Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Handelbar upgrade.......what's a good choice for MTB?

The handelbars I have are stock.They are straight and I'm looking for something with a lift to them. What would you all suggest? I don't want to add a higher stem,just better bars. Or would suggest I just use bar ends? I'd like to sit up straighter without the aid of higher stem.

there are hundreds of riser bars out there but they're all only like 1 or 2 inches. you would be better served with a shorter stem and steeper angle. as far a bars go Id say any of the big brands would be fine, ritchey, easton, kore, raceface...
bar ends are good for an extra hand position option, and for climbing to get your weight over the front wheel, but I wouldnt say that they allow you to sit up any straighter. If anything your lower because you have to reach farther out to get to them.

I have these on my Cruiser find them to be very comfortable.
http://www.amazon.com/Nirve-Cruiser-Bicycle-Handlebar-26-Inch/dp/B000QFOM8A/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1305908646&sr=1-6

Here are some other bars that might work for you......
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-880-Handlebar-23-25-Inches-10-5-Inch/dp/B00131V5IG/ref=sr_1_32?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1305908761&sr=1-32

http://www.amazon.com/BBB-Multibar-Mountain-Bike-Handlebars/dp/B0015MTX50/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1305908959&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Touring-Northroad-Bicycle-Handlebar/dp/B000AO5JSE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1305908992&sr=1-7

Word to the wise: Don't put alloy bars on a MTB. Steel is real and not likely to break in hard use.

I got these and I love them! A bit of rise and lots of riding positions. I am still working out how to manage dual brake levers, I tried reverse levers but there wasn't enough pull for the v-brakes..

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175533_-1_201521_10000_202446

http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/1500/NS-TRK-NCL-FRONT.jpg

I got some trekking bars for my MTB this season too. So far I really like them.

http://www.ericksaint.com/images/biking/DSC00478.jpg

I got the trekking bars too and love them.. I have reverse levers for them that I loved but I had to order some travel agents so the reverse levers will work with my V-brakes. Then I can use some interrupter levers and have brakes in two different hand positions. I will post more pictures when I get that done..

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Atavar4/bars004.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Atavar4/bars001.jpg

Word to the wise: Don't put alloy bars on a MTB. Steel is real and not likely to break in hard use.

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with this. I still have the stock aluminum bars on my 97 Homegrown HT and have never had an issue. I bought the bike new and have ridden it hard on very rocky terrain, 2-4' drops, etc. so it is not babied by any means.

I have also heard that aluminum frames are fragile and can only last 3-5 years, yet my 14yr old frame is still going strong (with a 250lb rider :)). Can the bars break? Of course they can, and so can carbon, steel, or Ti bars.

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with this. I still have the stock aluminum bars on my 97 Homegrown HT and have never had an issue. I bought the bike new and have ridden it hard on very rocky terrain, 2-4' drops, etc. so it is not babied by any means.

I have also heard that aluminum frames are fragile and can only last 3-5 years, yet my 14yr old frame is still going strong (with a 250lb rider :)). Can the bars break? Of course they can, and so can carbon, steel, or Ti bars.



+1.......I'm wondering what the OP means by "upgrade"? Different position or "upgrade"?

I was wondering about a basket with trekking bars - it doesn't get in the way at all?

The basket doesn't seem to be a problem.. and as a dedicated Fred I really don't get in the far forward position very often.
I have a 2 pound dog that loves to go riding with me and she fits perfectly in the basket. I don't have a picture of her on the bike but here is one of her on the motorcycle..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm265/Atavar4/ready.jpg

Oh would you look at that outfit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with this. I still have the stock aluminum bars on my 97 Homegrown HT and have never had an issue. I bought the bike new and have ridden it hard on very rocky terrain, 2-4' drops, etc. so it is not babied by any means.

I have also heard that aluminum frames are fragile and can only last 3-5 years, yet my 14yr old frame is still going strong (with a 250lb rider :)). Can the bars break? Of course they can, and so can carbon, steel, or Ti bars.

+2 some aluminum alloys are stronger than some steels. A blanket statement in this area is meaningless.