Handlebars and their tape can have a profound effect the comfort and handling of your bike. A bar with agreeable hand positions and comfortable tape can help reduce the fatigue of a long ride.

We agree with the general rule that the width of the bar should reflect the width of your shoulder, but feel that a shallower drop is probably better for the vast majority of cyclists. With a sea of options readily available, we do have a specific recommendations:

Nitto

Nitto Noodle Handlebar

   

The classic from Nitto.  With flat ramps and a shallow drop, this is the perfect bar for long comfortable days on the road.  Superb Nitto quality with timeless Nitto crests on the clamp sleeve. If you are looking to upgrade your vintage rider, then this is the bar to have.

• 26.0mm bar clamp diameter
• Rounded tops and drops
• 140mm of bar drop
• 95mm bar reach
• 4° flare out (not included in width measurement)
• No cable grooves

Renaissance Bicycles price: $70 (with free shipping in the U.S.)

Nitto Randonneur Handlebar

   

With plenty of hand positions, the Nitto Randonneur is an ideal bar for commuting, long rides in the country, or [ahem] randonneuring. With an outward flare to the drops, and the swoopy bend to the tops, this bar is very versatile.

• 25.4mm bar clamp diameter
• “Swoopy” tops and drops
• 120mm of bar drop
• 105mm bar reach
• No cable grooves
• Weight: 320 grams

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $60 (with free shipping in the U.S.)

Handlebar Tape

Cinelli Cork Tape

 

The highly regarded Cinelli handlebar tape. Made of cork, this handlebar wrap is comfortable, durable, and installs easily.

Includes bar-end caps, finishing tape, and plenty of length to wrap your bars all the way to the stem.

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $18 (with free shipping in the U.S.)