CFster

I can tell already that I need more hand positions. What kind of bar ends, adapters or handlebars have people put in their hybrids?

I'm almost wishing for dropped bars. Seems I wish I could lean over more for more power going up hills...

MRT2

Sigh. I suggest bikes with drop bars whenever I get a chance, but a handful of folks in the hybrid forums howl in indignation whenever I do as if I am some kind of roadie snob. The cheapest thing to try is a set of bar ends, or grips with built in mini bar ends. This gives you one extra hand position with may be all you need. Other possibilities are the Jones H bar, the Velo Orange Casey's Crazy bar, or the Trekking bar.

CFster

I've seen the H and Crazy bars. They look like they would be uncomfortable with hands at the outermost position? Just putting my arms out in front of me and cocking my hands to the side seems like an unnatural wrist position.

McSpazatron

I got something like these for my Crosstrail (different brand, but it looks identical): BBB ErgoSticks S Bar Ends - Graham Weigh Cycles

These offer a different hand position, but they feel like they make me a bit more upright when using them. Reasonably comfortable, but they do point a bit towards the outside on due to the sweep of the handlebar. This bothers me a bit, but ultimately it's more comfortable than having only one hand position. They don't have open ends, so you won't be able to mount any bar end mirrors.

CFster

Think I want to be lower. My back isn't bothering me so I don't think I need a more upright position. As it is it feels like I'm sitting in a chair upright trying to pedal and it isn't an efficient position. I remember when I was young I had a ten speed with dropped bars - I could really put the power down when I wanted to. So now 30 years later I bought a hybrid because they're a little tougher (I'm a Clyde).

I got a really good deal on the bike so I don't mind spending a few bucks to swap out bars and brake levers and shifters. Plus I like to tinker. I was just wondering what people who have gone this route have done.

ShortLegCyclist

The 45 degree angle the Jones bars and also the Surly Open bars put you in is actually very comfortable.

If you want some drop without a drop, consider the Nitto Albastache type bars



or the Albatross bars, upside down

practical

You can check the spacers on your stem to see if you can lower your bar. I have an Escape 1 and find I can move my hands into various positions. First, though, make sure your Ergon grips are adjusted properly to absorb the weight of your hand in the normal position. Wear padded gloves. To keep your hands from getting fatigued, try placing the heel of your palm onto the bar for a short while. Then try taking your palm off the grip and lay just your fingers on the grip. Another position is to turn your hands out so that your palm is on the end of the bar while your fingers are pointed outward. Make sure you're not putting a lot of weight on your hands. When they get tired, ride one handed for a hundred yards and let your free hand simply hang at your side. Then switch hands. This routine will help train your core to control your upper body so that your hands are not doing so much work. Finally, cut about two inches off both ends of the bar so that the grips are directly in front of you and not wider than your shoulders. As well as providing a more natural and comfortable position, it will make you more aerodynamic.

limbot

Just BBB Ergostik Smalls



Gives me a number of different positions for my hands while I'm riding and yes when you're up off the seat you do feel like you're getting more power when you're pushing down on them compared to on the flats as it's much more comfortable as you can put pressure on the bars more easily . I mean if you put your arms to your sides, which way do you hands fall ? Not to the back (like if you were holding the flat bars), but to towards you (like holding a barend or hoods on a dropbar ) ( Does that make any sense? )

FM1178

Ergon GP2s on my Crosstrail. They do the job for me. I have 3 to 4 hand positions I can use with them.

NormanF

I'm going to install Origin8 Classique Tour North Road handlebars on my new incoming GT Eightball Alfine 8 Speed. I don't like flat bars and I want a upright, comfortable riding position. I will also install cork grips.

That may not work for every one but I like the style of bars I had on my old Raleigh Superbe.

Wanderer

I have Specialized P2 Bar Endz on both bikes, and like them a lot! I've had others, these are the best. MHO

I have Ergon GP1 grips on one, and Specialized Ergonomic grips on the other. I like the Specialized grips a little more, as they are a bit softer, more comfortable.

McSpazatron

This might work out best. Drop the bars on the stem as much as possible, and then get bar ends. The ergosticks I have on mine that I linked to before might not be the best if you are looking to drop down further, but maybe if you get the regular aluminum ones that extend towards the front of the handlebar. Those would make you stretch out a bit and lower your upper body. Those would also have the benefit of leaving the ends of your bar open for mirrors (if that matters to the OP). And they are cheap!