How To Extend Handlebars On A Mountain Bike: Easy DIY Guide

Mountain biking is more than just riding over rocks and roots. It’s about comfort, control, and enjoying every turn on the trail. One small change—like extending your handlebars—can make a big difference to your ride. If your hands feel cramped, your steering feels twitchy, or you want more stability, you might have wondered how to extend handlebars on a mountain bike.

This guide explores not only the “how” but also the “why,” so you can make the right choices and avoid common mistakes.

Whether you’re a weekend rider or hitting technical trails, handlebar width and setup shape your whole experience. Let’s dive into the best ways to extend handlebars, what tools you’ll need, and how to adjust for your body and riding style.

Along the way, you’ll find tips, expert insights, and tables that compare real-world options.

Why Extend Your Mountain Bike Handlebars?

Handlebar width isn’t just about looks or trends. It changes how your bike feels:

• Stability: Wider bars give you more leverage, making it easier to control the front wheel—especially on rough trails.
• Breathing and Comfort: Opening your chest with a wider grip can help you breathe easier, especially on climbs.
• Steering Precision: More width means less effort to steer, but it also slows down steering response. This can help on fast or bumpy descents.
• Control for Larger Riders: If you have broad shoulders, narrow bars can feel cramped and make the bike harder to control.

But wider isn’t always better. Too much width can make tight trails tricky and put extra strain on your shoulders. The goal is to find the right width for your body and riding style.

How To Measure Your Current Handlebar Width

Before making changes, you need to know where you’re starting. Here’s how to measure your handlebars:

• Remove Grips and Accessories: Take off grips, bells, and anything else on the ends.
• Use a Tape Measure: Place the measure at one end of the bar (outside edge), stretch it across to the other end (outside edge).
• Record the Measurement: Handlebars are usually measured in millimeters (mm). Common widths are 680mm to 800mm.

Example

If your bar measures 720mm and you want more stability, you might consider extending to 760mm or 780mm. But how do you actually get those extra millimeters?

Credit: www.reddit.com

Methods To Extend Handlebars On A Mountain Bike

There’s no “stretch” button for handlebars. You have several real-world options, each with pros and cons.

1. Replace With Wider Handlebars

The most common and reliable way to get wider bars is to swap your current handlebar for a new, wider one.

How To Choose A New Handlebar

• Material: Aluminum is affordable and strong. Carbon fiber is lighter, absorbs vibration, but costs more.
• Rise and Sweep: Rise is the upward bend, sweep is the backward bend. These affect wrist comfort.
• Diameter: Most modern mountain bikes use either 31.8mm or 35mm clamp diameter. Make sure the new bar fits your stem.
• Max Width: Check your bike’s frame and your body size.

Comparison Of Common Handlebar Materials

Material	Weight (g for 760mm)	Price Range	Vibration Damping	Durability
Aluminum	320-380	$30-$80	Good	Very Good
Carbon Fiber	180-250	$100-$250	Excellent	Good
Steel	400-500	$20-$50	Average	Excellent

Installation Steps

• Remove the Old Bar: Unscrew the stem faceplate, slide out your old bar.
• Install the New Bar: Position it centrally, replace the faceplate, and tighten the bolts evenly.
• Reinstall Controls: Slide grips, brakes, and shifters onto the new bar. Adjust angles for comfort.
• Test Ride: Check for comfort and control. Make small adjustments as needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t cut the new bar until you’ve tried it at full width for a few rides. Many riders trim bars too early and regret losing the extra width.

2. Handlebar Extensions (bar Ends Or Extenders)

If you want to try more width without buying a new bar, handlebar extensions might help. These are add-ons that fit onto the ends of your existing bar.

Types Of Extensions

• Plug-in Extenders: Insert into the open ends of your handlebar, adding 10-30mm per side.
• Clamp-on Bar Ends: Attach next to your grips, often used for extra hand positions.

Pros And Cons

• Pros: Cheap, easy to install, reversible.
• Cons: Can look odd, may not work with certain grips, can interfere with trees or obstacles.

3. Use Different Grips

Some grips are designed to add a small amount of width—about 5-10mm per side. This is a minor change, but sometimes all you need is a little more room.

4. Change Your Stem

While stem length doesn’t change bar width, it does change your reach and the feeling of space. A slightly longer stem can help, but it’s not a substitute for real width.

5. Custom Solutions

Some riders weld or 3D-print custom extensions, but these are rare, costly, and can be unsafe. If you go this route, consult a professional.

Choosing The Right Width For Your Body And Riding Style

Not every rider should go as wide as possible. Your ideal width depends on several factors:

• Shoulder Width: A common rule is bar width = shoulder width plus 2-4cm.
• Type of Riding: Trail, XC, downhill, enduro—all have slightly different preferences.
• Bike Geometry: Some bikes handle better with wider or narrower bars.

Recommended Handlebar Widths By Riding Style

Riding Style	Common Width Range
Cross-Country (XC)	680mm – 740mm
Trail/All-Mountain	740mm – 780mm
Downhill/Enduro	760mm – 800mm

Non-obvious tip: Your local trails also matter. If you ride in tight forests, very wide bars can catch on trees and slow you down.

Credit: ottenbruch.de

Tools And Parts You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these basics:

• Allen wrenches (usually 4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
• New handlebar (if replacing)
• Bar end plugs or extensions (if using)
• Torque wrench (for carbon bars)
• Grease or assembly paste (for carbon parts)
• Measuring tape
• Cutting tool (if trimming bars)

Safety note: Always check your stem and bar for cracks or damage before reassembly. A broken bar can cause serious accidents.

Step-by-step: Replacing Handlebars For More Width

Here’s a detailed guide for swapping to a wider handlebar:

• Remove Grips and Controls
• Slide off grips using isopropyl alcohol or compressed air.
• Unscrew brake and shifter clamps; move them inward.
• Remove the Handlebar
• Loosen and remove the stem faceplate bolts.
• Pull the bar free, being careful not to drop it on cables.
• Install the New Handlebar
• Center the new bar in the stem (most bars have markings).
• Replace the stem faceplate, tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern.
• Use a torque wrench for carbon bars (usually 5-8Nm).
• Reinstall Controls and Grips
• Slide on shifters, brakes, and grips.
• Adjust angles for best wrist comfort.
• Tighten all bolts to the correct torque.
• Test and Adjust
• Sit on the bike, check arm and wrist position.
• Go for a short ride to check comfort and handling.
• Make small changes to grip angle or control placement.

Cutting The Bars: Only If Needed

Most new bars come extra-wide (up to 800mm) so you can trim them to your ideal width. Here’s how:

• Mark the Cut Line: Measure from the center, mark both ends equally.
• Use a Pipe Cutter or Fine Hacksaw: For carbon, use a special blade.
• Smooth the Ends: Use sandpaper to remove sharp edges.
• Replace Bar End Plugs: Never ride without them.

Beginner mistake: Cutting too much, too soon. Ride the full width for a few rides first.

Adjusting Position After Extending Handlebars

A wider bar changes your reach and wrist angle. Here’s how to dial in your new setup:

• Rotate the Bar: Small rotations change wrist comfort and control.
• Adjust Controls: Move levers and shifters so you can reach them without straining.
• Check Cable Length: Sometimes cables are too short for extra-wide bars; check before hitting the trail.

Pro insight: Even a 10mm change can feel huge. Take time to adjust and ride before making further changes.

Effects Of Wider Handlebars: What To Expect

Switching to wider bars isn’t just about numbers—it changes how your bike rides.

Benefits

• More Control: Especially on steep or rough descents.
• Easier Breathing: Opens your chest, helps with tough climbs.
• Less Twitchy: Steering feels more stable, especially at speed.

Drawbacks

• Tighter Turns: Wide bars can make sharp corners harder.
• Shoulder Strain: Too wide can cause pain or fatigue.
• Trail Clearance: More likely to hit trees or bushes.

Real-world Example

Many pro enduro riders use bars around 780-800mm, but some XC racers stay under 740mm for tight courses. Don’t just copy others—test what works for you.

Safety Considerations

Never sacrifice safety for style or trend. Here’s what to check:

• Bar and Stem Compatibility: Bar diameter must match stem clamp size.
• Quality Hardware: Use reputable brands, avoid cheap knock-offs.
• Torque Settings: Overtightening can crush carbon, undertightening can cause slipping.

Hidden hazard: Riding without bar end plugs is dangerous—open bars can cause serious injury in a crash.

Cost Of Extending Handlebars

Prices vary depending on your approach.

Option	Approximate Cost	Difficulty	Durability
New Aluminum Bar	$30–$80	Medium	Very Good
New Carbon Bar	$100–$250	Medium	Good
Plug-in Extenders	$10–$30	Easy	Good
Wider Grips	$15–$40	Easy	Good

Common Mistakes When Extending Handlebars

Many riders make the same errors. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Going Too Wide, Too Fast: Jumping from 700mm to 800mm overnight can cause shoulder pain and make your bike hard to steer in tight spaces.
• Ignoring Fit: Copying a pro’s setup might look cool, but if it doesn’t fit your body, you’ll lose control and comfort.
• Not Checking Cables: Longer bars need longer brake and shifter cables. If your cables are too short, shifting and braking will suffer.
• Poor Installation: Uneven bolt tightening or mismatched parts can lead to bar slip or breakage.
• Skipping Test Rides: Always test before cutting or making changes permanent.

Insider tip: Small adjustments (5-10mm) can dramatically change how your bike feels. Make changes gradually.

Practical Tips For Perfect Handlebar Fit

• Use a Tape Marker: Mark your original bar width with tape before making changes, so you can always go back.
• Ride Familiar Trails: Test new widths on trails you know well, so you can compare handling.
• Ask for Feedback: Sometimes friends or riding partners notice posture problems you might miss.
• Take Notes: Write down how each change feels, including any pain or comfort improvements.

Credit: www.youtube.com

When Not To Extend Your Handlebars

Some situations call for caution:

• Very Tight Trails: If you ride in places with lots of trees or rocks close together, wider bars can slow you down.
• Small Frame Sizes: On XS or S frames, very wide bars can throw off bike handling.
• Existing Shoulder Issues: If you already have shoulder pain, more width might make it worse.

If in doubt, consult a local bike shop or a professional bike fitter.

Handlebar Width And Bike Handling: The Science

Studies show that wider handlebars increase leverage, making it easier to control the front wheel during technical descents. However, they also make steering slower, which can be a disadvantage on twisty trails.

According to a study published on Pinkbike, most riders found their ideal handlebar width was between 760mm and 780mm. Riders reported better breathing, more control, but also struggled with tight corners if the bars were much wider than their shoulder width.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Wider Should My Mountain Bike Handlebars Be?

Most riders find their ideal width is about 2 to 4 centimeters wider than their shoulders. For example, if your shoulders are 44cm apart, a bar width of 740mm–760mm often works well. Try small changes first.

Are Wider Handlebars Always Better For Mountain Biking?

No. Wider bars provide more control on rough terrain, but can make tight corners harder and strain your shoulders if too wide. Match width to your body size and trails.

Can I Use Handlebar Extenders Instead Of Buying New Bars?

Yes, handlebar extenders are a low-cost way to test wider bars. They’re easy to install and remove. However, they may not feel as solid or look as clean as a true wide bar.

Will I Need New Cables If I Extend My Handlebars?

If you add more than 20mm per side, you may need longer brake and shifter cables. Check cable length before riding—cables that are too short can cause shifting and braking problems.

How Do I Know If My New Handlebar Width Is Correct?

Your arms should feel relaxed with elbows slightly bent when riding. You should be able to control the bike easily without shoulder pain. Test on different trails and adjust as needed.

Mountain biking is as much about experimenting as it is about riding. Extending your handlebars can boost comfort and control, but the right width is personal. Make gradual changes, listen to your body, and enjoy the new feel of your bike.

With the right setup, every ride becomes more fun and less tiring.