Bullhorns: Form & Function
06-19-06, 03:45 PM
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Bullhorns: Form & Function
One more stupid learning curve question...
I am interested in purchasing new bullhorns for my SS conversion. (I use the short snipped-flipped version now.) And I plan on switching over to FG soon.
The local area is hilly, and I read the bullhorns are best in this environment.
What about the various styles of bullhorns? Some have drop. Some have no drop. Is there a functional difference? Or purely aesthetic?
And one thread mentioned that it may be best to buy the bullhorns one size wider than normal. (More stable starts...or something.) There was no answer to the thread. Is this true?
Thanks again.
Chris
I am interested in purchasing new bullhorns for my SS conversion. (I use the short snipped-flipped version now.) And I plan on switching over to FG soon.
The local area is hilly, and I read the bullhorns are best in this environment.
What about the various styles of bullhorns? Some have drop. Some have no drop. Is there a functional difference? Or purely aesthetic?
And one thread mentioned that it may be best to buy the bullhorns one size wider than normal. (More stable starts...or something.) There was no answer to the thread. Is this true?
Thanks again.
Chris
06-19-06, 04:01 PM
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This is such a tough question to answer. Yes, bullhorn bars are made in every possible size and configuration. I could get into sizes and stuff but that is all meaningless until you actually feel what they're like under your hands. Your best bet is just to get a used pair on ebay or craigslist.com or a cheapo new pair from Performance Bike. Then, ride the hell out of it and see what it feels like. Also, don't forget that you can flip the stem or change stem length as an alternative to just replacing the bars. I've got a cheap aluminum AeroWing bar from performance that I took a hacksaw to and took off a couple of inches and I love it. Good luck.
06-19-06, 04:14 PM
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nitto 021s. so comfy.
06-19-06, 04:59 PM
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I am drawn between the dropping Nitto 021s and the zero drop Nitto 018s. I just can't figure out the real performance difference.
I think the zero drops are simple old school cool. But the deep drops look more ergonomic and comfortable. Who knows?
Thanks for the advice.
Hmm...
Chris
I think the zero drops are simple old school cool. But the deep drops look more ergonomic and comfortable. Who knows?
Thanks for the advice.
Hmm...
Chris
06-19-06, 07:02 PM
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Do you have your stem all the way lowered now? If you do and would still like to be lower get the ones with drop. If you like the height where it is now get the no drop ones. Its pretty simple the only added benifit of the no-drop ones is that they will provide a more ergonomic position on the "tops." Incidentally as I remember it(allthough I may be to young to be correct) the early bullhorns had drop so in fact the 021s are more "old school cool" while the 018s will be more ergonomic and probably more comfortable(unless you bars are currently too high.)
Wider bars and a higher position will be better for climbing too.
Wider bars and a higher position will be better for climbing too.
06-19-06, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Slodo
This is such a tough question to answer. Yes, bullhorn bars are made in every possible size and configuration. I could get into sizes and stuff but that is all meaningless until you actually feel what they're like under your hands. Your best bet is just to get a used pair on ebay or craigslist.com or a cheapo new pair from Performance Bike. Then, ride the hell out of it and see what it feels like. Also, don't forget that you can flip the stem or change stem length as an alternative to just replacing the bars. I've got a cheap aluminum AeroWing bar from performance that I took a hacksaw to and took off a couple of inches and I love it. Good luck.
And this is the "short" hacksaw version? (Wow.)
Chris
06-19-06, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by dutret
Do you have your stem all the way lowered now? If you do and would still like to be lower get the ones with drop. If you like the height where it is now get the no drop ones. Its pretty simple the only added benifit of the no-drop ones is that they will provide a more ergonomic position on the "tops." Incidentally as I remember it(allthough I may be to young to be correct) the early bullhorns had drop so in fact the 021s are more "old school cool" while the 018s will be more ergonomic and probably more comfortable(unless you bars are currently too high.)
Wider bars and a higher position will be better for climbing too.
Wider bars and a higher position will be better for climbing too.
I could appreciate the longer bullhorns, though.
The zero drop bullhorn is winning.
Comfort > Appearance
(Now I just have to compare the zero drop brands.)
Thanks.
Chris
