Rockrider 8.1 - looking for new handlebars
08-30-14, 09:25 AM
#1
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Rockrider 8.1 - looking for new handlebars
Hi guys, a while ago I came on here asking for a suitable bike which I can use on and off road. I ended up buying the Rockrider 8.1 and it is a great bike!
However, I'm using it more on road than I expected and I have to say it isn't the smoothest ride on-road, it just doesn't feel very comfortable and these people are cruising passed me on their nice road bikes, looking nice and comfortable with their curved handlebars.
I'm not complaining about the bike but I'd just like to find a way to make my road journeys slightly more comfortable. I'm thinking of getting some curved handlebars myself. Is this possible for this model?
What would people recommend?
It would be that or potentially I'd be looking to exchange the bike for a more road-based bike.
It just feels like the rock rider is more mountain-based (as the name suggests) but I seem to be using it more on the road so I might be best to get a more road-based bike.
Please advise. Thanks.
However, I'm using it more on road than I expected and I have to say it isn't the smoothest ride on-road, it just doesn't feel very comfortable and these people are cruising passed me on their nice road bikes, looking nice and comfortable with their curved handlebars.
I'm not complaining about the bike but I'd just like to find a way to make my road journeys slightly more comfortable. I'm thinking of getting some curved handlebars myself. Is this possible for this model?
What would people recommend?
It would be that or potentially I'd be looking to exchange the bike for a more road-based bike.
It just feels like the rock rider is more mountain-based (as the name suggests) but I seem to be using it more on the road so I might be best to get a more road-based bike.
Please advise. Thanks.
08-30-14, 03:19 PM
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Changing handlebars would be a big, big deal. You'd also have to change the shifters and brake levers and those components are most the most expensive things to switch out.
The best single thing that you can do to improve your bike's roadability would be to swap the knobby tires for smooth ones.
The best single thing that you can do to improve your bike's roadability would be to swap the knobby tires for smooth ones.
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08-30-14, 03:37 PM
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Those are called drop bars. You could add them,but you'll need to change out many parts,and it can get expensive.
You might want to try a set of trekking bars:
They'll bolt straight on,and you can use all your stock components. If you search around the site,you'll find several threads about them.
Also +1 Retro Grouch's comment about swapping your knobbies for some street tires. That will make a big difference.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
Last edited by dynaryder; 08-31-14 at 02:13 PM.
08-30-14, 05:12 PM
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I'm pretty sure you can get a moustache bar for either road or mountain sizing. They are comfortable (to me) and seem to making hill climbing a bit more natural. The down side is that comfortable as the hand position is, there is only one position.
The trekking bar shown by dynaryder is probably as good a choice. Maybe better, though I haven't tried them.
The trekking bar shown by dynaryder is probably as good a choice. Maybe better, though I haven't tried them.
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