handlebar recommendations
 

I'm looking to switch the handlebar setup on my daily ride/commuter (replacing a very narrow, twitchy set of chopped-and-flipped drops), and would appreciate suggestions and advice from folks who have used moustache, albatross/sparrow, or other similar style bars. I like riding fast around town and appreciate more aggressive positions, but also like to pop up and relax. I love the look of moustache, but wonder if there are any other options I'm overlooking?

I am running a 24.5 stem and using interrupter style brake levers and my most preferred option would not have to replace either.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Bike Forums rahove!

There are some really knowledgeable and experienced folks around here. I've learned so much and come to realize how much i still don't know.

I've tried a couple different handlebars, but the ones i have on my bike now are the last i'll need to buy (unless these are stolen!).

OK, just a few qualifiers about my bike...
1) she's sportin' her cleats and still wearing some trail mud (she's a dirty girl!)
2) i know the front of the front fender is yanked sky-high... was a quicky-fix
3) yeah i suck at handle-bar taping so i gotta use a lotta "Gorilla Tape"

[IMG]
http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/...psplbnhit1.jpg[/IMG]

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/...pslgrkgaen.jpg

So there she is in all her (soiled) glory!

The handle bars are Casey's Chromoly Crazy Bars -
http://store.velo-orange.com/media/c..._/3_4_2_10.jpg

and can be found here:
Casey's Crazy Bar, Chromoly, Noir

Well, be that as it may, you have a great setup there. Very utilitarian. Love it, looks great. :thumb:

Thanks phughes!

To me, in many things, function is beauty's master.

I just posted on this thread last week about a bike that I recently built with a short review of moustache handlebars and other options also. I hope that helps.

I recently went from MTB bars to this; love the new hand position...

I agree wholeheartedly.

Those shifters sure look nice. How many speeds do you use?

Also, that purple is gorgeous!!!

Those are 9-speed XT shifters; I went MTB drivetrain with a Dura Ace triple road crank.

I actually removed the small chainring because I never used it, swapped the triple BB for a double and it really rides nicely.

Thanks, the color is nice; you should see it in the sun...

I have albatross bars on my Rivendell and I like them but from what you describe I wouldn't recommend them. They make you sit up and the drop back towards you by a lot. I had to change my stem from a 100 to a 120 just to get cockpit room.

I just ordered Map/Ahearne bars for my next bike build (quill stem 25.4). They have the same shape as my all time favorite bar the FSA Metropolis (31.8). Hopefully they will put me in a sportier position.

From your needs there are very few bars that would fit your needs. I would rethink the interrupter levers and just buy straight bar levers and then you would have a choice of upright bars. Velo Orange has such a great selection of bars there must be one that looks good to you.

I've used moustache and sparrow.
 

Disliked both. I have Jones Loop Bars (720mm) on my Surly Troll commuter/tourer/mtb. Best bars I've ever used. 4 distinct hand positions, each very comfortable. Could not recommend them more highly.

You should also take a look at a "Touring bar"

Maybe an easy adjustable handlebar is part of the solution? These things can change the handlebar position at a traffic light, or even while riding allthough that can not be considered safe.
Sorry, couln't find any video's without an annoying voice.

What bar is that? I have a stock riser bar on my commuter...don't hate it, but don't love it. Think I would prefer something more similar to what you're using, thanks.

If you want to be able to sit up, but also be racy, why not just get a normal pair of drops and set them higher?

Myself, I'm using an FSA Metropolis bar that's much the same shape as that one. It's got ~32mm rise, 48 degree back sweep. Here's a review: click. Here's the page at FSA describing the bar: click. Pretty decent bar, I think, assuming the position places you in the spot you're looking for.

Brings the hands back about 2.5 inches behind a standard mild-rise city flat bar. Is roughly similar in shape to the Nitto Albatross, but with a tad less rise and a tad less rearward placement of the hands (as compared to the Albatross).

There are several bars out there that offer more rise, and/or more sweep. For more rise, perhaps the Humpert Diamant City bar. For a contemporary rendition of the English 3-spd "North Road" type bar, perhaps the Raleigh North Rounder bar. With well over twice the rise of any of these, perhaps the Humpert Englisher bar.

I found mine on eBay; wasn't sure if they would work for me so I wasn't keen on paying $40 (or more!):

Mary Style Mountain Bike MTB Handlebar Bar | eBay

Turns out they are perfect, and you can't beat the price.

They have a logo on the front that can be removed with acetone if you wish...