i have a gary fisher 29er paragon set up for commute and multi day rides. Rack and riser handlebar with bar ends. I also have a xcaliber set up the same way. I do own touring bike etc, but the mountain bike is comfortable. I went to Dennis Kirk online store and bought some superbike grips part no 59-5291. they are great foam grips. I am taking the paragon pulling a trailer and doing a trip this year. My wife has ridden her Giant mountain bike with me to MN which was few hundred mile trip. when i bought my touring bike the salesman stressed that I would have more places to put my hands, but its nice when on a rutty road to flip the front suspension and let that ease out the rough road. I did put much narrower tires on my bike 47-622mm continental top contact tires.