Bike Forums - Searching for new handlebars

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Searching for new handlebars

A couple of options that move a bit toward what you are looking for:

On-One Mary Handlebar | On - One

H-BAR

Or, pick whatever flat bar you can find with the amount of sweep that you want and get a longer stem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider_1 (Post 17621514)

Hi all.

The flat bar vs drop bar thread inspired me to start a new thread.

A couple of years ago I bought a flat bar road bike that I intended to use on rail trails and other unpaved surfaces that I would prefer not to use my road bike on. I've since realized that I should have waited and gotten a cyclocross, as what I really wanted was a beefier road bike. I find drop bars to be superior for cruising. The lack of sweep on flat bars leads to wrist pain over time.

Not having the money to replace the flat bars with drop bars and brakes/shifters, I have been investigating variations on flat bars. Here are the requirements that I am trying to satisfy:

- I prefer flat, but a little rise is okay
- Some sweep to place the wrists at a more neutral angle
- Ideally, the grip area should be not be behind the front of the stem. I am trying to reach as far forward as if I was riding on hoods, but most bars retreat back.

I'm not sold on bullhorns because I want to use my existing brakes and shifters. Does anyone have any suggestions for flat bars that extend the reach forward? I like the look of these, but they seem to be discontinued:

http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/sur...291b1794_z.jpg

Thanks

Handlebars | SOMA Fabrications

the lauterwasser?

I'll play, as long as this doesn't turn into yet another utterly pointless "drops vs. flats" thread, wherein a bunch of people parade personal preference as 'universal truth';)

Given your criteria, it seems to me there are two clear solutions, either of which will be effective. Again, personal preference dictates which a given individual would go with.

1. What I'd call the 'traditional' set-up: ordinary 'flat' bars with anywhere from 0 to 10 degrees sweep (whatever works), combined with bar ends. I'll use my bike as an example:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=438479

I have it set so the 'grips' position puts me slightly in front of (more reach) than what would be the 'tops' on drop bars on an equivalently/properly-sized drop bar bike; the bar ends pretty much put me where I'd be on the hoods. Works for me.

2. One of the many available 'alt bars'. Best examples I know of would be (one of the several variations on) Jones's H-Bars: H-BAR
These are very popular with some cyclists. I'd imagine they'd be particularly good for someone who really wants a grips position with much more sweep than the 'traditional' set-up (wrist angle), while still being able to 'get forward'.

There are other configurations (e.g. cafe-racer/'city' bars like the FSA Metropolis) that many people like, but these two strike me as closest to your criteria.

put Ergon GR5 grips on ... integrated, long J bend bar ends..

Here's your cafe racer bar,looks just like the Motorcycle ones .. Condorina Bar | SOMA Fabrications

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider_1 (Post 17622212)

Thanks. I've looked at what you and others have suggested, and they all look like good possibilities. One thing I am trying to accomplish is to create a more forward profile, as the bike is a little too short to stretch out like I want. That and to take pressure off my wrists.

How about bullhorns sized for 'flat bar' stems and brakes?
I have one that works fine for single-speed with 'mtn bike' brakes.
Shifters might or might not fit well.

Retrospec Bullhorn Pursuit Handlebar | City Grounds

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider_1 (Post 17622212)

Got it! I don't seem to have this particular problem (wrist issues) with flat bars but I know that many people seem to. Hence the suggestions. #1 solves the issue (to my mind) by allowing you to completely vary your wrist position as/when you want in order to relieve fatigue/tension -- it's the alternation that does the trick. The alternation also relieves tension through the arms/shoulders/back -- pretty much duplicates the main benefits of the tops/hoods alternation with drops. Getting on the bar ends also stretches you out (forward) a little.

#2 goes at it differently, mainly through greatly increased bar sweep (up to 45 degrees). Bars like Jones' HBar also allow a more forward position from time to time as an alternative. The drawback to #2 , as I see it, is that absent a really long stem you are inevitably shortening your reach somewhat when in the 'grips' position.

Quote:

Does anyone know where to buy Condorina Bars in Canada, and can I get them in black? I've seen it in pictures, and don't really want chrome.

The Company is located in California If You ask your favorite Bike shop to get an Account with the Merry Sales Imports Company .
a Distribnutor to Bike Shops, that is also running the SOMA retail Online site , then they will be available in Canada.

as to wanting black . if you were to order several Hundred then a Black Chrome batch may be offered..

Or you can get it re done at a Metal finisher .. such as one that is used to Custom Cars and restorations..