Originally Posted by
sumguy
Maybe its the perspective in their picture, but do you think the brake and gear controls on the Safari are too front and center for that kind of riding? Hopefully the store will have one in stock when I pass through on 6/20.
You are right, it does look that way.
This image makes it look like the controls are all near the base of the stem. I would hope the trekking bar isn't too flexing either. I've never seen one of these bikes in person, but they generally get rave reviews from owners, so I guess it isn't as bad as it looks. Also, it probably wouldn't be too hard to switch to a standard flat bar with bar ends and still use the same shifters. If I were doing a lot of off road long distance riding, the Safari bike would still be top of my list.