Recumbent - dang tweener bars

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juggleaddict
12-06-08, 08:59 PM
is there a way to switch (within reason, as in no welding, or drastic modifications)
from the tweener bars to a traditional/ between the legs bar?
i'm asking because i like the idea of a bacchetta bike, but all of them have the huge mantis bar setup.
i know looks isn't everything . . . but they're ugly (to me, don't yell at me for my taste :-P) i like the way the challenge handlebars look and the v-shape looks very comfy. are these interchangeable? would a different company bother with selling me just the bars?
i don't mean i want the challenge bars specifically, but something similar.
cod.peace
12-06-08, 09:28 PM
Go to www.shoprans.com and buy yourself a B-26 (http://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPHB0026). I'm actually converting my V-Rex, which is equipped with an older version of this handlebar, to the new Rans adjustable tweener bars, the HR 3way (http://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPHB0079). I have some ulnar nerve issues and the close-to-the-chest postion of the 'hamster' (or 'praying mantis' if your bike is European) bars causes some hand pain on long rides. Aside from that, the hamster bars are quite comfy. I also agree that the tweener bars have somewhat goofy aesthetics.
I imagine you could buy the Challenge version of the bars but be prepared to spend more than the $22 that Rans charges.
juggleaddict
12-06-08, 10:38 PM
will that work with the forward facing stem required for the tweener bars? can you flip the stem? O.o that bar is less than most standard bike bars : P i'd go for that!
cod.peace
12-06-08, 11:06 PM
will that work with the forward facing stem required for the tweener bars? can you flip the stem? O.o that bar is less than most standard bike bars : P i'd go for that!
You'd need a new straight riser too. My bike (a '98 or '99) has the Rans Flip-It stem (like the hinged Terracycle GlideFlex on the bacchetta), then a straight telescoping riser that is welded to the handlebar. Maybe this one would work? http://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPHB0049 You could just give Rans a call, or try Angletech Cycles (http://www.angletechcycles.com/) since they sell both brands.
juggleaddict
12-06-08, 11:44 PM
hmm, that may work : ) thanks
Jeff Wills
12-07-08, 10:10 PM
Terracycle stuff allows to try any configuration you can dream up:
http://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1042502824
http://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1042500433
http://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1042499910
http://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1133968112
Also available direct:
http://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=H&Category_Code=H
Full disclosure: I am not a Terracycle employee. However, they do host meetings of the OHPV, and have helped my out on several projects.
Is this all about aesthetics? Form follows function.
The B-39 bars on my V-Rex work much better for me than the T-bars on my Tailwind.
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