Cockpit & Pedals

Your control over how the bike handles and fits you is achieved through the cockpit components and pedals. The cockpit of a bike is comprised of the bike handlebar, bike stem, and handlebar tape or grips. Bike stem and handlebars are made with either aluminum or carbon. Aluminum handlebars and stems will be heavier but more durable, while carbon components are lighter and more expensive. Bike pedals provide the conduit to transfer power into forward momentum on the bike.

Road bikes, gravel bikes, and cyclocross bikes typically utilize a dropbar bike handlebar that gives the rider multiple positions to hold to enhance comfort, increase aerodynamics, and achieve better control. Road bike handlebars come in varying widths depending on the size of the rider. They will also have deeper or shallow drops depending on the rider's preference.

Mountain bike handlebars limit the rider to a single handlebar position but will vary in back-and upsweep options. As the name suggests, mountain bike handlebars are most commonly found on mountain bikes, but many commuter, city, or gravel bikes will utilize this style.

In addition to these two styles of bike handlebar, more options are available. Time trial and triathlon bikes will use a multi-piece aero bar system to help the rider achieve their most efficient position on the bike. Some urban and cruiser bikes will sweep much further back toward the rider to maximize comfort and stability.

If you have questions or need help finding the right handlebar, stem, or pedal for your bike, give us a call at 1-800-682-0570.