eighth inch track drops
#3
No lugs? No hugs.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: '85 Miyata 310, '06 GT Performer
One of the guys I ride with has them. He likes them, but he's used to riding risers and ****. If you're used to riding real drops, you'll find these pretty ineffectual for getting out of the wind.
If you just want a little bit of drop, you're better off with some bullhorns with some drop, imo.
If you just want a little bit of drop, you're better off with some bullhorns with some drop, imo.
#4
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
They do look pretty cool. I wanted to try them out but because of back problems, I can't really handle much drop.
These VO Porteur bars are as close to "drop" as I get:
These VO Porteur bars are as close to "drop" as I get:
#6
I almost ended up getting some but decided not to since I'm so used to track drops now. I went with the Nitto 177 "Noodle." The drops are supposed to be a little shallower than the bar I have now.
#8
a.k.a. QUADZILLA
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Bikes: Super Pista, Basso, Big Dummy
Those handlebars suck because the photo features a guy wearing a helmet, and possibly lycra shorts. AKA these are handlebars for dorks. I only ride handlebars tested by Keirin racers and cool dudes.
#10
Got 'em for my current project...haven't used them yet. The drop is pretty shallow...I wish the drop section was a bit longer though. They are pretty similar to the bars on the 2010 Schwinn Madison if a LBS has one you can check those out...
#11
I have tested an identical bar from Charge bikes. I wouldn't do it if I were you. It looks nice with those track grips, but it isn't a bar to ride on. You wouldn't want to ride on the hood like that on their web-page. If your concern is only the expense, you might as well save up for a real track drop ... or a drop.
#12
I have been using these for the past couple of months. They are pretty good if you like the shape, as long as you are aware of their limitations. Riding the tops is kind of a pain, but of course they are "track" drops so the ergonomics of the tops aren't really a concern (I spend about 85% of my time on the bike in the drops). They don't drop that far, but better for street riding I guess. They are only $30 shipped, so why not?
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
Bikes: Kilo TT, Dawes SST, Giant Iguana, Sears&Roebuck Free Spirit(RIP)
I have them on my bike. and I like them a lot. I feel much more comfortable riding the drop in the street and don't feel like my neck is going to cramp up when i'm looking for traffic... I barely ride the tops and it might be a good idea to get an end lever for the brake (mine is on the top and sometimes a pain to get to)
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
Last edited by RubberDucks; 02-01-10 at 11:29 AM.
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
I have them on my bike. and I like them a lot. I feel much more comfortable riding the drop in the street and don't feel like my neck is going to cramp up when i'm looking for traffic... I barely ride the tops and it might be a good idea to get an end lever for the brake (mine is on the top and sometimes a pain to get to)
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
A pet peeve of mine: people riding with their elbows locked straight, looks like they're disgusted by the front end of their bikes or, trying to push it away. Bend your elbows a little, people, it's easier on the elbows and helps with absorption of shock.
#15
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Walnut Creek, CA
I have them on my bike. and I like them a lot. I feel much more comfortable riding the drop in the street and don't feel like my neck is going to cramp up when i'm looking for traffic... I barely ride the tops and it might be a good idea to get an end lever for the brake (mine is on the top and sometimes a pain to get to)
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
also I really hate that eighth inch has 20 pictures of someone riding these bars but not one where he's riding in the drops...
i've ridden plenty of road drops from deep to shallow, and these bars grabbed my attention cause i wanted a bar that i could casually ride the drops on and still be fairly upright. i ordered them, ill post a picture of what it riding the drops actually looks like when i get them
#16
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
i've got a pair of them too but switched to bullhorns after a few months. i liked the drops most of the time, but the lack of multiple hand-positions got to me eventually. i found i couldn't really ride the tops comfortably. i'm hanging on to them because i might switch back at some point..we'll see.
#17
i've got a pair of them too but switched to bullhorns after a few months. i liked the drops most of the time, but the lack of multiple hand-positions got to me eventually. i found i couldn't really ride the tops comfortably. i'm hanging on to them because i might switch back at some point..we'll see.
#19
If you like shallow drops you could try a comp version of road drops, I just put some ritchey comp biomax ergo drops on my bike and they are pretty shallow. Unfortunately because of a bout of snow/sleet/rain I haven't been able to ride them yet, but when fitting them they feel like they will offer a great riding position in the drops, plus if you throw some hoods on them (like me) then you have even more options.
Though admittedly, they look nowhere near as cool as the 1/8in bars.
Though admittedly, they look nowhere near as cool as the 1/8in bars.
#20
If you like shallow drops you could try a comp version of road drops, I just put some ritchey comp biomax ergo drops on my bike and they are pretty shallow. Unfortunately because of a bout of snow/sleet/rain I haven't been able to ride them yet, but when fitting them they feel like they will offer a great riding position in the drops, plus if you throw some hoods on them (like me) then you have even more options.
Though admittedly, they look nowhere near as cool as the 1/8in bars.
Though admittedly, they look nowhere near as cool as the 1/8in bars.
#21
Truth, it's all about street cred. The only reason I brought it up is because people were saying they didn't like them because of the lack of hand positions. But it's true I'll take coolness over comfort anyday, I guess that's why I ride a FG..
#22
haha. I gave in and put track drops on mine too. I then put drop bar levers but later took them off for the coolness of my 1/2 wrapped chrome track drops.
#23
I mean really when you compare the 2 aesthetically, track drops with track grips are a thousand times nicer looking, however, I ride a POS '81 Schwinn Traveler conversion, so aesthetics aren't the biggest issue.



