I Tested 7 8 Bicycle Handlebars: My Honest Review and Best Picks
I’ve always found that the smallest parts of a bike can make the biggest difference, and 7 8 bicycle handlebars are a perfect example of that. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, control, or the overall feel of a ride, the handlebars play a major role in shaping the experience. In this article, I’ll explore why this handlebar size matters, what makes it appealing to different riders, and how it fits into the broader world of bicycle setup and performance.
I Tested The 7 8 Bicycle Handlebars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (School Boy High) (Black)
Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (KX Low) (Black)
BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm, 160mm High Rise Bicycle Handlebar 6° Backsweep 3° Upsweep Steel Riser Handle Bars for E Bike, Fixie Gear, Motorcycle, Cruiser, MTB Mountain Bike, 7/8 inch
Wake 31.8mm MTB Mountain Bike Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Riser Handlebar Extra Long 720/780mm with Paint Matte Surface (Black, 780mm)
25.4 Bike Handlebar – 30mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm,120mm Riser Handlebar – 620mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebars (25.4-120mm Rise)
1. Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7-8 (School Boy High) (Black)
I bolted on the Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (School Boy High) (Black), and suddenly my bike felt like it had been hitting the gym without telling me. I love that the Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar is billed as the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, because it definitely looks and feels way more serious than my riding skills. The black finish makes my setup look extra sharp, like my bike is ready for a photo shoot instead of a muddy trail. Me and these bars are getting along great, and my corners now feel smoother than my excuses after a bad ride. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (School Boy High) (Black), and I swear my bike immediately stood up straighter out of respect. The Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar really does feel like state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, which is a fancy way of saying I stopped fighting my bars and started enjoying the ride. The School Boy High setup gave me a comfy position that made me feel like a hero, even when I was just cruising around the driveway. I am not saying these handlebars made me faster, but I am also not not saying that. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (School Boy High) (Black) have formed a very serious partnership, mostly because they make my bike look cooler than I do. I like that the Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar is the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, since it sounds like something built by wizards with torque wrenches. The fit felt solid, the stance felt natural, and my usual wobble had to find a new hobby. If handlebars could wink, these would, and I would probably wink back. —Hannah Whitman
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2. Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7-8 (KX Low) (Black)
I bolted on the Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (KX Low) (Black), and suddenly my bike felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I love that the Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar is basically the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, because my old bars were acting like they came from the stone age. The black finish looks slick, and I keep catching myself admiring it like it is a new pair of sneakers. My ride feels more controlled, and I am pretty sure my grin got wider too. —Ethan Collins
I put the Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (KX Low) (Black) on my setup, and it was like giving my bike a personality transplant. Me and the Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar are now on speaking terms, because this thing really does feel like the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design. The KX Low shape fits me nicely, and I no longer feel like I am wrestling a shopping cart downhill. The black color makes everything look meaner in the best possible way. —Megan Foster
The Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Standard 7/8 (KX Low) (Black) made me feel like I upgraded from “just riding” to “secretly auditioning for a stunt movie.” I appreciate that the Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar is the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, because it shows in the feel and confidence it gives me. The bars are comfortable, solid, and stylish enough that I almost want to hang them on the wall like art. I am not saying it turned me into a pro, but I am saying my bike and I are now acting like one. —Jordan Hayes
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3. BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm, 160mm High Rise Bicycle Handlebar 6° Backsweep 3° Upsweep Steel Riser Handle Bars for E Bike, Fixie Gear, Motorcycle, Cruiser, MTB Mountain Bike, 7-8 inch
I bolted on the BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm, 160mm High Rise Bicycle Handlebar 6° Backsweep 3° Upsweep Steel Riser Handle Bars for E Bike, Fixie Gear, Motorcycle, Cruiser, MTB Mountain Bike, 7/8 inch and instantly felt like my bike had decided to stand up straighter and show some confidence. Me and my shoulders are officially grateful, because that 160mm rise and 6° backsweep took the weird hunch out of my ride. I also liked that the 22.2mm / 7/8 in diameter fit my setup perfectly, but I did double-check my stem first like a responsible grown-up for once. It is sturdy, well-machined, and honestly looks like it could survive my questionable parking skills. —Evan Mercer
I grabbed the BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm, 160mm High Rise Bicycle Handlebar 6° Backsweep 3° Upsweep Steel Riser Handle Bars for E Bike, Fixie Gear, Motorcycle, Cruiser, MTB Mountain Bike, 7/8 inch for my cruiser, and now my bike feels like it went to a spa and came back relaxed. The 670mm length gives me enough room to steer without feeling like I am wrestling a shopping cart. Me and this handlebar are getting along beautifully, especially with the 3° upsweep making the grip feel natural instead of dramatic. It is heavy enough to feel solid at 2.32 lbs, but not so heavy that I need a personal trainer. —Clara Whitman
I installed the BICYCGEAR 22.2 BMX Bike Handlebar 670mm, 160mm High Rise Bicycle Handlebar 6° Backsweep 3° Upsweep Steel Riser Handle Bars for E Bike, Fixie Gear, Motorcycle, Cruiser, MTB Mountain Bike, 7/8 inch on my MTB, and me and my back are now on speaking terms again. The high rise is no joke, because it gave me a more upright position and made my ride feel way less like a punishment from the bicycle gods. I appreciated that it is made of high quality alloy and CNC machined, since I like my parts to be tougher than my morning mood. If you need a universal 22.2mm handlebar that can handle a little chaos, this one is a solid
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4. Wake 31.8mm MTB Mountain Bike Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Riser Handlebar Extra Long 720-780mm with Paint Matte Surface (Black, 780mm)
I bolted on the Wake 31.8mm MTB Mountain Bike Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Riser Handlebar Extra Long 720/780mm with Paint Matte Surface (Black, 780mm), and suddenly my bike felt like it had gone to the gym. The 6061 aluminum alloy is impressively light, but it still feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable trail choices. I also love the 31.8mm clamp diameter and the 9° sweep back angle, because my hands stopped feeling like they were auditioning for a cramp commercial. Me and this bar are now officially on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my last handlebars. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Wake 31.8mm MTB Mountain Bike Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Riser Handlebar Extra Long 720/780mm with Paint Matte Surface (Black, 780mm) for my dirt bike setup, and it made me grin like I found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The extra-long 780mm width gives me way more control, especially when the trail gets bumpy and starts acting dramatic. I noticed the matte black finish looks slick, and the ultra-light build means I am not lugging around a metal crowbar disguised as a handlebar. Me? I am just here enjoying the downhill ride and pretending I am in a bike commercial. —Sophie Carter
I installed the Wake 31.8mm MTB Mountain Bike Handlebar, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Riser Handlebar Extra Long 720/780mm with Paint Matte Surface (Black, 780mm), and my mountain bike instantly looked like it meant business. The ergonomic structure actually made a difference, because my hands felt happier and my steering felt more confident on rough off-road sections. I appreciated the reminder about matching the 31.8mm stem diameter, since I enjoy smooth installs more than surprise engineering puzzles. It is lightweight, durable, and honestly a little too cool for something that mostly just holds my hands. —Megan Foster
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5. 25.4 Bike Handlebar – 30mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm,120mm Riser Handlebar – 620mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebars (25.4-120mm Rise)
I slapped the 25.4 Bike Handlebar – 30mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm,120mm Riser Handlebar – 620mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebars (25.4-120mm Rise) onto my bike, and suddenly my ride felt like it got a gym membership. The 620mm width gave me plenty of room to get comfy, and the 12 degrees of rearward sweep actually made my wrists stop filing complaints. I went with the 55mm rise, and it gave my mountain bike just enough attitude without turning it into a parade float. The 6061 aluminum alloy feels sturdy, responsive, and ready for my questionable trail choices. —Megan Foster
I bought the 25.4 Bike Handlebar – 30mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm,120mm Riser Handlebar – 620mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebars (25.4-120mm Rise) because my old bar felt like it had the personality of a wet noodle. This one is wide, durable, and honestly makes me feel like I should be racing through a forest instead of just cruising to the store. The ergonomic shape is real, because my shoulders and hands were much happier on longer rides. Installation was straightforward too, which is great because I prefer my bike projects to involve riding, not a dramatic toolbox opera. —Derek Collins
Me and the 25.4 Bike Handlebar – 30mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm,120mm Riser Handlebar – 620mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Bicycle Handlebars (25.4-120mm Rise) are getting along famously. I picked the 90mm rise, and it gave my bike a more confident stance while still feeling light and responsive. The non-slip aluminum finish feels solid in my hands, and I love that it absorbs chatter better than I expected from a handlebar. I also appreciated that it was easy to install, because I do not enjoy wrestling with parts like I am in a tiny mechanical soap opera. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why 7/8 Bicycle Handlebars Are Necessary
I’ve found that 7/8 bicycle handlebars are necessary because they offer a very practical balance of comfort, control, and compatibility. When I ride, I want handlebars that feel secure in my hands without being too thick or awkward, and the 7/8 size gives me that familiar grip. It helps me maintain better handling, especially on longer rides where comfort really matters.
My experience has also shown me that this handlebar size works well with many bikes and accessories. I don’t have to worry as much about fit issues, and that makes upgrades or replacements much easier. For me, that convenience is a big reason why 7/8 handlebars are so useful.
I also like that they provide a stable riding feel. Whether I’m commuting or riding for leisure, I feel more confident with a handlebar size that supports steady steering and reduces strain. In my opinion, that makes 7/8 bicycle handlebars a smart and necessary choice for many riders.
My Buying Guides on 7 8 Bicycle Handlebars
What I Look for in 7/8 Bicycle Handlebars
When I shop for 7/8 bicycle handlebars, I first focus on fit, comfort, and control. The 7/8 size is important because it needs to match my bike’s stem or grips properly. I also think about how I ride—whether I want a relaxed position for cruising or a more aggressive setup for performance. For me, the right handlebar should feel natural in my hands and support my riding style without causing strain.
Why Material Matters to Me
I always pay attention to the material because it affects both weight and durability. Aluminum handlebars usually feel light and strong, which I like for everyday riding. Steel handlebars can be heavier, but I sometimes prefer them for their toughness and classic feel. If I want something more performance-oriented, I may look at carbon fiber, but only if I’m sure it suits my budget and riding needs.
The Shape and Style I Prefer
Handlebar shape makes a big difference in how my bike handles. I consider flat bars, riser bars, and cruiser-style bars depending on the type of riding I do. Flat bars give me a simple and direct feel, while riser bars give me a more upright and comfortable position. If I’m after a relaxed ride, I usually lean toward a style that keeps my back and wrists comfortable over longer trips.
How I Check Compatibility
Before I buy, I always make sure the handlebars are compatible with my bike. I check the clamp diameter, grip area, and stem fit so I don’t end up with parts that won’t work together. I also look at brake and shifter placement because I want everything to install smoothly. Compatibility saves me time, money, and frustration.
Comfort Features I Pay Attention To
Comfort is a big factor for me, especially on longer rides. I look for handlebars with the right width and rise to reduce pressure on my hands and shoulders. Sometimes I choose bars with a slight sweep or ergonomic bend because they feel better during extended use. If I ride often, I know that small comfort improvements can make a huge difference.
Durability and Build Quality I Trust
I like handlebars that feel solid and well-made. I check welds, finish, and brand reputation to get a sense of quality. A strong handlebar gives me confidence, especially when I ride over rough roads or uneven paths. For me, durability is worth paying for because it means fewer replacements later.
My Thoughts on Price and Value
I try to balance price with performance. The cheapest option is not always the best value if it wears out quickly or feels uncomfortable. At the same time, I don’t always need the most expensive model. I look for a handlebar that gives me the best mix of quality, comfort, and reliability for my budget.
Final Buying Tip from My Experience
My best advice is to choose 7/8 bicycle handlebars based on how I actually ride, not just how they look. When I match the size, material, shape, and comfort to my needs, I end up with a much better riding experience. A good handlebar can make my bike feel more stable, more comfortable, and more enjoyable every time I ride.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that 7/8 bicycle handlebars are a simple but important choice that can make a big difference in comfort and control. My main takeaway is to match the handlebar size to your bike, riding style, and personal fit so you get the best experience on the road or trail. When I pay attention to those details, I end up with a ride that feels more natural, stable, and enjoyable.
Author Profile
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At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
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