Touring - Trekking/Butterfly bar install question

I own a Specialized Sirrus Expert (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52893&scid=1001&scname=Road), and I am wanting to switch out the current handlebars, possibly with some Nashbar Trekking bars (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175533_-1_201521_10000_202446).

Here's my question:

Will these bars work with my current set up of shifters & brakes? I really don't want to replace all that stuff, because it would be expensive and I like what I have with those components. The current flatbar on the Sirrus has this kind of weird shape (skinny in the middle at the stem, then widens as it extends outward. I'd probably have my LBS do the job as I'm not much of a mechanic, but I want to get the right equipment first and have the knowledge of what I want done. I'll probably do the ergo grip thing again too as I like those.

Can some of you really smart guys or gals look at the specs for the bike and trekking bars and figure out if it will work? I'm not sure what I'm looking for in terms of measurements.

As always, thanks for any input!:)

By the way, I did do some searching here on the forums before I posted this question. Some great info. out there, but couldn't find anything to answer my specific question for the bike I own.

Yeah, your brake levers and all should work fine with trekking bars. these bars are made for people like you, who have a flat bar bike, either a flat bar road bike (in your case), or a mountain bike, who want more hand positions, for touring or commuting. Your LBS should be able to do it easily for you, but I'd ask them if they can show you. It's pretty easy to do so, moving flat bar brake levers. Good choice on the Sirrus, those are nice bikes, my friend has one, and it's a great ride.

Actually, you are going to need a new stem, since the clamp diameter on the Nashbar trekking bars is 25.4 and your current stem has a clamp size of 31.8. The other components (brake, shifters) will work though.

Actually, you are going to need a new stem, since the clamp diameter on the Nashbar trekking bars is 25.4 and your current stem has a clamp size of 31.8. The other components (brake, shifters) will work though.

That is very helpful for me to know. Any suggestions on a new stem? I mean, are there stems that are more appropriate for touring and these types of bars, or will just about any stem work as long as the sizing is right?

THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS FORUM. SUCH GREAT KNOWLEDGE AROUND!

With a stem, its really rise and length. Most rise is 6 or 17 degrees. Length is most anything you want from stubs around 60mm to 120 and up. Since a trekking bar will move the flat section that you hold onto most closer then a straight handlebar, you may want to go with a longer stem. Best to get the handlebar, and kind of position it on the bike unattached while you're sitting to get an idea of what length feels best. The bike shop should be able to help you with that. You'll at least get it close and after riding for some time, you'll be able to decide for yourself if you want the bar closer, further, up or down. Then just buy a new stem that fits your requirements. Of course, you could buy an adjustable stem, which allows you to raise or lower the angle of the stem and to some degree the length (at least relative from the seat).

The controls slip right on the open end, faced towards the back
I have mine set up fairly high above the saddle, YMMV.
up angled stem.40 degree,
or made tall with a stem raiser added to the threadless steerer .

You may like a lower setup , the sides of the bars will function like bar ends.

I'm 64 soon. so more upright is my choice.. i used both. used bike purchase.

if I got bike new. I'd want the whole steerer tube, all 300mm..
I got back to that then used the adjustable stem up angle .


http://www.cyclofiend.com/working/2008/wb092-robertclark1008.html

My Sirrus took the Nashbar bars w/o any modification & I love them.
203561

That is very helpful for me to know. Any suggestions on a new stem? I mean, are there stems that are more appropriate for touring and these types of bars, or will just about any stem work as long as the sizing is right?

THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS FORUM. SUCH GREAT KNOWLEDGE AROUND!

I like adjustable angle stems. It allows you to dial in your position, particularly with a trekking bar. And you want one that is the same length or longer than your existing one: the trekking bar's primary hand position is closer to you than your current flat bar. This results in more upright position but, depending on the setup, might end up being too close. I needed a longer stem for mine.

Nashbar makes adjustable stems, I saw one if I clicked on your Nashbar link in your original post.

Most shifters and levers that are designed for a flat bar will fit a trekking bar. Note the adjustable stem.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/27/small/09.jpg

If you use a bar mirror, look at the German mirror on the ACA site store. I find this to work well for me
Nashbar sells gel pad strips which I put under my tape for extra cushioning

My Sirrus took the Nashbar bars w/o any modification & I love them.
203561

That's interesting. When I followed the OP link to the Sirrus, the spec page listed a 31.8 clamp size. I wonder if they installed different stems in various years.

Thanks all! I like the idea of an adjustable stem a lot. I may be doing some ordering today!

I went with an adjustable stem, but I'm having my LBS guy do the install. We looked at all the stuff together and it appeared that my Ergon Grips would need to be cut a bit to fit on the bar along with the brakes and shifters too. Maybe there are Ergon Grips that are shorter that fit better, but I really didn't feel like shopping around. I don't have giant hands or anything, so it's not a big deal to cut them back by an inch or so. Plus, there may need to be some cable & housing additions too, depending upon how it all lays out in the end. I was just much more comfortable with his experience doing it, as I can be pretty inept at these sorts of things. I'm excited to get it back in a couple of days. I'll try and post a pic when it's all done.

I put the shift levers up near the stem and brakes on the bar end,everything is within a short reach that way.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cY0OE1eaJDs/TYdn7s9EfSI/AAAAAAAABXA/mFcNq3P7dg4/s320/031811205921_01.jpg

Marc

Bit late I know, but I just want to say that going with the adjustable stem in my opinion is a good way to go. I also have trekking bars, and I found them difficult to set up right -having an adjustable stem was invaluable. Usually you'll need a stem that is longer than your current one too (though that's not a golden rule, I think it's usually the case). FWIW, I ended up buying a second longer adjustable stem. Good luck and I look forward to your pictures!


I went with an adjustable stem.... I'll try and post a pic when it's all done.

Thanks Nigeyy. I did get a longer stem. My LBS suggested that as well. But check this out...

I got a "Kalloy" brand adjustable stem and had my LBS put everything together for me. Initially, all seemed great, but I took it out for a spin and after about 15 mins. the stem started creaking and moving! It was moving at the hinge, like it was loose. I stopped and tried to tighten it, but that didn't help. I was close to the LBS so I took it by for them to analyze. The guy said he wasn't sure what was wrong with it, but could only guess it's a bad stem. He tried messing with it and adjusting it but he couldn't get it to stop doing that either. We decided that it isn't dangerous right now (it's not as if it's just going to fall off), so I'm going to ride around on it a bit and decide the positioning I like and then just order a non-adjustable stem according to what I want. I'll return the old one and get my money back (hopefully). I could probably get another adjustable, but just a different brand, but I'm just not feeling good about it now and I've got some big rides coming up so I don't want to risk another problem. Hopefully I can get my positioning all dialed in within a couple of days and then get what I need quickly.

Ergon makes shorter grips for twist shift setups. Would probably work for you if you didn't want to cut your current ones down.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=10485&category=326

I have standard ergon grips with my butterfly bars, however I have downtube shifters and everything fits fine. I can see how it would be a tight fit with click shifters.

Thanks bizzz. I thought maybe there were smaller ergon grips, but cutting them worked out OK. You can't even tell. The adjustable stem is the bigger problem, but I plan to get that taken care of pretty quickly.