juggleaddict

is there a way to switch (within reason, as in no welding, or drastic modifications)
from the tweener bars to a traditional/ between the legs bar?

i'm asking because i like the idea of a bacchetta bike, but all of them have the huge mantis bar setup.
i know looks isn't everything . . . but they're ugly (to me, don't yell at me for my taste :-P) i like the way the challenge handlebars look and the v-shape looks very comfy. are these interchangeable? would a different company bother with selling me just the bars?

i don't mean i want the challenge bars specifically, but something similar.

cod.peace

Go to www.shoprans.com and buy yourself a B-26. I'm actually converting my V-Rex, which is equipped with an older version of this handlebar, to the new Rans adjustable tweener bars, the HR 3way. I have some ulnar nerve issues and the close-to-the-chest postion of the 'hamster' (or 'praying mantis' if your bike is European) bars causes some hand pain on long rides. Aside from that, the hamster bars are quite comfy. I also agree that the tweener bars have somewhat goofy aesthetics.

I imagine you could buy the Challenge version of the bars but be prepared to spend more than the $22 that Rans charges.

juggleaddict

will that work with the forward facing stem required for the tweener bars? can you flip the stem? O.o that bar is less than most standard bike bars : P i'd go for that!

cod.peace

You'd need a new straight riser too. My bike (a '98 or '99) has the Rans Flip-It stem (like the hinged Terracycle GlideFlex on the bacchetta), then a straight telescoping riser that is welded to the handlebar. Maybe this one would work? https://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPHB0049 You could just give Rans a call, or try Angletech Cycles since they sell both brands.

juggleaddict

hmm, that may work : ) thanks

Jeff Wills

Terracycle stuff allows to try any configuration you can dream up:
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1042502824
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1042500433
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1042499910
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1133968112

Also available direct:
https://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/...ategory_Code=H

Full disclosure: I am not a Terracycle employee. However, they do host meetings of the OHPV, and have helped my out on several projects.

JanMM

Is this all about aesthetics? Form follows function.
The B-39 bars on my V-Rex work much better for me than the T-bars on my Tailwind.