a helmet, you can still bring a lawsuit in almost all cases. However, when you do, you need to think about the so-called “helmet defense.”
What is the Helmet Defense?
Source: change.org
The helmet defense refers to how different states handle car and motorcycle accident cases if the rider was not wearing a helmet. If that happens with you, you should know that one of three things is likely. They are:
Helmet defense prohibition
Allowing the helmet defense to reduce accident victim damages
The helmet defense allowance in the damages and liability phases
We’ll examine each of those, so you know what might happen if you bring a lawsuit.
1. Helmet Defense Prohibition
Source: bandaslawfirm.com
Most states have some sort of helmet laws. However, just because a law says you should wear a helmet when you’re on a motorcycle, that does not mean a fellow motorist can break the law and hit you while you’re out riding.
If they do, and you were not wearing a helmet, you might be in a helmet defense prohibition state. If that’s true, the state will not allow the defendant (the other motorist) to bring up any evidence showing that you were not wearing a helmet. This is similar to car crash cases where the state will not allow the accused party to bring up that the plaintiff was not wearing a seatbelt.
If you are bringing a lawsuit, this is what you hope for most. You’re liable to get the most money if the defendant’s lawyer cannot mention or allude to the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet.
2. Allowing the Helmet Defense to Reduce Accident Victim Damages
Source: wikipedia.com
Some states will allow the defendant and their lawyer to bring up that you were not wearing a helmet. This means you’re probably not going to get as much money if the jury finds in your favor.
You don’t want a state that allows this, but it makes sense when one does. The other driver might have broken a traffic law and hit your motorcycle, but maybe you would not have hurt yourself as severely if you had a helmet on.
However, there is one caveat. The states that take this approach also usually make the defendant establish that you wearing the helmet would have made a difference in how badly they injured you. If you broke some bones but did not suffer a traumatic brain injury, the helmet would presumably have made no difference.
If you are in one of these states, and a car hit you while you were motorcycle riding, but you did not hit your head, then you should get all the money to which the accident entitles you, even though you chose not to wear a helmet.
3. Helmet Defense Allowance in the Damages and Liability Phases
Source: motor1.com
The third way some states handle you not wearing a helmet and bringing a lawsuit is that they will let the defendant talk about that in both a trial’s damages and liability phases. In other words, the driver’s lawyer might say that because you chose not to wear a helmet, that directly contributed to the accident happening.
However, in most states, adult riders do not legally have to wear helmets, nor will you wearing a helmet either cause an accident or prevent one. That’s why most states don’t bother with this trial structure concerning motorcycle riders and their helmet-wearing choices.
If You Start Wearing a Helmet, You Can Avoid All This
Source: chicagotribune.com
It’s always going to be your choice whether or not you want to wear a helmet when you go for a motorcycle ride. The state laws will be what they are, but there is no one standing in your garage, insisting that you put a helmet on before you start the motorcycle.
However, aside from the fact that helmets can save your life if a car hits you or you skid on the road and fall over, you might want to wear one because of how they can help you in court. If a car strikes you, and you’re wearing a helmet, then the defendant’s lawyer cannot argue that you injured yourself because of your negligence, regardless of how that state handles the issue.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet can help you avoid serious injury, but it can also help you get more money if a vehicle strikes you. You might decide to start wearing one for that reason alone if you do not do so already.
New and experienced mountain bike riders are attracted to the unpredictable terrain, physical endurance and stunning views that are readily available on a ride. What’s not to love about hitting the road and taking on a challenging climb? Of course, these incredible experiences are only possible if you are paired with the right bike that is the right size for your frame and specific build, as anything else is going to hold you back from your peak performance. Today we are going to look at how to navigate sizing guides for mountain bikes, and what factors you need to take into account for your final decision.
BIKE SIZE – XS – S – M
FRAME SIZE – 13-14in – 14-16in – 16-18in
RIDER HEIGHT – 152-162cm – 162-170cm – 170-178cm
Above is a standard mountain bike sizing guide that will be used by most mountain bike manufacturers. Although it is always recommended that you request the size guide directly from the manufacturer you intend to buy from just in case. You also want to consider international sizing guides and how they differ, as you might be tossing up between an Australian-made and Italian-made bike and those inches always add up. Retailers, such as Decathlon, will almost always show the size guide on every model of a mountain bike. Overall, though, it is unlikely that they will be too dissimilar – but be wary of manufacturers working to different specifications. Now, let’s understand what variables are important to think about.
Are you still growing?
Source: adventurehub.rs
Adolescents who are looking for a mountain bike will need to be cautious of spending too much on a new frame if they are likely to soon grow out of it, this will not only be expensive but you run the risk of harming your body if you ride a mountain bike that is not appropriate for your size. If this is the case, try and find a mountain bike that can be taken apart and fitted with new parts to accommodate your new needs should this be the case.
Serious cyclers will often by separate parts and essentially build a bike that is unique to their size and preferences. If you think that you are only just fitting into a bike size, it might be worth taking the next size up for a test ride on the bike to see if that is going to be a better outcome on your ride.
Ask around
A great thing about being a cyclist is that you have a built-in community which gives you the opportunity to meet riders and hear about their preference in mountain bikes and what size works best for their style. They might even point out features that you hadn’t thought to include in your size assessment. If you have some riding peers who are about the same height as you, ask to take their bike for a lap so you can get a feel for that particular size. You also want to be asking bike store workers what they ride, as they typically gravitate to the better models on the market given their knowledge and expertise.
There are also many forums and local groups that cyclers belong to, and plugging into these networks will give you access to a number of experts and the opportunity to ask questions that yield real and honest answers. See if there are any Facebook Groups you can join to see what people are riding and how they make an informed decision on the sizing.
Buying new makes a difference
Source: flimslaax.com
It might be tempting to secure a quality mountain bike second hand, but you should only do this if you are very certain of the size you need and know how to measure up a bike. Otherwise, you run the risk of buying a bike that has been modified by the rider and no longer a true size to rely on. When you buy new, the bike is exactly to the standard specifications for you to enjoy or modify as you see fit and can be more straightforward than assessing a modified bike.
You also don’t get the same warranties and assurances when you purchase second hand, which can be a problem if you find you have chosen the wrong size and realise after the fact. If you are still interested in seeing what used bikes are out there, always insist on a test ride and inspection so you can assess function but also understand the sizing.
Riding frequency
How often you intend on riding your mountain bike may influence the size you choose. If you are a seasonal rider who competes in global bike races but doesn’t ride much outside of those events, then you might choose a bike that is going to impact your performance, which can often be a smaller bike frame if riders are expecting to be climbing for large stretches of the ride. It is not uncommon to see riders have an everyday mountain bike and a competing mountain bike, so assess what this new bike is to be used for before you make the selection.
Consider hiring first
Source: scmp.com
Don’t feel like you can make the decision with the information available to you? It might be a great idea to actually hire a number of bikes one after the other so you can see how they handle different terrains and for varied distances. When you choose your mountain bike you want to be 100% sure that it will deliver to your needs, and hiring will give you an opportunity to try before you buy. When you do hire the bike model you want to buy, also pay attention to how your body feels post-ride as this can signal whether or not the size is a perfect fit or has you cramping and hunching. Muscle fatigue is part of the cycling experience, but back pain and stiffness should be explored as it could be a sign of an incorrectly sized bike.
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If you are serious about riding then this will likely not be the only bike that you ever buy, but you need to understand your size before you can build your collection. Don’t be afraid to visit the bike stores a few times before you make your final decision and be transparent about your purpose for the bike, riding style and any other factors that are going to influence your performance.
Bike riders who like to keep their muscles active by commuting back and forth to work or school, particularly in large metropolitan areas, face unique challenges. One of those is finding the right bike handlebars for commuting.
Table could not be displayed.
Bikers who commute need handlebars that are responsive because of the challenges they face daily in traffic and crossing large streets and adapting from various types of terrain from actual concrete paved bike trails to blacktop highways and streets.
In particular, because of the hand positioning many riders adopt when commuting for safety reasons, it is important for bike riders who commute to select handlebars that won’t cause blistering or discomfort when picking the best handlebars for commuting.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best bike handlebars for commuting on the market, and explore a few of the pros and cons of each model and brand.
Available in multiple sizes, FSA/s Omega Compact Road Handlebars provide the shape and quick responsiveness needed for most people who commute by bike.
These handlebars are both ergonomically friendly and help improve a biker’s reach while biking.
The handlebars are designed with very wide grooves for easy routing of your brake and gear cables.
These bars are aluminum, meaning they are a bit more lightweight than carbon fiber handlebars.
These bars are considered shot reach, short drop bars, which means a great deal to bikers who commute back and forth to work depending on their stature and build.
These handlebars can help riders who often experience neck or back pain due to the positioning of their existing handlebars on longer commutes.
Pros
Aluminum
Ergonomic design
Lightweight
21 speeds
Cons
Short-reach
2. Sunlite MTB/City Steel Handlebars, 5″ Rise
Made of steel construction, these handlebars from Sunlite are preferred by many commuters because they don’t have the typical curving popular with most commuter handlebars, which works better for people with longer arms and a wider reach.
These are pretty standard handlebars, so they will work with nearly any model of bike.
On the downside, you may need longer break and shifting cables than you have now, which means more work and expense when coming to installing these bike handlebars for commuting. While the bars are economically priced, you will add cost when buying longer brakes and shifting cables.
Pros
Inexpensive
Long reach
Fits most bikes
Cons
May need longer cables
3. Velo Orange Porteur 15mm Rise/Drop
With a 140mm reach and upturned handlebars, these bike handlebars for commuting will work for individuals with either a long or short reach.
Made of aluminum, they will be both light weight, super responsive, and durable.
These handlebars allow you to adopt multiple hand positions while commuting, which is great when you are switching from trail to small streets to larger, more busy streets, where various different hand positions provide different bike control you need.
Pros
Moderate price
Multiple positions for long/short reach
Responsive handling
Cons
May need to switch hand position often
4. Wald 872 Low-Rise Cruiser
At 24″ wide, these handlebars are a very popular model for bikers who commute back and forth to work or school.
Moderately priced, these handlebars have a three-inch rise and are made of steel.
These work for only one hand position but remain responsive to the needs of the commuter in traffic.
The width of these handlebars make it easier to get the bike through the doors of your office or place of business, but these handlebars come with no grips, meaning you will have to ad those.
It is designed to fit most bicycles, including Schwinn and Huffy.
Pros
Moderately priced
Fits most bikes
Responsive
Easy to fit through office doors and in elevators
Cons
Won’t work for multiple hand positions
5. Soma Sparrow Bar
Made by Soma, one of the best manufacturers of bicycle handlebars, the Sparrow Bar is an excellent, high-quality handlebar that is among the best bike handlebars for commuting.
In hilly cities like Austin and San Francisco, these handlebars are often used to help convert a mountain bike to a commuter bike, because that extra oomph and those additional hears are needed gaily on a rider’s commute to and from work. These also work great for college students who commute across large, hilly campuses like Texas State or Truman State University.
With a usable grip area of about 18 centimeters, these handlebars will fit most any person of long or short reach and do allow for multiple hand positioning.
This model also comes in several sizes to fit your needs as a commuting biker.
You can install these handlebars with the rise going up or down depending on how you position your hands for the majority of your bicycle commute.
Pros
Great value for features
Comes in multiple sizes
Fits many hand positions
Works well for converting mountain bikes for commuting
Cons
A little pricey
No pre-installed grips
Commuting Bike Handlebars Buying Considerations
When considering what the best bike handlebars for commuting are for your specific commute, you’ll want to take a moment and consider your particular commute. Do you go up and down hills? Do you make sharp turns? How responsive do you need your handlebars?
Hand Positions
You will also want to consider your hand positioning. If you change hand positions multiple times during your ride due to terrain or traffic, some of these bars simply won’t work for you. However, others facilitate multiple hand positions.
Fit
You will also want to think about whether or not the handlebars you are getting will actually fit on your bike. Every bike is different, and picking the best bike handlebars for commuting means you must consider if they will actually fit on your bicycle.
Breaks and Gears
Another important consideration is whether or not your bike’s brake and gear pedals (if applicable) have any additional give in the cables. If they don’t, you will want to compare the size of your existing handlebars to the ones you are purchasing to determine if you will need longer cables for your bike to facilitate a change in handlebars.
Responsiveness
You will also want to consider the responsiveness of the handlebars. If you live in a city like Dallas where you are constantly dodging cars weaving in and out of bike lanes, or in more bike-friendly cities where bike lanes are usually free of vehicle traffic, that may impact the type of stops and turns you must take, meaning handlebar position of your hands can change often.
Size
Too, think about where you take your bike when you aren’t riding it. Do you lock it to a bike rack outside your building, or do you have to take it through a glass door, up an elevator, down a narrow hall, and through a door past a dozen cubicles to get to where you store it in your office. Long handlebars aren’t conducive to such environments, so consider if you can work with a shorter span.
There is nothing like your boss getting a call from building management because you broke a glass door or scratched the walls with your bike handles because you bought a size much larger than you need that doesn’t fit the spaces you take it through very well. It could cost you your job.
Warranty
Most handlebars that are after-market add-ons do not come with major warranties. Because they are simply pieces of metal, there is little mechanical to actually “fail.”
Instead, look for a return policy so you can return the item if it does not fit your bicycle.
Conclusion
When selecting the best bike handlebars for commuting for your bike, there are many factors to consider. However, there is no reason to become overwhelmed.
Keep in mind that you must simply remember things like your usual hand position when biking, how responsive you need the handlebars to be, the size and manufacturer of your bike, and whether or not you need a short or long span of handlebar due to the wingspan of your arms when preparing to select the best bike handlebars for commuting that will work for you.
Check out some other models available in today’s market:
Mongoose bikes are often described as one of the best, high-quality bikes. Not only is it recommended for beginners, but there are models that are suitable for experienced bike riders.
These bikes are designed in such a way that both the adults and children can find a model they like. From different colors and shapes to different overall designs, there are countless options.
Mongoose bikes are often recommended to beginners because they are very safe and reliable, which matters the most when it comes to learning how to ride a bike.
When it comes to prices, this brand can offer something for everybody. In other words, there are models that are not that expensive and won’t burden your budget too much. On the other hand, there are some more costly models, which are, without a doubt, the perfect balance between the price and the quality. So, if you are interested in reading about an example of the expansive Mongoose bike, take a look below!
Mongoose $2,999 Teocali Pro
img source: pinimg.com
This bike is probably one of the most high-quality bikes in the market. Its specifications distinguish it from other Mongoose bikes, primarily due to the fact that it is aimed for experienced bike riders.
The design is attractive and modern. When it comes to the overall construction, it is made to last and to resist scratches, or damages.
The frame is built from T2 Tectonic aluminum tubing and it is strong and durable. Not only is this bike made to be functional, but it is also powerful and resistant.
According to some professional riders, this model is perfect for mountainous areas, and different activities such as climbing. They usually state that the area can be bumpy and unapproachable, but this bike will get you through it, thanks to its resistance. It seems that nothing can stop you when you ride them, not only mood, rocks and high mountains. This is primarily the reason why this model is aimed for enthusiasts and those who ride bikes professionally.
img source: 15.ie
When it comes to comfort, the riders claim that it is very comfortable, even when driven for a longer period of time.
All in all, this bike provides you with the perfect riding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the thrills of bike riding, but you will also feel safe and secure. Despite the fact that it would classify as one of the most expensive Mongoose bikes, it seems that this model is worth every penny. After all, it does represent the perfect balance between quality and price, and it seems that it is definitely worth the investment!
When it comes to riding a motorcycle, safety comes first, that is why communicating with other riders or your passenger could be quite the ordeal if not done properly.
