Are you looking for the best tallest BMX bars?
Many of my IG followers requested this collection, so here you go.
Unfortunately, there aren’t that many high rise BMX bars available on the market.
However, the ones that are WILL do you well.
S&M and Shadow took the leap and released bars that are above 10″.
If you’re rocking a 10″ bar and want to go higher, try adding some spacers first just to see how it feels.
I don’t necessarily recommend switching to an 11″ right away.
Note: It’s a pretty big gap from 10″ to 11″, so I’d really like to see more 10.5″ rise bar options on the market.
GO. BIG. OR. GO. BIG.
This post covers:
- Best high rise BMX bars for tall riders
- How to pick a BMX bar for a tall rider?
- FAQ about tallest, high rise BMX bars
Best High Rise BMX Bars For Tall Riders
Note: You may also be intersted in my in-depth guide on the best tips for tall BMX riders.
1. S&M 12 Step – 12″ Rise BMX Bars
What everyone thought was a joke became a reality – the S&M 12 Step handlebar. In other words, a 12″ BMX bar, which is the tallest you can currently get on the market.
Some say it’s absurd; some say it’s genius.
If you are really tall, then the 12 Step bar will work wonders. And, in my opinion, this one looks best on a 22-inch BMX bike. But you can put it on any bike that works best for your – even a cruiser!
To achieve insane strength, S&M went with extra thick, straight gauge tubing with a 0.083″ wall. Moreover, the top bands are larger compared to smaller bars, which makes this big boy even stronger.
12 Step is definitely an attention-grabber.
Need more info? Read my in-depth S&M 12 Step bar review now.
S&M 12 Step bars specs:
- Rise: 12″
- Width: 32″
- Backsweep: 11°
- Upsweep: 1.5°
- Weight: 2.9lbs (1315.4g)
- Price: $79.95 (may vary)
2. S&M Elevenz – 11″ Rise BMX Bars
S&M is one of the first, if not the first, BMX brands that released an 11″ bar. Everyone went crazy about the idea, but there are still very many riders who enjoy it!
This is the heaviest bar on the list because of its straight gauge construction, which also makes it the strongest.
Drop everything and pick S&M’s Elevenz bar if you want an extremely reliable 11″ BMX bar.
It also comes in multiple colors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. (FYI: Some colors sell out quickly, so be fast!)
For more ins and outs, check out my extensive S&M Elevenz bars review.
Note: Check out more 11 inch BMX bars.
S&M Elevenz bars specs:
- Rise: 11″
- Width: 30″
- Backsweep: 11°
- Upsweep: 3°
- Weight: 2.87lbs (1301.8g)
- Price: $79.95 (may vary)
3. Colony ELEcious – 11″ Rise BMX Bars
The Colony ELEcious bars are built for riders who want big, tall bars with the strength to back them up.
Made from full multi-butted 4130 heat-treated chromoly, they’re reinforced with thicker tubing at the grip bends and a larger crossbar placed higher for maximum rigidity. This also makes the bar look fantastic.
With an 11″ rise and a 30″ width, this handlebar is among the tallest you can get, giving taller riders or those who prefer an upright stance plenty of room.
Moreover, the bar dimensions feature an 11.5° backsweep and a 1.5° upsweep, providing a comfortable balance of control and responsiveness.
At 37.6 oz, they’re strong without being overly heavy, which is something many of the high-rise bars on this list don’t achieve.
The ELEcious bars are as clean-looking as they are reliable, designed to handle anything you throw at them.
Colony ELEcious bars specs:
- Rise: 11″
- Width: 30″
- Backsweep: 11.5°
- Upsweep: 1.5°
- Weight: 2.35lbs (1065.9g)
- Price: $89.99 (may vary)
4. Kink Helm – 10.5″ Rise BMX Bars
The Kink Helm bars are a great pick if you want tall bars that still feel strong without being crazy heavy.
They’re made from internally multi-butted 4130 chromoly, so the tubing is thicker at the bends, weld areas, and ends, and thinner in the straight sections.
That’s exactly how you keep strength where it matters while trimming weight where it doesn’t.
Kink also uses TruTherm post-weld heat treating, which helps the bars handle repeated impacts and hard landings.
Rise options go all the way up to 10.5”, so tall riders and “big bar” fans can really dial in their fit.
Depending on the rise, widths range from 29” to 30”, with a consistent 12° backsweep and 1° upsweep for a comfy, slightly pulled-back feel.
If you want a tall bar that’s built smart and made to last, the Helm is one of the safest choices out there.
Kink Helm bars specs:
- Rise: 10.5″
- Width: 30″
- Backsweep: 12°
- Upsweep: 1°
- Weight: 2.06lbs (935.5g)
- Price: $94.99 (may vary)
How To Pick A BMX Bar For A Tall Rider?
Even if you’re really tall, I wouldn’t recommend jumping straight to purchasing a 10″+ BMX bar.
If you haven’t yet tried, place as many spacers as possible and see how the new height feels. (You can also first try a friend’s bike if he has a taller bar.)
And if this doesn’t work, it’s time to get a new bar.
Honestly, I’d go straight to 11″ if you are really tall.
Why?
If you’re currently using spacers and the new bar feels too high, remove the spacers, and you’re good to go.
On the flip side, if it’s still too low, you can get a BMX top load stem with at least a 30mm+ rise.
Advice: Don’t go straight to riding at the same level as you do if you raise your front end for 1″+. Get the feel of it first (at least the first session) and avoid injuries.
FAQ About Tallest, High Rise BMX Bars
Are taller bars better for BMX?
Yes, if you are a taller person. High rise bars make the bike lift easier.
And you’ll have less back pain because you won’t be so bent over if you’re taller.
But it’s worth testing raising your front-end with spacers before switching to anything above 10″. (Just to be sure it’s something that’ll work for you.)
Do taller BMX bars make tricks harder?
Not really – they can make spins feel a little slower, but they give you more control and stability. For taller riders, the comfort usually outweighs any small adjustment period. But if you are a smaller rider riding a high rise bar, then yes, the bar does make tricks harder.
Can I put tall BMX bars on any frame?
Yes, most modern frames will fit tall bars, but if you’re running 11″–12″ rise, you may need to adjust your stem height or remove spacers for the best feel. Too high and your bike will start to feel uncomfortable.
Are tall BMX bars good for beginners?
Yes – taller bars help reduce back strain and make bikes feel more comfortable, especially for bigger riders. Smaller beginners might find them too tall, so mid-rise bars could be a better start.
Do taller bars affect bunnyhops?
Yes, higher bars make it easier to lift the front wheel and ease back strain, but they can slightly reduce leverage for maximum hop height.
What’s the tallest BMX bar available right now?
Currently, BMX bars go up to about 11″–12″ rise, with options from Colony, S&M, and others topping the list for the high rise handlebars.
Note: Don’t miss my collections of the:
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Note: This article was originally published on June 21, 2022. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
