Handlebars play a role in your riding, and that’s a fact. Their heights, length, style, holding posture, and everything else matters for a swift ride. So, before putting BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike, thinking about the gains, losses, struggles, costs, and safety is mandatory.
Mountain bike handles and BMX handles have more differences than I even thought before researching this project.
Using BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike will have more cons than pros, and you will end up with more losses than gains.
Using BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike is not as safe as you might consider.
As a mountain biker, you are used to using less weighty, flexible handlebars placed as per your size.
For novice bikers, the bars you hold to handle your bike are of various shapes, sizes, and heights for different bikes, such as MTB, road bike, and BMX.
Besides, there are many differences in the kits of these bikes and the material they are made of because these are engineered to maneuver different kinds of pathways.
But, today, I will mainly discuss and stick with the handlebar shapes of both cycles and if these can be used as substitutes for each other.
Let’s get started without further ado:
BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike
As more and more people are entering into off-road cycling and the activity is booming, different trekkers experiment with upgrading the performance of their bikes by switching gears or replacing them.
BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike is also one such experiment, and “it is totally possible to install the former bars on the latter.”
However, the experiment will either bring successful results for you or diminish your biking experience based on your personal preferences.
To be honest, the thing I like the most about mountain bikes is the ease of diversity it provides. I have friends who use road tires on mountain bikes, alter gears to increase the speed of their MTB, and inflate Presta valves without adapters.
The thing is, mountain biking is done on various terrains, and you can choose to put something on them according to the landscape, your height, and your personal skills.
Therefore, you can definitely have BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike, but you will also have to bear some gains and even losses in this regard.
So before you implement the decision to use a mountain bike with BMX bars, know all the bits and bobs.
Difference between Mountain Bike and BMX Handlebars
Mountain bike handles and BMX handles have more differences than I even thought before researching this project. Besides, some differences are not ignorable.
Let me share with you some most imperative details on this to help you decide more confidently whether you should switch to BMX bars or not for your mountain bike.
1. The Weight
You often hear that mountain bikes are heavy. However, some models of the BMX cycle, such as 14mm, are even heftier. The bike is considered nearest to MT biking used for stunts than road bikes.
MTB has 154% more lightweight handlebars than BMX cycles.
Result: Switching to BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike will increase the weight of your already hefty mountain cycle.
2. The Height
BMX cycles have higher handlebars set at the position, and bikers cannot adjust it as per their heights. Contrarily, mountain bike handlebars can be adjusted accordingly.
BMX bars come with an 8″-8.75″ higher handlebar compared to MTBs.
Results: You will have to adjust yourself for a raised handlebar, and it might make mountain biking a bit trickier.
Read → How to Raise Handlebars on A Mountain Bike
3. Materials
BMX handlebars are sturdier, more reliable, and heftier and made of reinforced steel. You can find mountain bike handlebars in various materials, from steel to carbon to aluminum.
BMX handlebars come with 4130 steel and stable architecture, while MTB handlebars come in variants.
Result: BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike will not quickly lose their shape, grip, bend, or break in the event of crashes.
4. Flexibility
BMX bikes are built for road rash racing and stunt riding. Therefore, the handlebars they come with are fixed to their position, and a rider requires adjusting accordingly.
MTB has flexible handlebars positions, while BMX cycles have fixed handlebars.
MTB handles are more flexible, and you can adjust their height and placement; for instance, raise or lower them according to your height and mood.
Result: You might not be able to adjust the standard position of BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike, and the bike might appear too big/small for you.
Read → Signs Your Mountain Bike Is Too Big.
5. Engineering methods
Both are engineered and manufactured by experts in the industry, but their build-up isn’t the same because both are going to help pass dissimilar pathways.
Mountain bikes are designed for cycling uphill, downhill, mud, and snowy pathways, while BMX is more for stunts, races, and bunny hops.
Result: You will be using an entirely different thing for a wholly different purpose, so getting used to it might be too difficult.
Mountain Bike with BMX Handlebars – Gains and Losses
Using BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike will have more cons than pros because you are actually trying to use an entirely different gear (the handle) on a totally differently manufactured thing (the bike).
Let’s discuss the gains or pros first:
Gains
- You will have strong handles that won’t break easily.
- The raised height will compensate for small frames to keep you at a raised position.
- You can better go for tricks and stunts.
Losses
- You will have a bulkier bicycle that will be hard to ride and peddle, especially on the elevated cliffs.
- You might not be able to adjust to the increased height of your mountain bike and end up jumbling on the mountains or facing accidents.
- BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike will require other amendments in the design of your bike, such as frames, brakes, etc.
- Getting used to it might be too difficult.
- Bike might appear too big or too small for you.
Mountain Bike with BMX Bars – Cost, Experience, Safety
Here, let me give you a quick review of the cost you will bear on this switch, the experience you can expect, and how safe it will be to use mountain bikes with BMX bars.
1. Cost
There is not much differentiation in the cost if we talk about a normal costing handlebar. However, if you start customizing the handlebars for your choice and requirement, the price will increase and reach beyond your pocket size.
So, BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike can be a costly decision without a doubt.
2. Experience
There is no parameter that can determine the satisfaction level of a person. So the experience and level of satisfaction depend solely on you.
However, if I tell you about my experience, as I am experimenting with the overall built-in model of my bike, the entire cycle is about to change.
Therefore, if BMX Handlebars on a Mountain Bike height, weight, and placement are according to my body, I will still take time to adjust to the newer thing.
And if they are not apt to my size, I will not feel good while riding this cycle.
3. Safety
I am afraid using BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike is not as safe as you might consider. As a mountain biker, you are used to using less weighty, flexible handlebars placed as per your size.
When this will change, riding jagged roads will become challenging because a bike that is not apt to your size will never let you trick the pathways. You might end up in an accident.
Can You Put a BMX Handlebar on Mountain Bike?
The simplest and most straightforward answer is yes, you can. However, entering details, I would say you shouldn’t switch your MTB handlebars with a BMX bike.
I am saying this because it will add to the cost of your bike and come with so many bizarre features that you don’t even need as a mountain biker.
It will not upgrade the performance of your bike. However, if you are doing it for the sake of style and some other purpose, go for it.
But do not throw away or sell your old mountain bike’s handle. You can again attach it with your cycle if you don’t like BMX Handlebars on your Mountain Bike.
Bottom Line
Now, let’s compile today’s discussion of BMX Handlebars on Mountain Bike. In a nutshell, you can use any handlebar or any bike type, but it will come with some pros and cons.
When you will use your mountain bike with BMX handlebars, the opposing sides are more than the positive sides. It is better that you don’t make these alterations.
In the end, for more information, keep visiting my blog MTB knowledge, check other guides, and do write to me if you have any queries or questions. Also, send me your precious feedback. 😊
HAPPY RIDING!
