Add Striking Style to Your Bike with Oil Slick Handlebars

The Rising Popularity of Oil Slick Handlebars

Handlebars are one of the most visible parts of any bicycle. As trends in cycling style and design continue to evolve, a hot new fad has emerged in recent years - oil slick handlebars. Sometimes called rainbow or galaxy handlebars, oil slick handlebars feature a colorful and iridescent oil slick pattern that instantly makes any bike stand out.

What are Oil Slick Handlebars?

The term "oil slick" refers to the vibrant, multi-colored finish with colors that seem to shift in the light. This unique coloring is often seen on car and motorcycle parts, but has now made its way onto handlebars as well.

Oil slick handlebars go by many names - some call them rainbow, galaxy, color shift, or prismatic bars. But they all have that iconic shiny, metallic paint job resembling the many colors seen in an oil puddle in sunlight.

Where Did the Trend Start?

Like many cycling trends, the origins of oil slick handlebars can be traced back to motorcycle culture. The popular coloring has long been a staple in the custom motorcycle scene. Eventually the trend made its way over to BMX bikes, which take inspiration from motorbike styles. Now, road and commuter bikes are also incorporating oil slick parts like handlebars and wheelsets for added flair.

Why are Oil Slick Handlebars Popular?

There are a few key reasons why oil slick handlebars have surged in popularity recently in the cycling world:

• They make a statement - No one's bike looks quite like yours with this eye-catching accessory.
• The colors are mesmerizing - Oil slick paint jobs look bold, shiny, and elegant with an almost hypnotic color shift.
• It's customizable - You can find oil slick handlebars to match any bike color scheme.
• Matches other trends - Colorful, iridescent products are hot in cycling right now. Oil slick plays right into this trend.

So whether you want to make your bike pop or just keep up with what's cool, oil slick handlebars are a popular way to customize your ride.

Buying and Installing Oil Slick Handlebars

Interested in the oil slick look for your bike? Here's what to know about buying and installing rainbow handlebars:

Find the Right Size

Handlebars come in various shapes, widths, rises, and arm position configurations. So your first step is determining the correct size you need. Measure your existing setup and arm positioning to ensure proper fitment with your new colorful bars.

Pick Your Style

There are lots of options when shopping for oil slick handlebars, with considerations like rise, backsweep, and diameter. Common types include:

• Riser - Curved back handlebars lifting grips higher.
• Drop - Handlebars with central straight middle and dropped grip ends.
• Aero - Aerodynamic elongated U-shaped lightweight racing handlebars.
• BMX/cruiser - Iconic wide U-shaped BMX handlebars.

Choose whichever shape gives you proper ergonomics and your desired comfort, performance or style.

Select Accessories

You'll also need new colored bar tape, grips or end caps to complete the oil slick aesthetic. Shop for accessory pieces that coordinate with or complement your rainbow bars.

Prep the Bars

Once you have your oil slick handlebars, prep them for install. This may involve removing old parts, sanding down glue residue, applying fresh grip tape and sliding on new grips and end caps.

Install the Handlebars

When ready, install your flashy new rainbow bars onto your bike. This typically requires unplugging brake and shift cables, removing old bars, sliding new ones into place and reconnecting components.

Set Up Shifting/Braking

With your colorful handlebars physically installed, the last step is setting up your shifting and braking. Adjust cable tension, check alignment and test shifting and braking until everything is working properly.

Maintaining Your New Oil Slick Look

Once your bike is riding beautifully with its new oil slick handlebars, you'll want to keep it looking sharp. Here are some tips for maintenance:

• Clean regularly - Gently wipe down rainbow handlebars to prevent dirt buildup and fading.
• Protect the paint - Consider applying clear vinyl or other protection to vulnerable high-contact spots.
• Check bolts - Periodically check handlebar clamp bolts for proper tightness to prevent slipping.
• Store carefully - Keep handlebars away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not riding.

Properly cared for, your new oil slick bike bling can maintain its captivating shine season after season.

Make a Statement with Oil Slick

Oil slick handlebars and accessories provide awesome opportunities for personal expression and bike customization. Their striking colors look fantastic on any ride, from souped up racing bikes to daily beaters. And their rising popularity proves cyclists everywhere crave this eye-popping style.

So embrace the trends and make your bike uniquely yours with a set of colorful rainbow bars. Turn heads on every group ride as you cruise by with these must-have cycling accessories.

FAQs

What colors do oil slick handlebars come in?

Oil slick handlebars showcase a rainbow of shifting colorful hues. Most feature combinations of colors like blue, purple, green, gold, red and more. The colors change tone and brightness depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle.

Are oil slick handlebars durable?

Yes, oil slick handlebars from quality brands feature a durable finish and sturdy construction that can withstand wear and tear from regular riding and cycling conditions. Protecting high-contact areas can further preserve the vibrant coloring.

Do I need special tools to install oil slick handlebars?

You may need some bike-specific tools like Allen wrenches, torque wrench and cable cutters. But the installation process is essentially the same as swapping out normal handlebars. No specialty tools required.

Can I put rainbow bar tape on oil slick handlebars?

Absolutely! Complementing your flashy oil slick handlebars with vibrant, colorful bar tape completes the look. Choose a color scheme that contrasts or coordinates nicely with the shifting rainbow hues.