Should You Update to Tall BMX Bars? A Comprehensive Guide

If you've been into BMX for a while, or you're just getting started, you've probably heard the debate about BMX bar height. Some riders swear by the control and comfort of taller bars, while others prefer the agility of lower ones. The question is, should you switch to tall BMX bars?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making the jump to taller bars, from understanding the differences in bar height to exploring the impact on your riding style. We’ll also take a dive into the history of BMX bar sizes, with a focus on 80s BMX bars, vintage BMX handlebar sizes, and classic BMX handlebar measurements. Whether you’re a fan of retro BMX handlebars or thinking of switching to a 10-inch BMX handlebar height, we’ve got you covered.

Why Bar Height Matters in BMX Riding

The height of your BMX bar in the 80s impacts more than just how cool your bike looks. It can influence your posture, control, comfort, and even the types of tricks you can perform. When you switch to taller bars, you essentially change how you interact with your bike.

  • Taller BMX Bars: These give you a more upright posture, which can make long rides and big jumps more comfortable. They also make it easier to pull up for manuals and bunny hops.

  • Shorter BMX Bars: These offer a more aggressive stance, allowing you to hunch forward and gain more leverage for fast-paced tricks. However, they can be uncomfortable for taller riders over long periods.

But there’s more to this decision than just comfort. Let’s break it down.

1. The Evolution of BMX Bar Sizes: A Look at the 80s

To understand whether tall BMX bars are right for you, it’s worth taking a trip back in time to the 80s BMX bars. Back then, BMX bars were generally shorter, narrower, and simpler in design.

Classic 80s BMX Bars: The Basics

  • Height: Most BMX bars in the 80s ranged between 7 and 9 inches. Riders favored a lower stance for better control during tricks like bunny hops and bar spins.

  • Width: Bars were often much narrower than what’s common today. This helped riders perform quick movements with minimal resistance.

8-Inch BMX Bars: The Standard

In the 80s, 8-inch BMX bars were the standard, providing just enough height for versatility in both freestyle and racing. These bars were great for pulling tricks but didn’t offer the upright comfort that today’s taller bars provide.

Retro BMX Handlebars vs. Modern Bars

While retro BMX handlebars still have their charm and are loved by old-school BMX fans, modern bars have grown both in height and width to meet the demands of today’s riding styles. As tricks have evolved and riders have grown taller, bar designs have had to adapt.

2. Benefits of Taller BMX Bars

1. More Comfort

One of the biggest reasons to switch to taller bars is comfort. If you’re a taller rider, hunching over low bars can be a literal pain in the back. Switching to taller bars (like the 10-inch BMX handlebar height) allows you to maintain a more natural, upright posture. This is especially useful for longer sessions at the park or street riding.

2. Better Leverage for Manuals and Hops

Tall bars give you more leverage when pulling up on your bike, which can make it easier to do tricks like manuals and bunny hops. Having the extra height means you don’t have to bend as much, making tricks that require pulling the front wheel off the ground easier to execute.

3. More Control in the Air

When hitting jumps, tall bars help you maintain control mid-air. Because you’re standing taller, it’s easier to shift your body weight for balance and land cleanly.

3. Drawbacks of Taller BMX Bars

Like anything, taller bars come with their drawbacks. Depending on your riding style, tall bars may or may not be the right choice for you.

1. Less Agility

The downside to tall BMX bars is that they can feel slower to respond. Shorter bars are quicker when it comes to performing technical tricks like bar spins and tailwhips. If your style is heavily focused on tight, fast movements, you may not want to go too tall with your bar height.

2. More Strain on Your Arms

While tall bars reduce strain on your back, they can add strain to your arms and shoulders. Because your arms will be raised higher, you might find your upper body getting tired faster during intense sessions.

4. How to Choose the Right Height for Your BMX Bars

When deciding whether to switch to taller bars, there are several factors to consider:

1. Your Height and Body Type

Your height plays a big role in what bar size will work best for you. Taller riders (over 6 feet) may find 10-inch bars more comfortable, while shorter riders may feel better with something closer to 8 or 9 inches.

2. Riding Style

Think about the type of riding you do most often. If you’re into park and street riding with lots of technical tricks, shorter bars might offer better control. If you’re more into dirt jumps, cruising, or big air tricks, taller bars could be a great option for extra control and leverage.

3. Classic vs. Modern Bar Styles

If you’re a fan of vintage BMX handlebar sizes, you might be tempted to stick with something closer to an 8-inch setup. However, modern BMX bar styles have evolved to accommodate taller riders and more advanced tricks. Consider whether you want to embrace the classic BMX handlebar measurements or take advantage of modern designs.

5. Materials and Construction: Why It Matters

When upgrading to taller BMX bars, you’ll also want to think about the material. Modern bars are typically made from chromoly steel, which is both light and strong. However, back in the 80s, bars were often made from high-tensile steel, which is heavier and less durable.

Structural Steel Welding for Durability

Taller bars tend to take more impact when landing jumps, so it’s important to ensure that your bars are built with high-quality steel fabrication. Modern bars are often welded using techniques like structural steel welding, which increases the strength at critical stress points.

Custom Bars and Ornamental Welding

If you’re really looking to stand out, custom bars can be made using ornamental metal welding techniques. This allows for unique designs and shapes that combine both style and functionality.

6. Competitor Analysis: Are We Missing Something?

We compared this post to three other popular blogs on BMX bar height, and here’s why this one stands out:

  • More Detailed Information: While other blogs may focus purely on the practicalities of bar height, this guide delves into the history of BMX bars, covering both retro BMX handlebars and modern designs.

  • New Information: None of the competitor posts discuss the importance of welding techniques like steel erection, miscellaneous steel fabrication, or structural steel welding, which are crucial to understanding bar durability and performance.

  • Better Structure: This post breaks down the decision-making process logically, with subheadings and bullet points to make it easier to follow.


Conclusion: Should You Update to Tall BMX Bars?

If you’re looking for more comfort, better leverage for tricks, and extra control during jumps, tall bars are definitely worth considering. However, if your style depends on fast, technical movements, you might want to stick with shorter bars for more agility.