Comments on: Do flat handlebars suck for climbing?

By: Rob R.

Rob R. — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 22:12:07 +0000

I’ve been riding the Gary bar (a dirt drop bar). This guy’s blog covers it pretty well, except I’d like to add that I’ve been riding them for about three weeks and I love them. I can really crank up hills and when I need some power. Also, they cost $19.95 at my local shop. My 29er is going to get some next.

link to someone else’s blog about Gary bars.

By: jdb

jdb — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:58:14 +0000

Flat bars seem to defeat an aggresive riding position due to flawed ergonomics with hand and wrist. I converted my MTB to use On-One “Midge” bars, which might be referred to as a wide and shallow ‘dirt drop’. The bar tops are higher than a flat bar, and the drops are lower. It’s a system that’s worked well for me both on singletrack (with panniers on all four corners) and also pavement commuting. “Interrupter” brake levers are good for these bars. Bar end shifters are a good match too.

By: Crankzone » Do flat handlebars suck for climbing?

Crankzone » Do flat handlebars suck for climbing? — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:13:58 +0000

[...] Original post by Tim Grahl Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]

By: Rainman

Rainman — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:05:36 +0000

I’ve used quite a few different types of bars off road, but my favourite are the Ti Jeff Jones H-Bars.

They have really good absorption of trail chatter, excellent Ti flex when pressured hard for climbing and mashing, multiple hand positions, light and very strong, they are fantastic. Mate the JJ bars with ESI chunky silicone grips and you have an amazing setup, imo.

Mary bars are also very good, but lack the absorption of the Ti bars, and are heavier.

Give the Jeff Jones Ti H-Bars and the ESi grips a try. I think that you will love them.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:55:40 +0000

Personally, I use bar-ends with my low rise bar. Try placing bar ends backwards (towards your body).

By: gwadzilla

gwadzilla — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:59:28 +0000

some local heros like THE MARY bars
guess that is why

By: Adam Lisonbee

Adam Lisonbee — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:22:33 +0000

I’ve been eyeing the On One Midge bars. The Mary also looks interesting.

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:26:27 +0000

Dude…you’ve discovered the benefits of the road handlebar! Multiple hand positions and the brake hoods are the best for out of saddle climbing!

Try some Dirt Drops!

Next you should try some skinny slick tires…in 700c size. Amazing how fast they roll…

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:17:34 +0000

Hey Tim,

I ride moustache bars on my road/cross/commuter bike, but on the mountain bike I really like the Mary bars. When standing, they let you get your knees in there while keeping your hands in a good position, not totally like the moustache but similar. Seated you still feel like you are on an MTB. You can run a similar stem.

The other bar I have thought about, and not tried, is something like Nitto’s North Road cruiser bar. Mad style points, for sure. You’d likely need a longer stem though, unless you want to be really upright when you ride.

Regards,
Anthony

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:31:59 +0000

I ride the old Scott MTB4 on my commuter/touring ride. Plenty of places to grab onto. Unfortunately I don’t think they’re made anymore, but they do show up on ebay from time to time.