Long days on the bike require more than just stamina; they demand a setup that prioritizes comfort above all else. The right handlebar can be the difference between a journey you savor and one you simply endure. For touring and bikepacking, where varied hand positions are key to preventing fatigue and numbness, your choice of handlebar is one of the most critical components for a successful and enjoyable adventure.
From classic drop bars to innovative ergonomic designs, the market offers a wide array of options to suit different riding styles and anatomies. This roundup focuses on handlebars designed to provide the comfort and versatility needed for those epic, multi-day trips, helping you find the perfect match for your next long-distance ride.
Our Top Handlebar Picks for Long-Distance Comfort
- UPANBIKE Trekking Cycling Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Butterfly Handlebar
- UPANBIKE Fixed Gear Bike Road Bicycle Drop Bar Bent Handlebar
- UPANBIKE Urban Road Bike Bicycle Retro Handlebar 31.8mm
- UPANBIKE Mountain Bike Road Bike Handlebar Aluminum Alloy Flat Bar
- Velo Orange Crazy Handlebars – 31.8mm, Noir
- Ergon Ga2/ga2 Fat/ga3 End Plugs One Size
- SQLab 711 16° Comfort Bicycle Handlebar
- Ergon GP5 BioKork Comfort Grips with Integrated Bar Ends
UPANBIKE Trekking Cycling Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Butterfly Handlebar
The UPANBIKE Butterfly Handlebar is a top choice for touring cyclists seeking maximum hand position variety. Its unique multi-curve design provides numerous spots to place your hands, which helps distribute pressure and reduce fatigue on long rides. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with wrist pain or numbness.
Constructed from durable 6061 aluminum alloy, this handlebar is built to withstand the rigors of loaded touring. It is available in two clamp diameters, 25.4mm and 31.8mm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of stems. The included sponge grips offer a comfortable baseline, which you can customize further with your preferred tape or additional accessories.
UPANBIKE Fixed Gear Bike Road Bicycle Drop Bar Bent Handlebar
For riders who prefer a classic road bike feel with the aerodynamic benefits of drop bars, this UPANBIKE model is a reliable and affordable option. The multiple hand positions on the hoods, drops, and tops allow you to change your posture frequently, which is essential for comfort during all-day riding sessions.
Made from 6061 T6 aluminum alloy, it offers a solid blend of strength and light weight. Like the butterfly bar, it comes in both 25.4mm and 31.8mm clamp sizes to fit different stems. This versatility makes it a practical upgrade for many road, fixed-gear, or gravel bikes used for light touring.
UPANBIKE Urban Road Bike Bicycle Retro Handlebar
This moustache-style handlebar from UPANBIKE combines a sleek, retro look with functional comfort. Its wide 640mm design provides excellent control for navigating rough paths or city streets, while the swept-back shape offers a more natural and relaxed wrist angle compared to a flat bar.
The T6061 aluminum alloy construction ensures durability, and the 31.8mm clamp diameter is a modern standard for easy installation. The multiple bending points create natural spots for your hands and for mounting brake levers, making it a stylish and practical choice for comfortable urban commuting and casual touring.
UPANBIKE Mountain Bike Road Bike Handlebar Aluminum Alloy Flat Bar
Simplicity and control are the hallmarks of a good flat bar, and this UPANBIKE model delivers just that. Its straightforward 600mm wide, straight design offers a confident and upright riding position, which many riders find comfortable for visibility and control on mixed-terrain routes.
Built from robust aluminum alloy, this handlebar is a no-fuss, dependable component. The 25.4mm clamp diameter and 22.2mm bar end diameter make it compatible with a vast array of stems, grips, and bar-end accessories. It’s an excellent foundation for a comfortable, customizable cockpit on a hybrid or mountain bike used for touring.
Velo Orange Crazy Handlebars
The Velo Orange Crazy Bar lives up to its name with a highly innovative design that merges the benefits of a bullhorn bar with the control of a swept-back loop. This creates two distinct, comfortable hand positions: one for an efficient, forward-leaning posture and another for a relaxed, upright cruise.
With a significant 35-degree back sweep on the rear loops, it promotes a very natural wrist and arm alignment that can alleviate shoulder and neck strain. The 31.8mm clamp diameter and sleek Noir finish make it a premium, functional upgrade for any adventurer looking to think outside the box for comfort.
Ergon Ga2/ga2 Fat/ga3 End Plugs
While not a handlebar itself, the Ergon End Plugs are a crucial comfort and safety accessory for any touring setup. A secure bar end plug is essential for safety, preventing the open ends of your handlebar from causing injury in a fall. Ergon’s plugs offer a reliable and clean finish.
Designed to fit a variety of Ergon’s own grips and other models, these plugs ensure a professional installation. Taking the time to properly equip your handlebars with high-quality components like these is a simple yet effective step in building a comfortable and safe bicycle.
SQLab 711 16° Comfort Bicycle Handlebar
The SQLab 711 handlebar is the result of extensive ergonomic research, specifically designed to combat hand and wrist pain. Its defining feature is the 16-degree internal bend, which positions the wrist and hand in a neutral, stress-free alignment. This can significantly reduce pressure on the carpal tunnel.
Available in multiple widths to suit different rider anatomies, the SQLab 711 offers a highly personalized fit. Combined with a moderate backsweep, it encourages a comfortable and natural riding posture, making it an outstanding investment for cyclists who experience discomfort on standard flat or riser bars.
Ergon GP5 BioKork Comfort Grips with Integrated Bar Ends
The Ergon GP5 system is a complete comfort solution that combines an ergonomic grip with integrated bar ends. The BioKork material is not only sustainable but also provides a naturally comfortable, slightly textured feel that dampens vibrations. The grip itself is shaped to support the palm and reduce pressure points.
The integrated bar ends offer an instant alternative hand position without the need for a separate component, allowing you to change your posture and engage different muscles on long climbs or during stretches of straight riding. This all-in-one approach is perfect for flat bar users seeking to enhance their comfort with a single, high-quality upgrade.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bike Handlebars for Touring & Bikepacking
Choosing the right handlebars for a long-distance tour or a multi-day bikepacking trip is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your comfort. I’ve spent countless hours on the road and trail, and I can tell you that the wrong bars can turn a dream trip into a painful slog. Your handlebars are one of your three main contact points, and they dictate your riding posture, control, and how much strain you put on your hands, wrists, and back. When you’re looking for the best bike handlebars for touring & bikepacking, you need to think about a few key things beyond just looks.
First, let’s talk about width. A wider bar generally offers more control and stability, which is great for loaded bikes on rough terrain. It also opens up your chest for easier breathing. However, too wide can make you feel stretched out and can be a problem on narrow, overgrown singletrack. Next is sweep. This is the angle at which the grips point back towards you. More sweep (like on a Jones Loop Bar) creates a more natural, neutral wrist position. This can drastically reduce pressure on your carpal tunnels and prevent numb hands on long days. For me, a good amount of sweep is non-negotiable for comfort.
Then there’s rise. Do you need your hands higher? If you have a sore back or neck, a bar with some rise can help you sit more upright, taking pressure off those areas. You can also achieve this with stem spacers or an angled stem, but a riser bar is a clean solution. Finally, consider the material and mounting options. Aluminum is the standard—it’s durable, affordable, and lightweight. Titanium is a premium option that offers a unique vibration-damping feel, but it’s expensive. Look for bars with plenty of real estate for mounting accessories like lights, GPS units, bar bags, and aerobars. A multi-position bar, like the Surly Moloko, gives you tons of places to move your hands, which is the ultimate secret to staying comfortable mile after mile.
FAQ
What is the most comfortable handlebar for long-distance touring?
There isn’t a single “most comfortable” bar for everyone, as fit is very personal. However, many long-distance tourists swear by handlebars with a significant backsweep and multiple hand positions. A butterfly or trekking bar is specifically designed for this, offering a huge range of places to rest your hands. For a more traditional look, a swept-back alt-bar like the Velo Orange Crazy Bar or a Jones Loop Bar are also fantastic choices for keeping your wrists happy over many hours in the saddle.
Are drop bars good for bikepacking?
Drop bars can be excellent for bikepacking, especially if your route involves a lot of paved roads or fast, smooth gravel where you want an aerodynamic option. The key is having multiple hand positions on the hoods, in the drops, and on the tops. The challenge is mounting a large handlebar bag, which can require special adapters. For mixed-terrain adventures, a flared drop bar provides more stability in the drops when the trail gets rough. So yes, they are a solid option, particularly for riders already comfortable with that style.
How much handlebar sweep do I need?
The amount of sweep you need depends on your body and what feels natural. A typical mountain bike bar has around 5-9 degrees of sweep. For touring comfort, I find that something in the 15 to 45-degree range is a game-changer. It brings the grips closer to your body and aligns your wrists with your forearms. If you frequently experience wrist pain or numb palms, more sweep is the first thing I would try. It’s best to test different options if you can, as a small change in angle can make a big difference.
Can I add aerobars to my touring handlebars?
Absolutely. Adding clip-on aerobars is a very popular mod for the best bike handlebars for touring & bikepacking. They give you a completely different, super-relaxed position that takes weight off your hands and allows you to rest your upper body. This is invaluable on long, straight sections or into a headwind. Just make sure you have enough flat space on your bars to mount them securely, and always practice using them in a safe environment before hitting busy roads.
What is the difference between a trekking bar and a butterfly bar?
These terms are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to multi-position handlebars with a complex, looping shape. Technically, “trekking bar” is the more common generic term. “Butterfly bar” is actually a model name from Ergon, a popular manufacturer. So, while all butterfly bars are a type of trekking bar, not all trekking bars are the specific Ergon Butterfly model. The core idea is the same: to provide numerous hand placements to fight fatigue.
Is a carbon handlebar worth it for touring?
For most tourers and bikepackers, a carbon handlebar is a luxury, not a necessity. The primary benefit is vibration damping, which can smooth out a rough road. However, a high-quality aluminum bar, especially when paired with wider tires, can be plenty comfortable. The bigger concerns for me are durability and cost. On a remote tour, a damaged aluminum bar is easier to repair or replace than carbon. For the price of one carbon bar, you could buy a couple of great aluminum bars and still have money left over.