Framebuilders - how to make your own handle bars
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i dont really want to build my own frame as of yet, but i do want to make my own handlebars, and i was wondering if anyone has any leads on how they are made, etc. i have some special needs and would like something that suited them
I posted this question on the frame forum, for drops. Got one good answer. I think it was a recent post in "absolute beginers". If you can weld and bend you should be able to make just about anything.
Jonny B
04-23-06, 01:13 PM
Most bars are bulged in the middle for the stem clamp, but this requires mega-costly tools and stuff. You're better off making a sleeve to accomodate the diameter change. You'll either want 7/8ths or 15/16ths tubing, for use with MTB or road levers respectively (~21mm internal diameter if you want to use bar-end shifters or brake levers), and a sleeve up to either 1", 26.8mm or 31.8mm for MTB, road or oversize stems. Needless to say you'll need to weld the sleeve on before you bend. Bending might be tricky if you want crazy ergonomic handholds or anything, but for anything really extreme (unless you have access to hi-tech benders) you can always mitre and weld or braze.