Pros and Cons of each type of handle bar.
#1
Thread Starter
ALL PARTY
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 664
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From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Douglas Touring Cross Wise, Urbanite Fixed Gear
Pros and Cons of each type of handle bar.
I ride drops 95% of the time, and I like them for obvious reasons. I just want to know why people use risers, moustache bars, bullhorns, etc. Aerodynmaic/comfort reasons. I don't care 'bout barspins.
#3
I also ride drops 95% of the time but I have both risers and bullhorns as well. I use risers when I know I'm going to be going slow with friends or whatever and I usually put my bullhorns on when I'm feeling frisky and want to change things up a bit.
#4
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12,769
Likes: 38
From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
People ride with different bars because they look cool to them. I've got bikes with regular drop bars so my next project will have Nitto Albatross bars. Why? Why not.
I thought about bullhorns because they are very similar to riding on the brake hoods of regular drop bars but then I saw the Albatross bars and figured I'd give them a whirl. The Albatross aren't as curvy as moustache bars; you can move your hands around more on the bars.
Bars are easy to swap out, so don't feel like you have to choose one style.
I thought about bullhorns because they are very similar to riding on the brake hoods of regular drop bars but then I saw the Albatross bars and figured I'd give them a whirl. The Albatross aren't as curvy as moustache bars; you can move your hands around more on the bars.
Bars are easy to swap out, so don't feel like you have to choose one style.
#5
Thread Starter
ALL PARTY
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Douglas Touring Cross Wise, Urbanite Fixed Gear
I just like the idea of drops because you have the bull horn position, with an extra position to fight the wind/sprint.
#6
superpredictable
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Bullhorns kick ass for climbing with ergonomic leverage, and for getting into an aero position like with drops but without the eventual neck soreness. Plus, a single time trial lever looks better than a single drop lever.
#10
I've got nitto 021s, which translate to bullhorns with drop. I have em wrapped, and I wouldn't switch to anything else, no, not ever.
They are the perfect hybrid of control and aero. I have mine tilted downwards a little to be even more aero.
They are the perfect hybrid of control and aero. I have mine tilted downwards a little to be even more aero.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Central NC
Bikes: Giant NRS1, CdaleR400, Surly S-Roller & Fuji Track
Pros: mustache, bulls, straight bars all in one. Variety of brake levers and positions.

con: no drops, (when squeezed in traffic) 57.5cm width, 2.6 rolls of bar tape. Look like sunglasses.

con: no drops, (when squeezed in traffic) 57.5cm width, 2.6 rolls of bar tape. Look like sunglasses.
Last edited by LurkasauresRex; 04-10-08 at 10:42 PM.
#12
F'ing A
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: SJ
Bikes: 08 tommaso augusta, 88 specialized sirrus, random cruisers and stuff
I've got risers for cruising around town with friends because they are comfortable for going slow and weaving through traffic. I use my base bars when I'm trying to go fast because they allow me to get aero without straining my back and neck. I use drops for longer rides because they allow so many different positions. They all serve their purpose. Next on my list of things to try is moustache bars.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: seattle
Bikes: alien track bike, cannondale t400 tourer
i had these upside-down riserish handlebars that i swapped for drops because they werent as wide and let me lean forward. i liked the risers, but every car mirror made me nervous
#14
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Lyon, France
Bikes: Custom Mercier - Velo'v - Peugeot FG conversion
I use bullhorns and I like how I can grab on real tight when I climb, and even get myself into a more aero-dynamic position if I get blasted with wind.
#16
Post-modern sleaze
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, CO
Bikes: Fuji fixed, Browning fixed, MTB
I ride risers in town, but I like drops for longer rides. Rode bullhorns for a little while, and didn't really dig them too much. In the long run, though, just ride whatever is comfortable for you...it's not necessarily going to be the same for you as for others.
Reason I like risers: when I'm riding around town, I often find myself with something in my hand, or adjusting my bag, or something. It's easier (in my opinion) than with drops. Also, as others have said, they're a bit better for getting off and on the bike, getting through traffic and peds, etc.
Reason I (occasionally) like drops: better in headwind, multi-position is better for long rides.
Reason I don't like bullhorns: don't know, just don't feel good to me.
Reason I like risers: when I'm riding around town, I often find myself with something in my hand, or adjusting my bag, or something. It's easier (in my opinion) than with drops. Also, as others have said, they're a bit better for getting off and on the bike, getting through traffic and peds, etc.
Reason I (occasionally) like drops: better in headwind, multi-position is better for long rides.
Reason I don't like bullhorns: don't know, just don't feel good to me.
#20
I'd like to take this opportunity to post this photo again:

But seriously, ergo drops with hoods are the best all-around bar. Bullhorns are basically a more substantial hood, and they're great for climbing. Flat bars are fun to ride for short distances and seem more stable in bad conditions, but are not great for sprinting and getting out of the wind.

But seriously, ergo drops with hoods are the best all-around bar. Bullhorns are basically a more substantial hood, and they're great for climbing. Flat bars are fun to ride for short distances and seem more stable in bad conditions, but are not great for sprinting and getting out of the wind.
#21
Hey,
What position do you use for your bullhorns?

I feel I should be right on top of my bullhorn instead of shallower angle. My old frame's top tube seems to be too long for this. So I felt more comfy on the roof for non-hills. So I slapped on my flat bar again.

Now I feel I made a wrong choice as leverage is poor. But it looks a bit cooler (... this may because of my new nitto stem.
)
There is a new(?) Nitto bar B263AA. Anyone tried this bullhorn?
T
What position do you use for your bullhorns?

I feel I should be right on top of my bullhorn instead of shallower angle. My old frame's top tube seems to be too long for this. So I felt more comfy on the roof for non-hills. So I slapped on my flat bar again.

Now I feel I made a wrong choice as leverage is poor. But it looks a bit cooler (... this may because of my new nitto stem.
)There is a new(?) Nitto bar B263AA. Anyone tried this bullhorn?
T
#23
moving target
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,952
Likes: 156
From: birmingham, al
Bikes: looks like a specialized crux now
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
just use some bar ends with the flat bar, I did for a while and was way more comfy than 'proper' bullhorns but the corners weren't comfy enough.
#25
stay free.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,557
Likes: 0
From: Ellensburg, WA
Bikes: EAI Bare Knuckle, 1980's Ross Signature 292s 12 speed
I ride some risers because I usually just ride on the tops, as my bike gets most use just running around town. I ride horns or drops occasionally as well, especially if I'm riding a really long distance, though if a long distance is the intention the road bike usually gets rocked out.



