Question about handlebars

[kmax]

So, my Jamis Exile came with an Easton EA30 handlebar which I'd like to upgrade eventually here. My question is in regards to the different styles of bars available out there. I've heard riser bars offer more control but that's about all I've "heard" at this point.

Does anyone know of any good resources for handlebar styles I could check out or have any knowledge to shed some light on the subject for me?

Also, does anyone have experience with the BBB handlebars available on Chainlove?

[Vecsus]

Your hand position affects bike handling more than the type of bar you use. You can use a flat bar with spacers and/or a high rise stem or you can use a riser bar. As long as your hands are in the same position, there is no real difference. The only tangible difference I have noticed between the two is that riser bars tend to have a bit of up-sweep that many find more comfortable.

I have yet to find the "ohly grail" of bar style and position. That is why I have 4 or 5 spare bars laying around....i can't make up my mind. My recommendation is to find a good bike shop that will let you mount a few different bars on your bike and see what feels most comfortable to you. As far as handling goes, I have found that after a couple rides I adapt to a different bar and hardly notice that I made a change.

[PunkRock]

Does anyone know of any good resources for handlebar styles I could check out or have any knowledge to shed some light on the subject for me?I recently installed some riser bars on one of my bikes. It was a good move, swapping them for the OEM flat bars. The riser bars are wider and have more sweep which give me more steering control. Take a look at the comments in the mtbr.com handlebar reviews (http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/handlebar/PLS_123crx.aspx) for information too.

[thelankymanx2]

Just remember wider mean more control especially in the downhill due to leverage, while on twisty single trail the narrower are more nimble.

[Dirt]

As others have said, it isn't the bar style that give you more control, but the width and reach of your bars that determines the ride.

One of the easiest ways to get wider, higher hand position is gonna be riser bars.

Another thing you may want to consider is the angle of sweep (rearward bend) of the bars. Also think that sweep affects stem length.

Remember, we're all individuals... some of us are mutants. What works for me won't work for you.

Here's my setup: I've got super long arms. I've also got shoulder problems that are helped by lots of bar sweep.

I use Jones H-bars rocked as low as possible (4.5" below my saddle height). For single speeding I raise the bars up 15mm.

Vescus has the right idea.... try different bars, heights and widths and see what works.

Pete

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'm a five foot-nothing scrawny so and so with shoulders and arms of a little girl and I just recently purchased the Sunline 745mm OS V-One bar (that's 29.33 inches). It's 31.8mm clamp, 19 mm rise (.75 inches) and 5x9 degrees sweep. This is going on the big bike which previously had a cut down 26" inch (originally 27") V-One carbon bar.

I can't wait to see how long I last until I break both hands when I knuckle check some trees at the Shed.


BTW: anyone know any wide flat bars with a decent sweep? I'd prefer to run flat and low as well as wide to see how the bike will handle.

For those who want to go even wider: Transition Bike Co. recently released their T30 bar (http://www.transitionbikes.com/2007/Components_TBar30.cfm), 30 inches with an inch rise. Comparably light weight, and relatively inexpensive. Sunline V-One al bar with 745mm and 19mm rise: 309 grams. Transition T30 al bar with 760mm wide and 25mm rise at 292 grams.

[Dirt]

BTW: anyone know any wide flat bars with a decent sweep? I'd prefer to run flat and low as well as wide to see how the bike will handle.[/B].
Salsa Pro-Moto Flat bars. 31.8mm clamp. 710mm width. 17degree sweep. Not super wide, but plenty wide for my taste.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Salsa Pro-Moto Flat bars. 31.8mm clamp. 710mm width. 17degree sweep. Not super wide, but plenty wide for my taste.

Looks interesting, I might just check out the 11 degree sweep bar one of these days. Thanks Pete.

[mscard]

A wider bar on an single speed will give you more leverage for steep climbs. The challenge is finding a wide bar that is comfortable for you and doesn't slow your steering too much. If it becomes uncomfortable the extra leverage on steep climbs won't matter. Height is a matter of preference. Low is good for high speed handling but high is generally better for technical terrain and downhilling with that rigid fork. Of course, if you exceed your comfort zone the gains tend to be lost.

[kmax]

Thanks all! It sounds like I'll be in the mnarket for some cheap handlebars to try out before I find a style I like.

Super wide bars freak me out a bit, I like skinny bars in general (I ride 140's on my road bikes) and I think my most frequent crash on the mountain bike is just catching the end of the bars on stuff. I'll have to do some experimenting to see.

Thanks again!