Best commuter handlebar for agility and speed?
 

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.

Welcome to the forums, Aaron. I prefer drop handlebars (aka "road") for pretty much all of my riding. Most of the hand positions are horizontal or angled, so you won't need to worry about your hands sliding off without a death grip. :thumb:

Consider something like these. Variety of hand positions, your current controls will fit. Play with the tilt a bit.

Thank you for the suggestions. Looks like I almost have to bend my elbows and work those triceps in order to bend down, even on road handle bars. I'll just accept that as unavoidable extra exercise. I like having my brake levers within finger reach of my grips at all times. After long deliberation, I've decided I will go the simple route and stay with my current handle bars, though they are a bit uncomfortable at the current grip angle. The problem is when I sit up or bend forward, my forearm angle will change, and thus... well, there are the multi-grips again. If I stick with commuting longer, I'll figure out what angles are best, though I'd still have the problem of brakes on only one set of grips.

I can relate to what you described in the op. This helped some with my issues, YMMV.

I cut the width down on my handlebars. Make no mistake, as long as you are in a more upright position, the wind will kick your butt. However, going from 25.5" to 22.25" increased my speed by ~.5mph. Tucking my elbows in just a little bit makes another .2, and leaning forward a bit maybe another .2-.3. I found it much easier to bend my elbows down when my arms were more nearly straight out in front of me than when they were way out wide on the handlebars. You still can move your hands near the stem and lean forward some more, if your flexible enough. I can't stay in that position very long!.

On your next ride, move your hands inward and see if that helps. A headwind sux. Gear down and spin!

In Number 3 the Figure 8 bend Trekking bars are a good, simple adaptation to straight bars ,
because you just transfer the brakes and shifters ..

If you go to Drop bars the levers and shifters have to be replaced.


I find reaching the far bend on my trekking bars and bending my elbows

lets me hunker down into headwinds, effectively enough..

If you want a more aero position without upgrading your shifters, one compromise is to lower your bar (and possibly lengthen your stem). This obviously assumes that you are fit enough to hold the more aggressive position.