The world of Flat Bar mountain biking is booming, with riders of all ages and skill levels enjoying the benefits of optimal control and comfort that riding on a flat bar bike provides. From sliding through turns to standing up on a climb, flat bar bikes offer riders an enhanced riding experience that is comfortable and efficient.
For many mountain bikers, flat bar mountain bikes (also known as flat bar MTBs) are becoming the preferred choice. With the right setup, riders will gain the control and stability advantages of a mountain bike without compromising maneuverability. flat bar MTBs are an ideal way to dive into the world of mountain biking, providing an optimal way to enjoy the great outdoors, while being supported by a solid and reliable performance.
The key to enjoying a successful experience when riding a flat bar mountain bike is taking the time to get your setup just right. From selecting the right components and fitting the bike into the proper settings, to learning the techniques and skills that make a flat bar unique, getting the most out of your bike’s performance means understanding the basics of flat bar MTB setup.
In this guide, we’re going to go over the basics of flat bar mountain biking, including bike bars, brake levers, shifters, pedals, and other components, to ensure you can get the most out of your ride. We hope this guide will serve as a great resource for those looking to take their flat bar MTB experience to the next level.
flat bar MTB bike bars
One of the most important components of flat bar MTB setup is the handlebar. bike bars come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, each of them providing its own unique features and advantages. Riders should choose their bar based on their desired level of control, comfort, and stability.
Flat bars are designed to provide the rider with the most levels of control, as they usually come with an aggressive bend near the brake lever and a wide shoulder for increased stability and grip. Riser bars often provide more control and agility, with an attractive design profile. They tend to be lighter than a traditional flat bar, which is ideal for riders who are looking for top-level performance.
Aside from the style of bar, riders should also take into consideration the width of the bar. Too narrow of a bar can put a limit on the rider’s ability to maneuver properly, while too wide of a bar can make it difficult to lean into corners. Choosing the right width of handlebar is highly dependent on the rider’s riding style.
flat bar MTB Brake Levers
The brake lever is another important component of any flat bar setup, and riders should always make sure to choose the right levers for their desired riding experience. Generally, flat bar brake levers are wide and ergonomically designed to provide riders with optimal control and comfort in their riding position.
Some riders may favor flat bar brake levers with a longer reach, as it allows them to maintain greater control of the brake levers regardless of their hand position. Designers have also begun to pay more attention to the shape and design of the brake levers, as ergonomic levers with more padding can provide a more comfortable and secure grip for the rider.
When it comes to braking performance, flat bar brakes levers provide the most control and stopping power in relation to their weight. Disc brakes have recently become more popular in flat bar MTB setup, as they offer faster and more reliable braking performance. Ultimately, riders should choose their brake levers based on their desired level of braking performance and control.
flat bar MTB Shifters
Shifters are an essential part of every flat bar mountain bike setup. The shifter is what allows riders to easily shift into different gears without having to adjust their grip or hand placement on the handlebar. Depending on the type of drivetrain, riders have some flexibility when it comes to choosing their shifters.
For those running a flat-bar mountain bike setup with an integrated two or three-speed drivetrain, thumb shifters are often the preferred choice. These shifters usually come with an adjustable dial, allowing the rider to fine-tune their shifting performance. Popular shifters like the Shimano SLX, Deore XT, and SRAM GX are generally thought of as reliable and efficient shifting systems.
Riders who prefer a more traditional approach to shifting will likely choose trigger shifters. By pressing a trigger with their thumb or forefinger, riders can quickly shift from one gear to another. Trigger shifters are often much lighter and smoother than their thumb shifter counterparts, making them an ideal choice for many flat bar riders.
flat bar MTB Pedals
flat bar mountain bikes typically come with clipless pedals. Clipless pedals provide the rider with a secure attachment to their bike