Cycling has picked up considerably in the past few years, urged on from the onslaught of the global pandemic, and now by the skyrocketing fuel prices. Though few people will forsake their cars, bikes have moved from the realm of recreation, and become viable commuting alternatives. There are more cyclists on the streets than ever before. And more kids coming back to bikes.

If you’ve got an old bike hidden somewhere in the garage, odds are it needs some simple tweaking to be up and running again. What’s important is a sturdy frame. Any parts that are not up to scratch can easily be replaced with something more up to date and better in all respects. Bike manufactures have recognised the need for bikes, and widened their offerings.

You’ll see more types of different bikes, as well as more parts that can significantly improve your riding experience. This starts with the quality bike cockpit components. All the parts that are contact point between the rider and the bike can be considered as the cockpit. Definitions may differ, but this includes the handlebars, handlebar stems and headsets and the saddle and seat posts.

Each of these parts will be different on different types of bikes. Handlebars in particular. This is the reason why certain bikes are designed and look the way they are. Let’s say it’s a matter of function and form rolled into one. What individual cockpit parts need to provide is increased control, power, and comfort, while also looking good. Bikes are a sum of their parts, and choosing the right ones will mean you’ll want to spend more time riding, regardless of the type of bike.

Handlebars

Drop bars are the types of handlebars found in road bikes. Each will be designed in the geometry and size to fit the bike frame and height of the rider. Size does matter here, but also how the handlebars slope toward the rider.

Aftermarket drops will typically provide a few more centimetres of reach to get the riding position that gets you comfortable, as well as able to put in more power into the pedals without inflicting back or shoulder pain. You’ll also find bike cockpit pieces like handlebars geared towards different road bike geometries, from laid-back endurance bikes to handlebars that complement full-on racing bikes.

An entirely different proposition are the handlebars in mountain bikes. Here we have flat bars. These different in that they have only one riding position, with the wrists laid flat out. Flat bars are bigger than drops in every dimension. They’re wider, for better control in downhill and trail riding, thicker to endure being beaten in rocky terrain, and need more clamping force because of the added weight.

Widths range from 700 to 800mm, and the wider the bar the more leverage it provides. Also consider handlebar rise and sweep. This is how the handlebars face the rider, and determine body position, handling and comfort. It also affects weight distribution, and less weight up front means more control.

Bars with more rise are geared more towards leisurely rides, while those that verge on flat are meant for outright downhill speed. The last point to consider is diameter. This ranges from 31 to 35cmm at the thickest point, but all MTB handlebars thin out at the grips to 22.2mm. Thicker bars can be sturdier, and provide more confidence, when optioned in better materials.

Rise, width, and sweep are determining factors when looking at new BMX handlebars. Rise is how high the bars are set from the clamp, and in general it’s between 8.5 to 10 inches. Taller riders would want a higher bar with more rise. Typically, the more rise, the comfier you can get.

That’s why high bars are meant for bikes that are more for laid-back cruising than doing tricks in the park. Widths here range from 27 to 32 inches, and roughly correlate (though not always) with rise. The sweep in BMX bike cockpit bars determines the angle at which your wrists are set. Most bars here have gentle angle towards the ride. Choosing the type of handlebar largely depends on your height and what is a comfortable seating or standing position. Your riding style will also help you choose what’s right.

Handlebar Grips and Tape

For BMX and mountain bikes there are hundreds of grips to choose from. Here you have traditional grips, that are usually narrower and shorter and in a simple pattern. They won’t give you the best control (grip) in more demanding riding.

Foam grips are good choice for anyone tackling technical terrain, as they soak up vibrations and as a result offer more comfort. Lock-on grips are the best for handling. All grips can be sourced in different lengths, thicknesses, and patterns. To secure grips to the handlebars there are also a range of bar ends.

Handlebar tape is found on road bikes. It comes in different materials, but a synthetic outer and foam or gel inner layer features in most new road bikes. There’s also the difference in thickness, with racers preferring thinner tape (at 1.5 to 1.8mm), while those doing sportive or leisurely weekend rides opting for thicker tape (2 to 2.5mm) for better cushioning.

Stems

Stems and headsets are parts that connect the handlebars to the frame and fork. Stems clamp on the handlebar and align to the headset in the head tube. When choosing a stem for your type of bike, the determining factors are length and rise. Longer MTB cockpit stems feature in XC bikes, while shorter stems are found on downhill bikes. On road bikes, a shorter stem can give a more upright, and hence comfier position. Most stems on newer bikes are of the threadless type, and function independently of the fork.

Saddles

Here too there is a lot of variety. When swapping out your old saddle for a new one, look for one that is the right shape and with adequate cushioning. There are gender specific saddles, with women’s saddles being generally wider. Also consider the riding position you’re comfortable with and the type of riding you do. Once you’ve chosen the saddle, set it at the right height by adjusting the seat post. For most riders this would be with the feet just touching the ground.