DowneasTTer

khutch in a couple of posts here and in the long distance forum has posted a little about the use of Jeff Jones H-Bars as a great alternative to the straight bars most hybrids come with. I'm just wondering if there are other hybrid users that have had experiences with them. I'll toying with the idea of purchasing a couple for both my wife and I to put on our Giant Escape RX Composites. Thanks for any insights you guys can provide. Here's a pic that Khutch posted showing his set up.

And the link to Jeff Jones H-Bars https://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html

giantcfr1

Haven't tried them, but have ridden many kms with bars on step-through bicycles which seem to have a similar extreme angle back towards the rider. Most definetly the worst angle I have ever used and would never concider those you have linked.

Little Darwin

It looks like an interesting bar, and I am joining in just to see what others have experienced.

I do agree with giantcfr1, that it looks like too much sweep for my taste, but to be honest, I have never ridden a bike with that much sweep. At least not since I was a kid.

The variety of different possible hand positions does look good. I would probably consider a cockpit similar to the picture you provided, but add interrupter brake levers on the front section for the ability to brake from an alternative location.

corwin1968

I take it you have never ridden Rivendell's Albatross bar. The grips are almost parallel to the top tube. I don't see how anyone who is built along normal anatomical lines could find that thing comfortable.

I've found that a 9-10 degree bend is a sweet spot for me.. But, having test ridden a Surly Troll and Ogre, both with similar handlebar sweep, i would give the Jones bar a try.

SHOFINE

That's exactly the type bars for me! When I 1st got my Kona the 1st thing I did was change out them straight flat bars to the Metropolis 45 degree sweep. Got em on my Sawyer too. Love the On One Marys on my Fatty! I thought about the Jones Bars but was too pricey for me. I reckon since I'm duck footed my hands are too

treadtread

There is a guy in my office who has those bars (only, made by Titec) on his bike - and he loves them. When I told him that Titec stopped making these, he talked about hunting around for a second one to keep as spare. I have never tried them myself, but thought a report from an actual user would help

rifraf

I use a Titec copy version called a J-bar.
They suit me down to the ground and I utilise the three main hand positions available.
I'll eventually buy the genuine Jones article.

You may have to rethink the fitting if you use a handlebar bag.
To acomplish this I use:
Thorn Accessory Bar T Shaped 105 mm Extension - £16.99
It sits about half way down my uncut steerer tube

DowneasTTer

I just don't know the difference between between the angle of sweep and riding on the hoods or drops on a drop handle bar bike. or for that matter using bar ends on a straight bar. What am I missing?

DowneasTTer

Here is a great youtube video showing the different hand positions on the H-Bar loop. Of course this is on a mountain bike. But, still looks pretty interesting for a road based hybrid as well. .be

giantcfr1

For me the sweep back towards my body gives pain to my wrist. While you are sitting now, place your hands in that position and see what you think. Maybe it's ok for you

DowneasTTer

I can see that if using the sweep was the default position. But, in viewing the video link you can see that is not the case. The use of the sweep is just one of the positions on the bar. There are several.

giantcfr1

No worries go for it

themishmosh

I don't think I would use that swept out option. If I were doing long distance, I would rather have aero bars which can be installed/removed easily and keep my flatbar with bar ends--plenty of hand positions and supreme aero position/comfort.

Dirt Road

Sort of an odd placement for an Ergon handgrip. Imagine placing your wrists so that the heels of your hand would rest on them. Sort of the opposite of ergonomic...

ksmoondoggie

I don't have any experience to share but I am considering a trekking bar for my hybrid and watched the the JJ H-bar video and was somewhat intrigued. I like the idea of having more hand positions but personally I'm not sure would care for the location of the shifters and brakes… at least where they are shown in the picture and video as I don't think that would be where I would want to position my hands most of the time. With that said, I also like the multiple hand positions that a trekking bar would offer (especially the reach hand positions on the far end) but somewhat concerned about having the near bars closer to me than my current straight bar is as I don't think I really want to be more upright than I already am. That may be an easy fix by either tilting the angle of the trekking bar a bit or getting a longer stem. Have you considered a trekking bar?