Fifty Plus (50+) - Handlebar Change

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mcadam
09-03-06, 07:00 PM
I am looking for more comfortable bars. I now have 25.4 flat w/ 5 deg sweep mtb bars on my hybrid. My riding is almost totally road and street. I'm thinking 1" rise and 15-20 deg. sweep approx. Any suggestions welcome, and I am somewhat budget challenged. Thank you, folks.

Nightshade
09-03-06, 07:38 PM
Based on your riding needs (I'm guessing you're 50+) consider
a pair of "Northroads" bars & an "adjustable" stem to get the
bar right where it's most comfortable.

P.S. Ya might need a new seat too mate.
Wil Davis
09-03-06, 07:59 PM
I found the straight bars on my MTB uncomfortable for any ride longer than an hour, so I changed them for a set of "trekker bars", which allow more riding positions. There are numerous posts on the merits and disadvantages of doing this. Try putting "trekker bars" into the search function (yes, it's working again! thanks to Joe & Co.!!!)

- Wil

BluesDawg
09-03-06, 08:01 PM
North Road bars are very nice, but I've not seen them for less than $30 (Harris Cyclery). There are less costly options if on a tight budget. Adjustable stems are good if you aren't sure where you want your bars to be, but the right stem will put them anywhere an adjustable will if you know where you want them. I'd try a new bar on your existing stem first.
Are you sure 1" rise is enough? Are your bars currently level with your saddle? Dimension makes bars with 20 degree sweep in 60mm and 90mm rise (2 1/3 and 3 1/2 inches). Your LBS can get them from QBP or you can find them online. http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=details&sku=HB2056
These bars would make a big improvement over your present bars. Good luck.
mcadam
09-03-06, 08:28 PM
Based on your riding needs (I'm guessing you're 50+) consider
a pair of "Northroads" bars & an "adjustable" stem to get the
bar right where it's most comfortable.

P.S. Ya might need a new seat too mate.
Thanks but don't I think I need the adj. stem. And my more recent upgrades include new seatpost and a great saddle, a comfortable and functional WTB Power. Now I'm searching to upgrade the front of the cockpit.
mcadam
09-03-06, 08:34 PM
Hey BluesDawg, ty. The 60 rise seems a lot, but the 20 bend sounds perfect. And the price is very nice, so I will give them a try.