Setting up your handlebars properly and having the confidence to change positions can bring real benefits in comfort and performance.

 

 

Handlebars on a racing bike have a range of different positions. And using them properly can improve your performance.

Comfort, power, efficiency and speed can all be significantly influenced by the way you hold your bars.

Pro riders constantly jump between different handlebar positions; especially if responding to somebody else turning the screw.

At a minimum, setting up your bars properly and having the confidence to use all of the positions offered will improve your comfort, giving your back and other muscles a rest.

In this clip, we start with the drops; the best position for fast riding. It’s lower, so you’re more aerodynamic.

But you also have more control, particularly as this is the most effective position from which to brake.

Next we tackle the hoods; the best position for all day comfort. It’s not quite as aerodynamic, but it’s great for climbing out of the saddle.

Finally, holding your bars on the tops is perfect for long, gradual climbs as it sits you further back on the bike, opening up your lungs and recruiting your glutes.

There should be something for everyone in this short clip.

And we’ve also included a second clip further down demonstrating how to put on bar tape properly.

 

 

How to put on handlebar tape