deker9

So I have narrowed my choice to a LHT or Vaya3. However both have a similar issue for me in the department of the stock handle bars. I would like to change them out for something more on a porter style or similar shaped options which have a bit of a pull back with perhaps a small rise. The part I am struggling with is what is the best options for levers and shifters.

Most of the LBS are completely clueless on making suggestions in this situation, been to six places already.

striknein

I'd probably go with a thumb shifter and reverse levers, or bar-cons and a decent mountain brake lever. Velo Orange or Rivendell would probably be good places to start.

SFGary

No idea what a porter style is but take a look at the Jeff Jones H Bar https://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html w/the Paul Fitting thumbie shifter option (see options at the bottom of the page) to move the bar end shifters. I have it on my LHT and like it so far. I got it because I thought it would reduce the palm/hand/finger numbness but there is room for improvement. So I might also try out the butterfly handlebar option that some tourers on this forum like...

BigAura

I use the Nitto North Road bars on my LHT. They work very well with the stock bar-ends shifters.

One note though --> I did trim about 1.5 inches off each end of the handlebar, for a little extra room.

LeeG

mtn bike levers and thumb shifters, make sure the brake levers are the right ones for your brakes. Unfortunately mid priced thumb shifters don't exist anymore given trigger shifters and twist grip taking over for low cost mass production. Which you could use.

lucienrau

If your bike comes with bar end shifters, Paul thumbies can move em for a thumb shifter position. Bar ends and thumbies is what I prefer anyway as it's the most like the thumb shifters from old mountain bikes. I don't like modern mtb style shifters and hate twist grips. If you want to keep bar ends, the Rivendell Albatross bar takes em. Tektro makes some good, inexpensive brake levers, just make sure you're getting the right model for your brakes.

Be aware that if you're keeping swept back bars, you'll definitely want a longer stem and may want a larger size than you would get with drops.

What's your objection to drops?

fietsbob

I got a pair of Nitto Chromoly 'albatross'/northroad bars,
they will take the bar end shifter in their ends.

Bike I ride most has trekking bars on it .. lean into the wind
to get into town center
when the weather is good, traveling north.

Reverse.. have the storms coming out of the south, home bound effort.

deker9

@SFGary hey that jones bar looks pretty neat, that might be worth some further research. I don't see the options at the end of the page for mounting.

@striknein I tried entering your response in google translate (joking), I will have to google all that to see what all those things are as I am not sure.

@BigAura that is a pretty cool setup. I have some hand issues due to a MC accident, so I would probably need regular levers which are close to the bars. How do you like that brooks saddle with the springs?

@Lucienrau I am with you on disliking twist shifters. My objection to drops is that I can't withstand the pressure on my bad arm over a long period of time, its a position issue.

@fietsbob I like trekking bars but no one locally seems to offer them and therefore have little opinion on the right components to set them up correctly.

fietsbob

Åsk at your LBS, they will order stuff when people ask for it,
that they have not sold in a while.. if any.. so its not there on Speculation,

but a potential buyer is a motivation..

https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/innocent.gif

smilies gone wild?

SFGary

[QUOTE=deker9;14140549]@SFGary hey that jones bar looks pretty neat, that might be worth some further research. I don't see the options at the end of the page for mounting.

If you already have the shifters you can buy the Paul thumbies from here, best prices I found: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=7149 . Comes as a pair and with everything you need to attach the shifters to the handlebar. I'll take a pic and post it when I get home.