Mountain Bike Hanger Black Friday: discounts on carbon and aluminium

What to check on a mountain bike handlebar before taking advantage of an offer?

• Clamping diameter, either 31.8 or 35 mm, matching your stem: otherwise, the stem needs to be changed too.
• Width: start with the width of your current handlebar and your feelings; most mountain bike handlebars can be trimmed down, but never below the manufacturer's minimum width.
• Rise, meaning the height of the ends above the clamp, which changes your hand position as much as a stem.
• Intended use: a downhill handlebar or one for an electric mountain bike should be designed to handle those stresses; some manufacturers indicate this with a class or level engraved on the handlebar.

The detailed guide, with recommended widths by discipline and handlebar geometry, can be found on the mountain bike handlebars page.

Discount handlebars: read the variant before the price

The same name often covers several widths, heights, diameters, and colours. On this page, the Spank Spoon is available in 800 mm with rises from 20 to 60 mm, and the Race Face Era comes in various heights; some Deity models are offered in 31.8 mm, others in 35 mm. A promotion is therefore judged by identical variants: compare the crossed-out price and the displayed price of the Spoon in the rise that suits you, not in another. Some handlebars on the page, in cruiser or touring shapes, are designed for the city or travel rather than trails: the designation makes this clear.

Changing handlebars: the parts to follow

A handlebar that is significantly higher or wider may require longer cables and housing. Changing diameter requires a new stem, to be chosen from the mountain bike stems in Black Friday, and it's often an opportunity to replace the grips, which can sometimes get damaged during removal. Other parts of the cockpit are gathered in the mountain bike components of Black Friday, and the practical handlebars also serve road and city bikes. After the operation, check out the clearance sales and new arrivals.

The brands of mountain bike handlebars in Black Friday

Deity offers aluminium handlebars in 31.8 mm, such as the Blacklabel, the Highside or the CZ40, and its carbon models Skywire and Speedway in 35 mm.

Spank offers its 800 mm Spoon in various rises, an easy way to raise or lower your hands without touching the stem.

Funn continues with the Full On, in 6061 aluminium, the shape of its premium KingPin handlebar, made from an alloy the brand calls Supreme 7.

Ergotec engraves a safety level of 1 to 6 on its handlebars, established according to the type of bike and the rider's weight: the higher the number, the more demanding the permitted use.

Race Face ranges from the Chester, in blasted 6061 aluminium for enduro and downhill, to carbon handlebars Era and Next SL, the latter designed for cross-country in 35 mm.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fit a 35 mm handlebar on a 31.8 mm stem?

No: a stem's clamp corresponds to a single diameter. To switch to 35 mm, you must change the stem at the same time, which can also be an opportunity to adjust its length.

Carbon or aluminium handlebar: which one to choose?

Carbon makes the setup lighter and can filter vibrations more; aluminium handles repeated impacts better and is cheaper. A carbon handlebar must be tightened to the specified torque using a torque wrench.

Does a new mountain bike handlebar need to be cut?

Not always. Fit it first to its original width and ride a few outings: if it feels too wide, trim it down in small increments, the same length off each side, following the manufacturer's markings.

Does a higher handlebar change handling?

Yes: higher hands straighten the torso and shift some weight back, which is reassuring on descents but makes the front lighter on steep climbs. Proceed with small height adjustments.

Can you give a mountain bike handlebar as a gift during Black Friday?

The timing is right: the Friday of Black Friday follows Thanksgiving, just before the holidays, and at Vélo-Store discounts on handlebars last throughout November. However, a handlebar remains a risky gift if you don't know the stem diameter or the rider's preferences in width and height; grips or bar ends are easier to give.