We mentioned "bike horns" and their usefulness when mounted on mountain or straight handlebars.
In this article we will discuss these quite useful bicycle accessories in a little more detail.
First of all, I would like to say that they can not be installed on all types of handlebars, but mainly only on straight or mountain handlebars.
The main goal when installing horns on a bicycle is Reduces stress on hands and wrists on long bike rides. Horns allow you to hold your arms in a physiologically more correct vertical position. If you rarely ride a mountain bike and don’t ride very far, then you most likely won’t need horns.
Please note that for extreme species skiing, such as Downhill, Freeride, North Shore, horns cannot be installed!
What are horns on a bicycle handlebar for?
- The most important thing is that they allow you to change your grip on the steering wheel with your hands, which is especially important and useful on long trips.
As already mentioned in the article on choosing a steering wheel, straight steering wheels have only one position for hand grip, and installing horns allows you to increase them to 2 or more. For long rides at a uniform speed and not very strong maneuvering, it is much more convenient to have a vertical grip of the hand, as on “” type handlebars, rather than a horizontal one, which is the main one on bicycles with straight handlebars.
Changing the grip of the hands also leads to a change in the cyclist’s position, which will give the opportunity to rest not only his hands, but also the whole body. Thus, by changing the grip, other muscles of the arms and back are brought to work, and the wrists and palms are unloaded.
Consider a couple more important points. First. By changing the angle of the horns on the handlebars, turning them outward or inward, you actually change the position on the bike and get a body position that is close to the position on other types of bicycles. And second. When riding uphill, it is often much more convenient to rise from the saddle to keep your hands on the steering wheel vertically on the horns, and not horizontally.
- The installed horns prevent the cyclist's hand from slipping off the handlebars, especially if they are not wearing gloves or in the rain.
- Cycling bikes are protected by hands and all kinds of additional attachments installed on the handlebars (cycling computer, telephone, flashlight, bell, shifters, brakes, etc.), in case of a fall. And when skating, they take on any blow from the side, for example, against a wall.
- If, when repairing or servicing a bicycle, it is necessary to turn it over and put it on the handlebars and saddle, then putting the bike on the horns is more convenient, and, again, there is no need to remove everything that is attached to the handlebars.
- If you roll the bike, and not the bike, especially uphill, then holding the horns will make it more convenient and easier.
- Another useful property- you can hang a helmet, glasses, bags or packages on them like on a hook. Packages and bags hung on the steering wheel with horns will not slip off it. Of course, this will not make riding more comfortable, but life is life and sometimes you have to transport something on a bicycle. Just don’t forget that when driving, glasses should be on your head and not on the steering wheel.
- Often appearance a bicycle with installed horns is more aesthetically pleasing and respectable.
But horns also have their disadvantages:
- The space on the steering wheel for hands becomes a little less, although for most this is not noticeable at all and is not important. In fact, installing horns reduces the handlebar grip width by 2 centimeters on each side.
- The horns not only protect the hand from blows, but also cling to various objects. This is especially noticeable when placing the bike in a garage or in a cramped apartment. When driving through the forest, you can catch them on tree branches.
- If you crash into a pedestrian while driving, he will get a little more than you.
In my opinion, horns still have more advantages than disadvantages.
When choosing bicycle horns you need to pay attention to:
- Size.
- Geometric shape.
- Material.
- Type of fastening to the steering wheel.
Cycling horn size.
Horns come in short, medium and long curved shapes.
- Horns big size, especially curved ones, provide more grip options and better protect your hands.
- Medium-length horns are more versatile, providing one hand position. But, as mentioned above, by changing the angle of inclination, when installing the horns on the steering wheel, turning them outward or inward, you can achieve different body positions.
- Small horns, which most often come with grips, play more of a role of protecting the hand in case of a fall and prevent it from jumping off the handlebars.
Geometric shape of horns
- Straight horns are the cheapest and simplest. Just straight metal tubes.
- Geometric - have a special shape for the arms for easy grip.
- Curved horns - allow you to have different grips.
Materials used to make bicycle horns
- Metal. Steel or aluminum horns are quite cheap and, most importantly, strong and reliable. Aluminum ones are, of course, lighter, but more expensive than steel ones, so if the weight of the bike is important, look for aluminum ones.
- Carbon. Lightweight, but very expensive. In addition, carbon is a fairly fragile material, so it cannot withstand all impacts from falls. And in general, why pay more for a more fragile thing?
- Plastic. It's not serious to talk about plastic horns on a normal adult bike. These horns are only suitable for a child on a children’s bike, and even then I wouldn’t install these for my child.
Type of fastening of bicycle horns to the handlebars
Take a close look at the hole in the clamp. It should not be oval or have sharp edges that could scratch and damage the steering wheel. An oval hole has less contact area with a round steering wheel and will therefore have a weaker grip on it. 
- Horns with internal fastening at the end of the steering wheel. They are placed on the sides at the end of the steering wheel, and when clamped, the collet expands and is secured in the steering wheel. Operating experience says that such horns hold up a little worse than with clamps. To make them hold better, you can wrap a little regular blue electrical tape around the collet. Please note that when installing such horns, the steering wheel becomes slightly wider.
When selecting horns for the steering wheel, check that the diameter of the horns fastening coincided with the diameter at the ends of the steering wheel Your bike.
How to correctly measure the thickness of a handlebar mounted on a bicycle is described in a separate article. .
So: When choosing bicycle horns for yourself, their length should be such that you can hold on normally while riding and not less than the width of your palms. There should be no sharp corners or edges on the surface. It is very good if the surface of the horns is not smooth, but rubberized or has anti-slip notches applied to it. Hands on such horns do not slip.
Where and how to install horns on the steering wheel
Bicycle horns are installed on the handlebars in two positions: at the ends of the handlebars (the main option) and behind the grips closer to the center.
What is the trick of the second method: The grip becomes smaller, the aerodynamic drag decreases, but at the same time the force applied to turn the steering wheel increases. The shoulder becomes smaller, but the laws of physics have not yet been repealed. This option works well on wide handlebars. But this is not for everybody. You can try both options and see which one is more convenient for you.
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Installing bicycle horns on the ends of the handlebars |
Installing bicycle horns behind the grips closer to the center of the handlebars |
Steering wheel horns are a pretty convenient device. In stock, horns can only be seen on NON-mountain bikes, the so-called Auchan bikes. Normal mountain bikes do not come with horns. And if they are not included, are horns needed at all? mountain bike? And if necessary, which ones and how to install them on the steering wheel? This is what we will look into now.
The main purpose of handlebar horns is to reduce the stress on your wrists, which tend to become numb when riding a mountain bike for long periods of time. Which, by the way, is also possible if your hands on the steering wheel are turned 90 degrees in the normal position. When skating for a long time, your hands begin to go numb. Horns allow you to hold the steering wheel in a comfortable and physiologically more correct position. If you rarely ride a mountain bike for long periods of time, you probably won't need horns. To decide whether your bike needs horns, let's look at their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of horns
Advantages:
- as already written above, an additional comfortable grip on the steering wheel (and with large horns, even several grips)
- protection of hands from blows from branches
- In case of a fall, the horns provide additional protection for equipment mounted on the handlebars
- your hand will not “slip” from the steering wheel;)
- when walking, it is more convenient to lead the bicycle by the horns
- you can hang a lot of things on the horn (a helmet in a parking lot, a bag that won’t slip off the steering wheel while driving, etc.)
Flaws:
- less space on the steering wheel
- the bike becomes less compact
- if you crash into a pedestrian, he will “get” more than with a “naked” steering wheel
- the horn can catch on something massive and a fall is guaranteed
- you can be seriously injured if you fall, especially if the horns are too high (see below for how to properly install the horns on the steering wheel)
What types of horns are there and how to choose them
When choosing horns, first of all you need to pay attention to how the clamping clamp is designed. There are “right” and “wrong” clamps. The “correct” clamp has a strictly radial slot, and the clamping bolt is perpendicular to it. For the “wrong” one, it’s the other way around (see picture). In addition, the hole in the clamp may be oval and have sharp edges that disfigure the steering wheel.
Horns are small, medium and large. Small horns are light, graceful and beautiful, but may not provide enough support for the hand (it’s better not to hold on to them on a crossroads - you may not be able to hold the steering wheel). The medium ones are enough for the whole hand - this is a universal option. Large ones (often also have curved ends) provide maximum protection from branches and add not one, but several hand grips. The best option for bicycle trips. But this is also the heaviest type of horn.
Horns can be made from aluminum alloy, carbon or plastic. Aluminum horns for mountain bike handlebars are a reliable and inexpensive option. 
Carbon horns are as light and durable as possible, but are significantly more expensive. You can, of course, find an inexpensive Chinese option, but both of these advantages may be debatable. Plastic horns are decorative :) Aluminum ones can have a grip-type coating, which will come in handy in winter. Ergonomic ones with small “horns” are also available for sale.
How to install horns on a mountain bike handlebar.
To attach the horns to the steering wheel, you either need to move the grips and switches closer to the center of the steering wheel to make room for attaching the horns, or trim the grips a little. If your MTB has grips with clamping clamps, you can remove the outer clamps and install horns instead. The main thing is that the horns fit tightly and hold onto the steering wheel with the entire plane of the mounting clamp. There are also horns installed in the steering wheel. The weight of these leaves much to be desired.
It is also important to install the horns on the mountain bike handlebars in the correct position. Most sources recommend installing them at a 45 degree angle. In fact, it is more convenient to make the angle much sharper, i.e. install the horns almost horizontally, leaving a very slight rise, approximately like that. It wouldn’t hurt to try different angles(from 20 to 45 degrees) and decide which is more convenient for you. Do not make an angle greater than 45° - you can get seriously injured if you fall.
It is not recommended to install horns on For horns are absolutely contraindicated! Previously, they were generally installed only on straight handlebars. In theory, the horns should be positioned shoulder-width apart, but everyone screws them on as they see fit. It is generally accepted to place them at the edges of the steering wheel. But someone is putting horns between the casts and the gear shifters. At the same time, it becomes inconvenient to switch speeds. Some people put it even closer to the center. To reduce air flow resistance as much as possible when driving, for example, on a highway, by moving your hands together. The latter might be better off purchasing road bike, not mountain)
Separately, it is worth mentioning the installation of horns on carbon handlebars. Firstly, Carbon handlebars CANNOT be trimmed. Secondly, not every carbon handlebar can accommodate horns. Under them, there should be special reinforced seats on the steering wheel (thickened tube). If this is not the case, the steering wheel will simply crack under the horn clamp and become unusable. 
Thirdly, the horns themselves must be suitable for installation on a carbon handlebar. (see picture) Horns with fastenings in half will not work, there must be a full clamp, a large contact area and no sharp ribs. And even in this case, carefully tighten the bolts so as not to overtighten.
Bicycle handlebar horns - luxury or necessity? This accessory is truly the most functional. Why? It's simple: it allows you to change the position of your hands on the steering wheel during long trips, preventing numbness in your wrists, hands and back.
Horns on bicycle handlebars - classification
This multifunctional accessory, which, according to experienced cyclists, is a great help in overcoming new spaces, can be classified according to the material used in the manufacture of the horns:
- aluminum samples - light, reliable and inexpensive;
- plastic – not the most practical option;
- Carbon fiber is an accessory that can hardly be called budget, but its reliability and functionality remain in question.
Bicycle horns can also be classified according to the size of the product.
Modern manufacturers of bicycle accessories are now ready to offer fans cycling the following types of devices that make the process of operating a vehicle as comfortable as possible:
- Long horns provide a huge number of variations in the handlebar grip, however, if you have little cycling experience, at first it will be quite problematic for you to cope with driving a two-wheeled vehicle.
- Medium horns are a universal option; even an inexperienced cyclist can get used to them quite easily.
- Short horns - the accessory is convenient to use, but if you prefer aggressive riding, you should not choose this option, since your hands may fall off it during jumps over rough, uneven terrain.
According to experienced cyclists, bicycle horns not only improve the appearance of the bicycle, but also increase the level of comfort while riding, providing a comfortable grip. However, in order for this accessory to fully cope with its functional responsibilities, you need to select and install it correctly.
Please note: it is not recommended to install horns on bicycles for extreme riding, since their presence increases the risk of injury!
How to choose horns for a bicycle handlebar?
There are no specific rules for choosing this accessory. When choosing such elements for yourself, you need to build on your feelings. You just need to analyze which model will be more comfortable for you to ride, also taking into account your height, weight and the type of riding you prefer.
How to install horns on a bicycle handlebar?
The diameter of the fastening of these accessories, regardless of which manufacturer you choose, coincides with the diameter of the steering wheel. To install the horns, you just need to install them in a position convenient for yourself and tighten the bolts of the special clamps until they stop. Before installing the horns on the bicycle, you must first remove the grips from the handlebars; after installing the accessory, you must return them to their original position. If necessary, if there is not enough space on the steering wheel to install the horns, you can move the brake lever slightly.
If you have any difficulties installing the horns on your bicycle handlebars, we recommend that you watch the detailed video instructions:
Steering wheel horns can be very different, so you need to choose them very carefully. They vary in length and shape, material and size. There are stronger options - made of steel or aluminum, there are lighter ones - made of plastic, shortened and curved or long - your eyes run wide from the assortment.
The final decision should be based not only on your preferences, but also on the purposes for which you intend to install the accessory on your bicycle. It’s not enough to choose them correctly, because you need to know the installation rules, study all the pros and cons of having this attribute, only then can you purchase this accessory.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before purchasing such an accessory, it is important to understand why you need them. If you are not new to cycling, then you already know that horns will serve you well.
Here are just a few reasons why purchasing antlers should happen:
- Ability to change grip while riding. This allows you to rest your hands and fingers if the trip is long. In addition, the accessory will prevent your hand from slipping off the steering wheel;
- Protect your hands and the bike itself from external factors. If the bike falls, the horns will prevent a lot of trouble, and while riding they will take any blow from the side, covering your hands;
- Holding the horns on the handlebars makes it easier to roll the bike when you're not on it;
- They also act as an improvised hook for small items;
- Horns look beautiful, so their presence is preferable from an aesthetic point of view.
Of course, all these advantages can turn into disadvantages. For example, when dropped, the handles can hit a person passing by; while driving, they often catch something along the way, and the steering wheel itself becomes a little smaller in size. But these shortcomings are not so serious as to refuse such an accessory.
How to choose and install correctly
Before purchasing horns, look at the diameter of your bike's handlebars. The accessory must fit perfectly, and to achieve this, it is better to try on the horns before purchasing.
They are installed by bolting them to the handlebars of the bicycle, and everything depends on how tightly they are secured. The material from which the horns are made and the material of the steering wheel play a huge role in installation. You need to screw it very carefully so as not to damage one or the other.
Plastic devices are tightened tightly, but without pressure, so that the plastic does not crack from stress. Steel or aluminum ones will withstand any pressure, but then the steering wheel itself will be in danger. The most correct way out of the situation is to act strictly according to the instructions, and only then, when you evaluate driving with horns, you can adjust their position to suit you.
By changing the angle of the horns on the handlebars, you are essentially changing the riding position on the bike. By turning them outward or inward, you can get a position close to various types bicycles. Length also matters.
Safety
Operating a bicycle constantly requires special attention, and if you decide to use additional accessories, your vigilance should increase several times.
Handlebar horns increase the size of the bike and you may now have difficulty in tight spots and green areas. The horns easily catch branches, and in the city the situation is even more serious, since there is a danger of hitting cars, pedestrians and poles. Of course, over time you will get used to them, and the comfort that this device gives will cover all the accompanying disadvantages.
Task 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules broken in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
d) while driving, hold on to another vehicle;
f) tow bicycles;
Task 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist doesn't break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on highways and roads for cars, as well as on the roadway if there is a nearby Bike Lane;
Task 3 of 15
3 .
Who should give way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Task 4 of 15
4 .
What loads is a cyclist allowed to carry?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Cargo transportation
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. A cyclist may only carry such loads that do not interfere with the operation of the bicycle and do not create obstacles for other participants. traffic.
22. Cargo transportation
22.3. Transportation of cargo is permitted provided that it:
b) does not interfere with the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its control;
Task 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclists violate the Rules when transporting passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
e) carry passengers on a bicycle (except for children under 7 years old, transported on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests);
Task 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will vehicles pass through the intersection?
Right
16. Driving through intersections
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of their direction further movement.
16.12. At the intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Tram drivers should follow this rule among themselves. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it along an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road changes direction at an intersection, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.Task 7 of 15
7 .
Riding bicycles on sidewalks and pedestrian paths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. A cyclist is prohibited from:
c) move on sidewalks and pedestrian paths(except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under adult supervision);
Task 8 of 15
8 .
Who has the right of way when crossing a bike path?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If a bicycle lane crosses a road outside an intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles traveling on the road.
Task 9 of 15
9 .
What distance should be between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists traveling in groups must ride one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the roadway must be divided into groups (up to 10 cyclists in a group) with a movement distance between groups of 80-100 m.
Task 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass through the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.13. Before turning left and making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving on an equivalent road in the opposite direction straight or to the right.
Task 11 of 15
11 .
A cyclist passes an intersection:
Right
16. Driving through intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. Traffic controller signals take precedence over traffic light signals and road sign requirements and are mandatory. Traffic lights other than flashing yellow have priority over road signs priority. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic lights, road signs and markings.
16. Driving through intersections
16.6. When turning left or turning around when the main traffic light is green, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving straight in the opposite direction or turning right. Tram drivers should follow this rule among themselves.
Task 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at railway crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-lunar and two red ones are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles through the crossing;
b) a flashing white-lunar signal indicates that the alarm system is working and does not prohibit vehicle movement.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with the prohibitory traffic light signal, an audible signal may be turned on, additionally informing road users that movement through the crossing is prohibited.
Task 13 of 15
13 .
The driver of which vehicle will cross the intersection second?
Right
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.
Wrong
16. Driving through intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed among themselves and by drivers driving on secondary roads.
16 Driving through intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic light signals have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow that allows a left turn also allows a U-turn if it is not prohibited by road signs.
A signal in the form of a green arrow(s) in the additional section(s), switched on together with the green traffic light signal, informs the driver that he has priority in the direction(s) of movement indicated by the arrow(s) over vehicles moving from other directions;
f) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
A signal in the form of a green arrow(s) in the additional section(s), together with a yellow or red traffic light signal, informs the driver that movement is permitted in the indicated direction, subject to the unhindered passage of vehicles moving from other directions.
A green arrow on a sign installed at the level of a red traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the rightmost lane (or the leftmost lane on one-way roads), subject to the provision of priority in traffic to its other participants moving from other directions to a traffic light signal allowing movement;
16 Driving through intersections
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow turned on in the additional section simultaneously with a yellow or red traffic light, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.
When driving in the direction of the green arrow on the table installed at the level of the red traffic light with vertical signals, the driver must take the extreme right (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.
