How much does it cost to replace bicycle handlebars?

Handlebars on a bicycle may seem like an expensive component, and I have no doubt many people will opt to replace their bike instead of repairing when damage happens to them. However it turns out that handlebars are actually one of the least expensive components on a bike to replace, that is if you aren’t someone that has to have the best of the best.

So how much does it cost to replace bicycle handlebars? A good bike handlebar can actually cost as little as $15 to to $20 to replace if you are willing to put in the work to install the handlebars on your own. If you don’t want to install them yourself, then you are looking to add another $50 for a bike tech to do it for you.

How can bicycle handlebars cost so little?

Whether you want to believe it or not, handlebars are (or at least can be) a very simple component of a bicycle. They don’t have any moving parts, because it is the fork and stem that actually move, and are essentially a metal bar that has a couple bends in it.

Because of this, a simple handlebar doesn’t have a ton of labor to build, or a ton of material, leaving a it a component that can be sold for a relatively low cost.

How do you replace the handlebars, so you can save money?

Replacing handlebars on your bike is actually very easy! Follow these quick steps.

Remove grips from each side of the handlebars
Remove shifters and brakes from handlebars using an allen wrench
Loosen the stem
Pull handlebars through the stem.
Follow the above steps backwards with your replacement handlebars.

Why are expensive handlebars so much money?

Now, you obviously will find some handlebars out there that are crazy expensive, so how can they get away with that?

Expensive handlebars tend to have something special about them! This generally can be that they are made of carbon fiber, are a special size, or even that the handlebars may be flexible to absorb impact.