Hello everyone, I’m Eri from the Circles web shop photography team!
I swapped out the handlebars on my SURLY Long Haul Trucker for the J.B.Bar that we released last month (though it sold out instantly). My bike used to have an incredibly aggressive forward-leaning position thanks to a "gutsy" steer tube cut from my younger days, but by switching to these high-rise bars, it’s been reborn into a bike that’s perfect for cruising around town and fits my current mood perfectly. The cockpit clutter is gone, it’s become a more mature bike, and I couldn't be happier!
Just as Jeremy from SYCIP BIKES created his ideal handlebars to suit his own frames, every brand we carry at Circles pours a tremendous amount of effort into developing original handlebars.
So, let’s explore why each of these handlebars was created, what kind of riding style they fit, and what kind of problems they solve.
WILDE BICYCLE CO. x Country Bar
Conceived by Jeff, who has deep expertise in vintage MTBs, this is a modern take on an off-road touring bar. The shape, which features a rise and a gentle backsweep, creates a supple feel even during dirt touring with a loaded front end. The position is comfortable without being too aggressive, making it a great match for the Supertramp concept. The fact that it passed strength testing is truly a testament to NITTO’s technical prowess.
- Width: 800mm
- Rise: 50mm
- Backsweep: 27°
- Upsweep: 7°
SKLAR BIKES x PBJ Handle Bar
Compared to the WILDE Country Bar, the upsweep is more subtle. The riser bend of the PBJ Bar is angled slightly forward, meaning your hand position isn't pulled too far back from the stem. Recommended for those who want to swap handlebars without changing their stem length, or for those looking to try gravel riding with a front bag.
- Width: 795mm
- Rise: 40mm
- Backsweep: 28°
- Upsweep: 3°
HUNTER x Smooth Move Bar
The unique sweep bend, derived from Rick Hunter's years of experience, is incredibly comfortable. This is a versatile bar with enough depth to fit anything from an MTB to a fixed-gear or city bike, depending on your vision. With just the right amount of backsweep, it’s perfect for those seeking quick and snappy handling.
- Width: 780 mm
- Rise: 37 mm
- Backsweep: 15°
- Upsweep: 5°
BASSI BIKES x Bobby Bar
The Bobby Bar, developed by BASSI BIKES—a brand that has brought track bikes and classic touring frames to the world—is a piece that avoids becoming too nostalgic, successfully blending modern touring sensibilities with classical elements.
The 25.4mm clamp diameter is one reason why this aluminum handlebar looks so sleek. The center section is wide enough to easily mount a handlebar bag, which is essential for touring, and it’s also well-suited for use as a city bike bar when paired with a WALD Multi Front Rack.
- Width: 750mm
- Rise: 25mm
- Backsweep: 30°
SIMWORKS x Fun3 CrMo Bar
Finally, we have the CrMo model of our very own timeless masterpiece, the Fun3 Bar. Its complex, 3D shape—which goes up twice and returns once—is the ultimate result of the chemical reaction between SimWorks’ desire for a bar that feels great anywhere you grip it, and NITTO’s iron will that "there’s nothing we can’t bend."
With a width of 680mm, which stands apart from the recent trend of wide bars, it seems to suggest the thesis: "Actually, isn't this width plenty for city cycling and gravel riding?" A bonus is that this width is also easy for women to use.
It has a slim yet iconic handlebar shape, making it perfect for those seeking a cockpit with true presence.
- Width: 680 mm
- Rise: 25 mm
- Backsweep: 35°
Rise, bend, backsweep...
I hope you’ll compare and feel the differences that builders and brands have arrived at after repeating trial and error and countless rides, and experience the expansion of freedom and possibility for yourself.
At the Circles web shop, we also offer handlebar cutting before shipping for a fee of 1,500 yen. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us via email or chat before making your purchase.
