Hey guys,

I'm new here and have a big question. I'm looking at 3 different types of handlebars for my completely stock 2010 Trek 520. I first started looking at the WTB Mountain Drops and then after more searching I found the On One Midge bars and then the Origin 8 Gary bars. The WTB's will be my most expensive decision since my bar end shifters will require me to buy the Bar-Cons to fit. The Midge bars will allow my bar ends to fit into them with no extra parts or modifications, but apparantly are hard to find in the United States anymore, and the Origin 8's are by far the cheapest bars but are making me worried buy the lack of a flat spot on top of the bars...they almost seem to me like they would have one hand position. I am looking to see if there is anyone that has experience with these bars and could share experiences with me. Or should I just follow the term "you get what you pay for"? Thanks in advance guys!!!

I have several sets of the Origin 8 Gary bars, but I wouldn't recomend them for a touring bike. They are, as you noted, mainly a one position bar. They are great in the drops when you get them set up, but the hoods are unuseable with anything but Cane Creek SCR levers.

try "trekking Bars" nashbar sometimes carries them. Great with gripshifters

Of the three, I'd lean strongly toward WTB.
What are the additional barcons you'll need? Do you have a particular model in mind?

I have the wtb dirt drops on my LHT and also had them on a hybridized mountain bike. I like the bars the drops are perfect for me but I am a bigger guy @5'11 220 lbs. I have used them on and off road and highly recomend them. I took off my h bars on my mountain bike and never looked back.

I am looking at the Bar-cons from Jagwire...I have bar end shifters and I guess the diameter of the WTB's don't allow a bar end to fit in the end. The bar-con from Jagwire is what I found on QBP for a pretty reasonable price.

Cool, do me a favor and let me know if those work for you, as I'm facing the same conflict.

Look at Salsa Bell Laps. Not as wide a flare as the Mountain Drops or the Midge but they do flare out a little. Similar price as the Origin 8 bars. Very comfortable bar with more top to them then then other bars. Salsa also make the Woodchipper which seems similar to the others you are looking at. The MotoAce can be found for around $35

Awesome!!! Thanks!!! I just looked at both sets of bars and kind of fell in love with the Wood Chippers. Unfortunately QBP does not have them in stock right now haha. Did these just come out for 2010??

Do a google for "salsa woodchipper bar". Universal Cycles says they have some narrow ones in stock. It does look like they are new for this year.

Not to make your quest more difficult, but you might want to consider the nitto randonneur as well.

I've found the Bell Laps to be excellent.

I have dura ace bar end shifters with my wtb bars and have no problem. But those woodchippers look mighty sweet..talking myself out of new bars.

haha yeah this has been a tough choice. I have looked at the randonneur before and decided against them when I couldn't get them from QBP at my discounted price.