Folding Bikes - New handlebar for my Dahon Speed Pro, advice needed!

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PDA
CAX
12-12-08, 05:14 PM
When biking longer than 15-20 km on my speed pro (which I do every day as my commute is 25 km one way) my thumbs kinda starts hurting. I find the handle bar too straight simply and would have it a bit angled. I don't want to spend that much money so I would prefer if I can keep the stock shifter. There is of course the option of getting a standard 3-speed handlebar but I already now feel a bit cramped in length so I am thinking maybe mustache bar but then I have to change the brake levers.

Any suggestions?

jur
12-12-08, 05:37 PM
Yes!

Install barends. They make a HUGE difference.
dschwarz
12-12-08, 06:48 PM
Yes!

Install barends. They make a HUGE difference.

+1

I installed Ergon GR2 (http://www.amazon.com/Ergon-Bicycle-Handle-Grips-Shift/dp/B0015QSY6K/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1229132840&sr=8-1) grips with integrated bar-ends on my Downtube Mini and I am really liking them. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

4cmd3
12-12-08, 09:09 PM
Another vote for Ergon grips... :)

I am assuming you have the Speed Pro with the flatbar, and not the Speed Pro TT with bullhorns. You CAN get bars with different sweep angles - you probably have a sweep of around 3-5 degrees...

Salsa Cycles (http://www.salsacycles.com/handlebars_mtn.html) for example (Pro Moto, Moto Ace) has bars in 5, 11, 17 degrees

Syntace (http://www.syntace.com/)also makes some (e.g. Duraflite lineup has 9 & 12 degrees (http://www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=516)) but I think are more expensive because they are higher grade aluminum or carbon.

Make sure you get a bar with a 25.4 clamp diameter, and not the larger 31.8...

I like Universal Cycles site to get a good idea of what is out there:
here's some more exotic shaped bars (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=1678)

There are some cheapie options too if you look for them
I can't find the one I recalled from Nashbar any more, but Universal shows some "Kalloy"
15 degree (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=23124&category=515)
27 degree (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=19581&category=515)

Seems like around $10-$20 for the cheapies, $30 or so for the Salsa's, and $75+ for the Syntace. The difference probably comes down to weight (higher cost, lighter bar), appearance/style, and possibly construction quality. Good luck, cheers!

PS. "On One" make some interesting bars too.
e.g.
The Mary (http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/info_HBOOMMAB.html?height=500&width=600) (mtbr.com (http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/Handlebar/on-one/mary-handlebar/PRD_414662_123crx.aspx) reviews) (real-world pics (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/2000_Ritchey_Plexus.htm))
The Fleegle Pro (http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/info_HBOOFPB.html?height=500&width=600) or regular Fleegle (Pro weighs 110g less...)

Description: "It's a wide wide flat bar ... ideal for anyone that wants a tough wide flat bar. Specs are:- 15 deg back sweep. 20mm forward offset to negate the "stem shortening" effect of the big sweep back. 105mm straight centre section - for clamping lights and stuff on in the middle. 716.7mm (28.2in) length - designed to be cut down as you wish. 6061-T6 (bend not snap) alloy. 330g on my wifes cooking scales at full width."