Which bars?
 

OK I am planning to put drop bars on my mountain bike (a '94 or so Gary Fisher Montare) which will turn it into a sort of jumbo 'cross bike. I expect to run bar-end shifters and aero brake levers.

I don't like the super-wide bars like the WTB Dirt Drop, so I am asking the 'cross people here what you prefer. I am undecided between a conventional set of drop bars (thinking Deda Big Piega, probably 46cm) and the Salsa Bell Lap with its outward-flaring drops.

I've got a Bell Lap on my cross check, and I was running a Midge bar on my XR800 prior to its demise. I am (was) happy with both.

You like it better than the road-style drops?

I'm using the Bell Laps and like 'em. The flare makes it easier to stay on the drops over bumpy stuff. And they are, overall, very comfortable. Of course that's all taste and preference and individual proportions.

I'll suggest the Midge. In terms of comfort, sense of control, and ergonomics it beats all other drop bars hands down. (Is that a pun?) The WTB Dirt Drop is just more of the same. Same goes for the Salsa Bell Lap.

Yes, it's a little wider than you might think is "normal" for drops. However, the Midge bar represents revolutionary thinking in terms of handlebar design. Really.

Everything else is just more of the same-- the DESIGN of the bar is what really counts. Not what it's made of. Composite construction or nano-tubes or bucky-balls don't mean a thing except for a larger price tag.

I know that it takes a leap to buck convention and let function come first in purchase decisions.

At races and just hanging around bike shops, the Midge bars never fail to attract attention. Every single person that i've let take a spin on my bike has been impressed with their immediately comfortable design.

http://www.mtbtires.com/features/bik..._dropbars.html

i_r_beej,
do you use sti shifters or barcons with your midge bars?

That is one great explanation on that site. I especially like the 'action photo' showing the possible hand positions. I've wanted Midge bars for my JTS for a long time, I just don't ride enough to justify the cost.

Just got a new Midge for my next bike. I used brifters, and I'll be using brake levers with the Midge on the CRB.

I use STI. The levers are within easy reach from the drops. When on the hoods, i find that i actuate the small paddle (for upshifts) with my ring or pinkie finger-- not index or middle like when i used to ride conventional drops. But it's not difficult or awkward.

The design of the Midge makes it really well suited to bar-end shifters as well. The flare points the levers away from your knees and the flat part of the hook is short er than typical so that you're not having to slide your hand wayyy back to get to the levers.

I think this is all a matter of personal preference. If you are coming from a mountain background and all you are used to is flat or risers, then a bar with flared drops probably would suit you well. Personally I do a lot of road riding and find anything other than standard drops to just feel odd.

FWIW, I roll with this bar.

http://ritcheylogic.com/web/Ritchey~...3569&live=true

The ritchey logic bend is exceptionally comfortable.

Just picked up a Country Road Bob today, and it came with Ritchey Biomax bars. I like them so far. Short drop, slight angle back towards the seat on the tops.