is it essential or just very very preferential?

cheers!

I run 580mm flats on mine
don’t have a need for anything wider

Got 740mm on mine

They are too wide

710mm here with a short stem. Seems about right for singlespeed use and the terrain I use it on.

I guess it all depends on personal preference, riding style, terrain and how big you are!

measure your shoulders and add 20mm
perfect bar width.

I’ve run 90mm stem with the same bars on all my different bikes, 26er’s and 29er’s! FSA K Force rise 640mm carbon.

580mm flats on mine AND bar ends……….i love em!

did have niner flat top bar 710mm changed to titec h bars and they just feel right and only 660mm wide .

I originally had Mary (730mm ish?) bars which I liked but comletely impractical for the local woodsy riding I do, cut em down to about 620mm. Thinking about Jones bars now.

salso moto plus woodman stubby bar ends…ace!

Normally have 710mm on my bikes and do so on the bouncer and 26″ hardtail. But have gone back to 685mm on the 29er due the mainly riding tight woody trails and it also helps in traffic as I commute on it

640mm 9deg Enve flat carbons here, perfect for me.

I use 100mm or 110mm stems and bars between 660mm and 720mm on mine.

I’ve found that wider is better but its a personal thing.

When I got my first 29er I tried various combos of stems and bars until I found what worked for me. I’d recommend doing that and using what feels right.