Originally Posted by
cmcanulty
I am considering the trekking or the mustache type bars. But I have to see some pics. The shops just show the bars without brakes and gears attached. What I am not sure of is do they accept the same shifters and brake levers that the drop bars dp. Also I need to see pictures of each built up with the brakes and shifters so I can visualize whether the dog basket will fit. The other problem with the drops and dog basket is that the basket is too wide to fit between the drops on the 2 bikes I have with drops, so I definately have to go with some other option. If I go with a flat bar could I use the bar end shifters on the Surly LHT and also use bar ends? Also the Surly has cantilever brakes so could I use mtn cantilever brake levers or do I need something else. I was considering also just installing friction downtube shifters as I love using them. Would they work with 9 speed? Thanks all.
Straight MTB bars are a smaller diamiter in the area of the grips and shifters (7/8") Drop bars are larger diamiter (1" ish I think) and require different brake levers because on drop bars your hands are paralell to the brake levers and on MTB bars your hands are perpindicular. Thats why which ever way you go you're commited to the type of grips / tape and brake levers. MTB bars can also be 1-1/8" dia. where they attach to the stem and drop bars are ~1". That does vary from bar to bar some are a little smaller at the stem so you have to be careful that everything fits the bars you choose.