I commuted today into an 11 mph wind with a straight bar handlebar and discovered that I need to be more aerodynamic. This was shortly after riding through a busy city area and having to get onto side walks a few times and brake for cars turning right in front of me. I feel like being up high on the wide straight bar gives me more agility (would this pass once I get used to a low bar?), but I think a low bar would be more comfortable for prolonged periods bent down in the wind.

What do you think is the best compromise?

I'm thinking of getting a curved raised bar like those on comfort bikes, but flipping it upside down to get lower and have the width. I also thought of buying extensions and having them point downwards, but all the ones I could find do not curve the right way. I also thought of buying a road handlebar, but most are narrow and expensive.

Since the grip is vertical on a road handlebar, does that mean I have to keep grabbing it hard to keep my hand from sliding down and off?

I also considered the elbow rests with the grips out in front, but I think those look optimized for long distance, not safety in traffic, and they are expensive.


Later this winter I will be riding in the snow. Hopefully they plow the sides too.