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Handlebars
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Author:  OldDogDan [ Thu May 06, 2021 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Handlebars

What can ya say? Personal preference, most folks been liking ‘em wider for years, I do too. I was dissatisfied with my overly stiff stock 35mm alloy bars and wanted something better. I punched the button to order the popular and pricey OneUp carbon 35mm bars, but they were out of stock and so were Renthal. I liked the reviews of the PNW Range as mo’ comfy, but they were only (and intentionally) 31.8mm. However, I could get the bar & stem combo for about the same $$ as the OneUp, and have a lifetime guarantee vs. one year to boot. The PNW were back in stock so I got ‘em. I’ve got a few rides in now since replacing that stock 35mm dia low-rise alloy bar and 35mm length stem with the PNW Range combo. I kept my Ergon grips since they’ve been essential since I’ve broken each wrist years ago. The stem comes with a removable Go-Pro / headlamp mount, but I left that out since my helmet has one. It’s pretty subjective, but to me it’s a definite improvement. My hands are at about the same reach, but a little higher and slightly different angle, since the extra sweep back and new 40mm stem length more or less cancel out. Definitely less stiff and reduced wrist fatigue. I also removed a token from my forks because I’m a lighter rider, and that helped too, but I rode it with just that change before swapping the bar & stem, so I could tell they made a difference.

Here’s a pretty good article about choosing handlebars:

https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/blogs/worldwide-cyclery-blog/mtb-handlebar-buying-guide-everything-you-need-to-know

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Author:  Inconceivable [ Tue May 25, 2021 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

Hey ODD! I've been looking at new handlebars myself. When I got my bike a couple of years ago (SC Bronson) I was surprised at how harsh the vibration was through the bars. Monkeying around with the fork (including a pro tune) didn't seem to help. So I did some interwebz reading and a lot of folks are saying that the new 35mm diameter is the culprit (too stiff) and lots of riders were going back to 31.8mm.

I'm currently eyeballing some bars from SQLabs which are 31.8mm and also have more back sweep, similar to your setup, but of course, nothing is in stock. Note that increased back sweep can also put your wrists in more natural position, which might be another reason why you are enjoying your new setup.

BTW, if you want to take a deeper dive into bike fitting, check out Lee McCormack's book "Dialed", where he gets into all sorts of weird measurements like RAD (rider area distance). But beware, reading the book might give you 2nd thoughts about what size bike is the right size. (In short, Lee says that most bikes are too long for their riders).

Author:  OldDogDan [ Tue May 25, 2021 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

^^^ Yes, the added back sweep for wrist comfort was a primary reason for picking the Range bars. If you’re looking at new bars, yeah, 35mm carbon or 31.8 either alloy or carbon. SQ Labs are known for their ergo stuff, could be a great choice. Check the Range reviews also.

I’ve been a fan of Lee (Lee Likes Bikes) for years, and RAD makes sense. A lot of the newer bikes have adjusted sizing to go with the longer & slacker geometry. So the RAD and cockpit size are very similar on my new medium bike and my old one (which I liked a lot). I was surprised it felt so similar, and smaller than I expected, since the modern geometry (mainly HA, STA, and WB) was otherwise so different. I tried a size small and there was no way.

Author:  avidtest [ Wed May 26, 2021 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

While I'm not one to dissuade another to enjoy the process of incrementally improving the ride quality of their steed, I am skeptical that the 31.8mm vs 35mm debate has any merit on our modern suspension bikes. I mean, perhaps we can see it with specific measurement tools, but can we humans really perceive it? I dunno 'bout dat.

If you're experiencing discomfort, I'd reckon it's due to rise, sweep, width, reach; or some combo. Plus Inconceivable, I've ridden your bike. The suspension was set to "stiff pogo stick". :lol: Sorry!

Author:  OldDogDan [ Wed May 26, 2021 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

Hey, you’re undermining your preference for expensive shocks with twiddly little dials!

“Perception is reality”
— Lee Atwater

Author:  Spotter [ Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

avidtest wrote:
While I'm not one to dissuade another to enjoy the process of incrementally improving the ride quality of their steed, I am skeptical that the 31.8mm vs 35mm debate has any merit on our modern suspension bikes. I mean, perhaps we can see it with specific measurement tools, but can we humans really perceive it? I dunno 'bout dat.

If you're experiencing discomfort, I'd reckon it's due to rise, sweep, width, reach; or some combo. Plus Inconceivable, I've ridden your bike. The suspension was set to "stiff pogo stick". :lol: Sorry!



I broke my left hand a few years back in what is termed a “drunk punch crush” which must have impacted my wrist as well. My rides usually end when that wrist says so. So IMHO, yes I can perceive the differences, including between metal and carbon frames; or are you questioning my humanity?

Author:  avidtest [ Tue Jun 01, 2021 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

Spotter wrote:
avidtest wrote:
are you questioning my humanity?



mmmmm.......yes

Author:  tfitz [ Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

I have a problem with my wrist and have found running the newest trim line of carbon bars are a lifesaver. I run 25.4 bars.
Image

Author:  Spotter [ Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

avidtest wrote:
Spotter wrote:
avidtest wrote:
are you questioning my humanity?



mmmmm.......yes



Me too.

Author:  tfitz [ Tue Jul 27, 2021 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

What do you guys think about running drop bars. Surly has one they call corner bars that allow you to use straight brakes levers. I am thinking about running a drop but I might try the Surly out. What are your experiences?

Author:  avidtest [ Tue Jul 27, 2021 6:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

I won't be the guy to encourage this Tom Fitz-oolery, but for those that do this stuff, I hear those Surly Cowchippers are on the pointy end of "good". Curve Walmer bar may still be the widest.

Don't listen to me - I'll put a mtb bar on a road bike.

Author:  Kimba [ Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

Flared gravel drops are good, road levers will let you brake in the drops.

I hated drops then someone said they are like a dropper post, and wow that is the truth.

Author:  tfitz [ Sat Jul 31, 2021 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

The corner bars allow you to change bars in the middle of a trip without pulling cable just swap shifter lever at least on my bike. You can go both ways. I am enjoying the bars on my kick around and they seem popular?
Image

Author:  OldDogDan [ Wed Aug 18, 2021 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

^^^ I’ve always liked a corner bar that’s an easy stumble home. BTW, the PNW Range bars are now available in 35mm.

Author:  Spotter [ Tue Oct 12, 2021 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Handlebars

Finally finished my cockpit upgrade.

OneUp carbon bars get me 15mm higher and replace an aluminum bar so stiff Pivot made custom grips with a grip insert so thick they had to chamfer the end of the bar.

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Switched to OneUp grips. Interesting; they went the less is more route. Instead of thicker rubber on the outside of the grip, they simply cut a chunk out of the plastic liner so the rubber grip collapses directly onto the end of the carbon bar.

Upgraded from SLX to XT brakes.

Upgraded from SLX to XT shifter (kept the original XT derailleur but replaced the cable housing)
This is a huge upgrade since I’ve gone from 2 up, 1 down max per shift to 4 up, 2 down and much lighter shift action. Had trouble on the initial ride shifting only one gear because I was used to pushing so hard!

Overall dropped bike weight 3/4 pound to 29.8 lbs, but the majority (1/2 lb) came off the front end.

The bike seems much livelier, it’s easier to lift the front over stuff, especially climbing, and my wrist seems to like this setup much more.

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