How to Make Bullhorn Handlebars From Drop Bars

Drop handlebars are great for efficient riding and reaching high speeds on your bike. However, the riding position they require can be uncomfortable and reduce your visibility on the road, creating a potential hazard. If you find that you are riding mainly in the city, doing short, rush-hour commutes rather than long-distance marathons, you might want to convert your drop handlebars into bullhorns. They allow you to ride in a more comfortable, upright position, which makes it easier to see and be seen in traffic.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Allen key
  • Marker
  • Cutting guide
  • Metal vise
  • Hacksaw
  • Metal file
  • Acetone
  • Cloth
  • Electrical tape
  • Grip tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the screwdriver or Allen key to loosen the collars that hold the gear levers and brakes to the bike. Lever the plugs out of the the ends of the handlebars with a screwdriver. Peel off the section of electrical tape that holds the grip tape to the handlebars near the stem. The stem is the vertical part of the bike joined to the handlebars.

    • 2

      Unpeel the grip tape and remove the brake levers and handles. Loosen the bolt in the handlebar clamp with an Allen key and slide the handlebars out of the clamp.

    • 3

      Turn the handlebars over in your hands so that the downward-curving sections are pointed upward. Grip them as you would when riding to see where your hands feel comfortable on them. Use the marker to mark the handlebars 1 inch above the top of your hand.

    • 4

      Place the cutting guide in the clamp and tighten the clamp. Slide the handlebars through the hole in the cutting guide and position one of the marks you made beneath the cutting slot. Tighten the cutting guide.

    • 5

      Cut the handlebars with even strokes of the hacksaw. Remove from the cutting guide and insert the other handlebar into the cutting guide. Tighten and cut as before. Remove and use long, even strokes of the file to remove burrs left behind by the cut.

    • 6

      Fit the handlebars back into the handlebar clamp with the curved sections pointing up and slightly forward in a position that is comfortable for you to ride in. Tighten the handlebar clamp with an Allen key.

    • 7

      Clean the handlebars with acetone and a cloth. Slide the gear levers and brake levers back into place and tighten the collars. Take a small section of electrical tape to attach the end of the grip tape to the handlebar stem. Reapply the grip tape. (For help with this, see Resources.)