Extra handlebars for bag/additional equipment
 

Hi All:
I have seen some photos of touring bikes where people have an extra handlebar installed right below their regular handlebar. This bar is a bit shorter in length and is only a straight bar, without any curves. They use this to carry a bag, or mount their GPS equipment etc. Does anyone know what this thing is called and where i might be able to find it online? Is there a particular Brand that i ought to consider? Lastly, if you have any advice on this, that would be greatly valued.

Thanks for your time,

Manju

I used a lower positioned second stem stacked on my threadless steerer tube,
and placed a cut off piece of aluminum 1" tubing in place of the use of a handlebar.

You can buy a low cost 25.4 mm seatpost and cut it up to get a thick wall tube , at about $15
[see #6]
Can't link directly, but there is a welded aluminum T, welded to a single bolt clamp,
that does the same thing, in one piece
it's cross bar is 7/8" and also allows a gripshifter to be relocated there.
sold by sjscycles.co.uk in a 5cm and 10 cm extension length.
[see #6]

Others have used the 2nd stem and angled one down so as to get that bar
that mounts the quick Release handlebar bag at just the right height for their purpose .

I have that setup on 2 of by bikes, and it works very well. I used a second stem in both cases that I picked up off the WEB on sale. Most any cheap stem will work since there isn't much weight on the stem/bar. Just be sure its the correct size for your steerer tube and that you have enough room under the "real" stem for it to fit. For one I just cut down and old handlebar, on the other I used a wooden dowel painted black.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...s/IMG_0858.jpg

Thanks, folks, appreciate the fast response.

VT_Speed_TR: Couple for things for you:
(a) Do you have another photo? It would be great to see a bit more of this contraption.
(b) I notice you have some fine looking pedals.....i can't make out but could you tell me what make/model those are and what your experience has been with those? I use Speedplay Frogs right now but am contemplating moving to non-clip-on pedals.

Thanks,
Manju

Rather than mounting a completely separate set of handlebars, you might want to look into this nifty Nitto Lamp holder.

SJS cycles make an integrated stem & short bar for this purpose. As well as being lighter than using a standard stem and bar, the clamp around the steerer is less tall (27mm) and so will fit when a standard stem might not (which are normally 40-50mm). They make two versions with different extension lengths. See product page here, and see other options for increasing handlebar space here.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/pr...dium/11040.jpg

Take a look at the Minoura Swing grip and a sililiar attachment from Topeak. These might be easire to mount than additiona bars.

Thanks, all, very helpful.
Much appreciated,

I'll take a close-up pix tonight to show more detail. In the picture, the silver bracket extending from the second stem is the bracket for the handlebar bag, just to help clear things up.

The pedals are Crankbrothers 5050. They have a very nice platform, solid so very comfortable for riding with sandals like I do. They have pins, which are replaceable, to provide a grip. Got them on sale for $39.

Here are a couple of close-ups. The silver brackets are for the mounts for a handlebar bag that is attached to the second stem

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=178975



http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=178974

Hmmm, wonder where that pic might have been taken :)

http://go.bikeforums.net/?id=42X1295...onal-equipment

Also:

http://thirdwave-websites.com/bike/s...-dashboard.jpg

http://thirdwave-websites.com/bike/s...haul-front.jpg