Best Budget Mountain Bike Handlebars 2025

Looking for budget mountain bike handlebars? You’re in the right place. Good handlebars help with control and comfort. Many affordable options offer great value. They are strong, lightweight, and easy to use. You don’t need to spend a lot for quality. This guide covers the best low-cost handlebars. We compare features, materials, and performance. Whether you ride often or just started, there’s something here for you. These picks are popular and trusted by many riders. Read on to find the right one for your bike.

1. BICYCGEAR 31.8 Bike Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 780mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 30mm

The BICYCGEAR 31.8 Bike Handlebar is designed for riders who value both strength and control on challenging trails. Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, this handlebar offers a lightweight yet robust solution for mountain biking enthusiasts. With a 780mm width and a 30mm rise, it ensures a comfortable grip and excellent leverage when tackling steep inclines or descents.

Riders will appreciate the responsive handling and added confidence this handlebar provides. The wide grip area enhances control, especially on technical terrains. Its 31.8mm clamp diameter fits most modern MTB stems, making it a versatile upgrade. Whether you’re riding cross-country or all-mountain trails, the BICYCGEAR handlebar brings a balanced mix of comfort and performance.

Pros:

• Lightweight and strong aluminum build
• Wide bar enhances stability and control
• Compatible with most MTB stems
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• May require cutting for narrower preferences
• No additional vibration damping features

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2. UPANBIKE Mountain Bike Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 25.4mm
• Width: 620mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 50mm

The UPANBIKE Mountain Bike Handlebar is a compact, lightweight option ideal for urban and recreational mountain biking. Made from aluminum alloy, it offers a solid blend of durability and affordability. Its 620mm width and 50mm rise create a more upright riding position, which is ideal for reducing strain on the back and shoulders.

Though not the widest bar on the market, the UPANBIKE excels in maneuverability, especially in tight city spaces or winding trail sections. It’s best suited for riders looking for a budget-friendly and reliable upgrade for their commuter or casual mountain bike. Installation is simple, and the build quality surpasses expectations at this price point.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Easy to install
• Comfortable upright riding posture
• Lightweight construction

Cons:

• Limited width reduces control on rugged trails
• Not suitable for aggressive mountain biking

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3. Spank Oozy Trail 780 Vibrocore

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 780mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy with Vibrocore foam
• Rise: 15mm

The Spank Oozy Trail 780 Vibrocore handlebar is built for serious riders seeking superior comfort and vibration damping. Its unique Vibrocore technology, which includes a foam core inside the aluminum tubing, significantly reduces trail chatter and fatigue. This makes it ideal for enduro and all-mountain disciplines where long rides over rough terrain are common.

With a 780mm width and 15mm rise, the bar provides a balanced riding position, enhancing both climbing and descending efficiency. The high-end construction ensures rigidity without sacrificing comfort, and the vibration-damping is a game-changer on rocky trails. It’s a premium choice that delivers long-lasting comfort and performance.

Pros:

• Excellent vibration damping
• High-quality construction
• Improves ride comfort on long trails
• Wide and stable for aggressive riding

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Slightly heavier than standard bars

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4. Mixsuper Mountain Bike High Riser Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 780mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 50mm

Mixsuper’s High Riser Handlebar offers a tall 50mm rise, making it a solid choice for riders who prefer a more upright position or need additional handlebar height. Built from aluminum alloy, it strikes a balance between strength and weight, suitable for downhill, trail, and casual riders.

The wide 780mm span gives enhanced control, particularly during descents. The bar’s geometry supports a more relaxed posture, which is ideal for reducing upper body fatigue. Its sleek finish and sturdy feel add to its appeal, making it a great budget-friendly riser option for versatile riding styles.

Pros:

• High rise supports upright riding
• Broad width offers better control
• Affordable price
• Sturdy construction

Cons:

• May be too high for aggressive XC riders
• No integrated dampening

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5. BUCKLOS MTB Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 780mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 30mm

BUCKLOS delivers a solid MTB handlebar that’s well-suited for both beginners and seasoned trail riders. With its 780mm width and moderate 30mm rise, the bar caters to riders looking for stability and comfort on off-road adventures. Made from tough aluminum alloy, it withstands rugged use while keeping weight manageable.

The BUCKLOS handlebar features a simple, clean design and is easy to install on most mountain bikes. It provides a responsive feel on turns and descents, making it a reliable upgrade for bikes in need of better control and ergonomic comfort. It performs consistently across various terrains without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Strong and reliable build
• Comfortable handling and control
• Value for money
• Suitable for a variety of riding styles

Cons:

• Not the lightest option
• Finish may wear over time

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6. BNVB Wake 31.8mm MTB Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 720mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 30mm

The BNVB Wake MTB Handlebar is a mid-width bar that aims to balance agility and control. At 720mm wide, it provides sufficient stability for most trail conditions while remaining narrow enough for tight turns. Its 30mm rise helps maintain a natural wrist angle, enhancing long-ride comfort.

Made of solid aluminum alloy, this handlebar is durable and holds up well under stress. It’s a smart pick for cross-country and trail riders who want a handlebar that’s affordable, functional, and ergonomic. While it may not be suited for downhill-specific use, it shines in general mountain biking applications.

Pros:

• Balanced width for control and maneuverability
• Comfortable rise angle
• Affordable upgrade
• Fits most bikes

Cons:

• Too narrow for aggressive downhill riders
• Lacks vibration damping

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7. Fat-Cattie MTB Handlebar

• Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
• Width: 800mm
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Rise: 50mm

The Fat-Cattie MTB Handlebar offers an aggressive 800mm width paired with a 50mm rise, catering to downhill and enduro riders who prioritize control and leverage. This handlebar is built from aluminum alloy, giving it a good strength-to-weight ratio. The extra width offers unmatched control during high-speed descents and technical sections.

Despite its size, the Fat-Cattie handlebar is surprisingly well-balanced. It provides a stable feel and precise steering response. The high rise also benefits riders seeking a more upright stance or needing to adjust bar height for fit. It’s a solid choice for gravity-focused riders looking for performance without paying top-tier prices.

Pros:

• Ultra-wide for maximum control
• High rise suits aggressive and tall riders
• Durable construction
• Good price for the size

Cons:

• May require trimming for smaller riders
• Not ideal for XC or casual use

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How to Choose the Best Budget Mountain Bike Handlebars

Mountain biking is a thrilling and physically demanding sport that requires gear capable of handling challenging terrains. One of the most overlooked yet crucial components of a mountain bike is the handlebar. Your handlebar determines how your bike feels, handles, and responds to different trails. Whether you’re descending steep slopes or navigating rocky singletracks, your handlebar affects control, comfort, and performance.

For riders on a budget, finding a quality handlebar without breaking the bank is absolutely possible. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best budget mountain bike handlebars by examining different types, materials, rise and sweep angles, and other important factors to consider.

1. Understand the Different Types of Mountain Bike Handlebars

Before choosing a budget-friendly option, it’s important to understand the two primary types of mountain bike handlebars:

a. Flat Handlebars

Flat bars are straight or have a slight bend. They offer a more aggressive, leaned-forward riding posture, which is preferred for cross-country (XC) riders. These handlebars promote better pedaling efficiency and are generally lighter.

Best for: XC riders and climbs

b. Riser Handlebars

Riser bars have a noticeable upward sweep, raising the grips higher than the stem. They offer a more upright riding position, improving control and comfort, especially on downhill or technical terrain.

Best for: Trail, enduro, downhill riders

When on a budget, choosing between flat and riser bars depends on your riding style. For general trail use, a riser bar is usually the best all-around option.

2. Material Matters: Alloy vs Carbon

Handlebars are typically made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. Here’s how the two compare for budget buyers:

a. Aluminum Alloy

• Pros: Affordable, durable, strong

• Cons: Heavier than carbon, transmits more trail vibration

Aluminum is the best choice for budget-conscious riders. Many quality aluminum handlebars offer great performance without the premium price tag.

b. Carbon Fiber

• Pros: Lightweight, absorbs more vibration, premium feel

• Cons: Expensive, can crack under stress if poorly manufactured

While carbon bars are often better in performance, affordable carbon bars may sacrifice quality or safety. For most budget builds, stick with a trusted aluminum option.

3. Width of the Handlebar

Handlebar width significantly influences control and comfort. Wider bars offer better leverage and control, especially on technical descents. However, excessively wide bars can feel cumbersome and uncomfortable on narrow trails or tight turns.

• XC riders: 680mm – 740mm

• Trail/All-mountain: 740mm – 780mm

• Enduro/Downhill: 780mm – 800mm

If you’re unsure, start with a wider bar (like 780mm) and cut it down to your preference. Many budget handlebars come with cut marks for easy adjustment.

4. Rise: Low, Medium, or High?

Rise refers to how much the bar angles upward from the center clamp area.

• Low-rise (0–10mm): Promotes a more forward, aggressive posture; great for climbs

• Medium-rise (10–20mm): Balanced position for varied terrain

• High-rise (20mm or more): More upright position; ideal for downhill and control

If you’re riding technical trails or have wrist discomfort, a higher rise might improve ergonomics. Budget handlebars are available in all rise categories, so choose based on your riding needs.

5. Sweep Angle: Back and Up Sweep

Sweep angles affect wrist comfort and handling.

• Backsweep is the backward bend of the bar. Most bars range from 7° to 9°. More backsweep gives a relaxed wrist position.

• Upsweep is the upward angle. Usually between 4° to 6°. It impacts how your hands naturally align with your forearms.

If you experience wrist or shoulder pain, sweep angles become even more important. Always test different sweep configurations if possible.

6. Clamp Diameter

The clamp diameter is the part of the bar that connects to the bike stem. The most common sizes are:

• 31.8mm: Standard for most modern mountain bikes

• 35mm: Stiffer and stronger, often used in downhill setups

For budget builds, 31.8mm is usually the more cost-effective and widely available size. Ensure compatibility with your current stem before buying.

7. Weight Considerations

While weight is less of a concern for casual riders, lighter bars can improve handling and comfort, especially on longer rides. Budget alloy bars usually weigh between 300g to 400g.

If you’re targeting lightweight performance, check the handlebar’s weight-to-strength ratio, but don’t compromise safety or durability for a few grams.

8. Durability and Brand Reputation

Even on a budget, avoid generic or off-brand handlebars that lack testing or certification. Look for handlebars from reputable brands known for quality control. Brands like Race Face, FIFTY-FIFTY, RUTU, and Spank offer solid budget-friendly options.

Always check for certifications (like ISO or EN testing standards), especially if you plan on aggressive trail or downhill riding.

9. Handlebar Finish and Grip Compatibility

Look for a textured or bead-blasted finish at the grip area to reduce slipping. Some budget bars have painted surfaces that may wear faster, while anodized finishes resist corrosion better.

Also, make sure the bar diameter at the grip ends (usually 22.2mm) matches your grips.

10. Price vs. Performance Balance

Budget doesn’t mean cheap—it means value for money. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Avoid extremely cheap bars from unknown brands without user reviews or test certifications.

• Expect to pay between $25 to $50 for a reliable alloy handlebar.

• Choose features that improve your riding experience, even if they cost a few dollars more.

Final Tips for Budget Handlebar Buyers

• Buy from trusted retailers to ensure genuine parts.

• Read reviews from riders who match your weight and riding style.

• Measure your existing handlebar if you’re upgrading, to avoid drastic changes.

• Consider bundle deals where stems and bars are sold together.

Conclusion

Choosing the best budget mountain bike handlebars doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. By understanding your riding style, the role of handlebar dimensions, materials, and ergonomics, you can confidently pick a handlebar that enhances your bike’s control and comfort—without draining your wallet.

Whether you’re building your first MTB setup or upgrading an older one, investing in a solid, budget-friendly handlebar can transform your ride. Prioritize quality, fit, and function, and your hands, shoulders, and ride performance will thank you on every trail.