Calling Ron Mc for handlebar comparison photo

[alan lavine]

Hi All,

Looking to replace drop bars with something upright, such as jitensha, MAP, postino, vo porter, etc.

Awhile back there was a composite photo of several such bars posted, I think, by Ron Mc.  Can anyone find it and re-post?

Thanks,

Alan

NYC

[Evan E.]

Hi Alan,

I recall that photo, but can't find it. But just in case it helps, here's some research I did, a while back, on four similar bars: 

- Nitto B2522 Jitensha bar: aluminum, 580mm wide, no rise

- Ahearne + MAP bar: aluminum, 575mm or 615mm wide, 25mm rise

- VO Postino bar: aluminum, 570mm wide, no rise

- Nitto B206 Nordeast bar: chromoly, 525mm wide, 15mm rise

Yes, they differ in finish and they may vary in durability, but it's hard to tell for sure since most handlebar retailers don't mention results of EN testing or other tests.   

Evan

[Ian A]

We are also overdue on some ride reports from Ron - the airwaves have been quiet for a while.

[Doug H.]

I just replaced drop bars on my Trek 520 with Rivendell’s Albastache and a Nitto Dirt Drop Stem. It feels like a new bike. Upright but with several hand positions.

[alan lavine]

Thanks for the info, Evan.  I was hoping to see that photo because they all have slightly different shapes, even though similar.

Curious about how many others are slowly moving away from drop bars, as I am.  For me, its definitely an aging/arthritis/flexibilty issue.  But I find that too upright makes my back hurt, as the vertical forces are transmitted straight up and down the spine.  Finding that Goldilocks spot is a challenge...been through many cockpits last few years!

Alan

NYC

[Garth]

There is this one comparing the Nitto styles from a few years ago.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/olipop/8915626620

[Steven Sweedler]

Alan, it certainly seems Riv has moved mostly to flat bars, I tried a set of North Road (typical older 3 speed bars) on a commuter and didn’t like them,I never felt very secure on descents, still much prefer drops. I have 48 noodles on  my bikes, I’m 66 and not especially flexible, bars and saddle are level. Steve

Plymouth, New Hampshire

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Steven Sweedler
Plymouth, New Hampshire

[Lee Legrand]

Hi Alan,

I have the issue with too much pressure on my hands while riding which I think is related to my fit being not stretched out enough although from a structural, it would seem that more pressure could possibly be put on the hands if stretched out even further.  I think the issue is that we need strong mid-sections and possibly learn to balance the upper body with structurally strong mid section.  Have you thought about exercising the mid section or getting a fit done?  This may help with the back.

Regards,

On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 9:35 AM, Steven Sweedler <swee...@gmail.com> wrote:

Alan, it certainly seems Riv has moved mostly to flat bars, I tried a set of North Road (typical older 3 speed bars) on a commuter and didn’t like them,I never felt very secure on descents, still much prefer drops. I have 48 noodles on  my bikes, I’m 66 and not especially flexible, bars and saddle are level. Steve

Plymouth, New Hampshire

On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 7:33 AM alan lavine <ciga...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Evan.  I was hoping to see that photo because they all have slightly different shapes, even though similar.

Curious about how many others are slowly moving away from drop bars, as I am.  For me, its definitely an aging/arthritis/flexibilty issue.  But I find that too upright makes my back hurt, as the vertical forces are transmitted straight up and down the spine.  Finding that Goldilocks spot is a challenge...been through many cockpits last few years!

Alan

NYC

On Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 9:16:01 PM UTC-5, Doug H. wrote:

I just replaced drop bars on my Trek 520 with Rivendell’s Albastache and a Nitto Dirt Drop Stem. It feels like a new bike. Upright but with several hand positions.

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Steven Sweedler
Plymouth, New Hampshire

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[Irreguleur]

Let’s not throw swept back bars into the same category of flats. Very different.

[Lee Legrand]

Hi Irreguleur,

He may have problems with swept back bars.  Here is a hypothesis.  Cycling is one of those modern activities that anatomically we are not built to do but we can do it but doing something that we are not built to do has risk.  Risk being we develop health issues and possibly deformities.  For example, we are not built to be sitting in a chair for 8 hours a day typing at a desk that long.  Consequences of that is the we develop meta carpel syndrome which is repeated stress syndrome and we see this happening in all types of activities like runners who develop knee and hip issues due to warn ligaments.  Cycling has the same problem in which we can develop weak bones which is a form of osteoporosis and I have seen cyclist with hump backs from being bent over on the drops from many years of cycling.  I think some of those issue can be resolved if strengthening is part of the regime and activities like cycling is not taken to extreme and balance with stretching and strength training.  I do not know if Alan has deformities that may be contributing to his back pain while cycling and swept back may not be the solution either since a more vertical position may increase or decrease stress on his back. Strengthening may not be a solution either which is why I think he should get a fit or do some research on how to be on a bicycle and see if he can get his body more in line with that and experiment.

On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 9:53 AM, Irreguleur <ja...@harring.nyc> wrote:

Let’s not throw swept back bars into the same category of flats. Very different.

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[RichS]

Alan, I recently changed out the drops on my Atlantis to Albatross bars. So far it’s been a good move. All pluses and no negatives.
1. Upright position if desired.
2. Multiple hand positions.
3. Option to lean forward.

I did cut 1.25” from the ends to reduce the amount the bars come back. Now contemplating making the same change on my Hillborne.

Regards,
Richard

[alan lavine]

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I have arthritis of the hands and wrists, and unrelated, several degenerated spinal discs.  These are generally not too much of a problem and I can still ride 30-40-50 miles but feel the aches and pain after.  Bars higher helps the hands, but too upright hurts the back.  So looking for that sweet spot of compromise.

Lee is correct about core strength and my exercise regime is varied and includes swimming, Pilates, yoga, stretching.

My opinion about upright position on bikes:  older folks need to avoid being too upright, as the road forces get transmitted directly up and down the spine.  As we age, the shock absorbing discs get dessecated, shrink, and lose that ability to absorb shock. This makes it more likely to compress nerve roots as they exit the spine. A gentle arch is much better at shock absorption and each of us has to find that position for him/herself.

Interesting to note the Grant, in recent years, seems to have moved to more upright positions.  Is he not aging as well?

Best,

Alan

[Garth]

For those who are considering cutting bars, consider moving your levers further forward, or if Nitto steel bars, use bar end brake levers. Instead of the tiny grips which offer no expansion, either tape the bar with whatever you like as far as you like, or use 2 grips and cut off the end of one and slide it on first. It won't take a genius to figure out where to place your shifters.

Or even a different stem .

Cutting bars is irrrevocable, I would exhaust every alternative first !

[Doug H.]

That made me think of the crazy carbon bikes with the seat post that is part of the mold of the frame. Cut to length one time but don't cut too low!! If you want to adjust the height for shoes too bad.

Doug

[lum gim fong]

Sprung Brooks saddles can eliminate low back pain from road shock.

[Clayton]

Alan,

I have had a bunch of back and wrist surgeries so I am in a similar situation. I am also a weirdo that is ulnar positive, where my ulna is longer than the radius. I have tried every kind of bar looking for comfort and pain relief.  My solution is swept dropped bars, mounted high. I found I need the bottom at the same height as the seat. The lower position is not too low to use as my default position and is where I normally ride, while the hoods and tops offer a 'sit upright and take a break' position. Being able to move my hands around helps prevent the worst of hand numbness and pain. As far as 'flat' bars, I would highly recommend the Sycip Singles Bar. For me on my Atlantis, it is the perfect flat bar. They are wide, have a nice sweep, are absorbent, and reasonably priced. I have tried the Albatross, Moustache, Albastache, and some Ti swept bars, and the Sycip won. 

Clayton (Bendite)

[Lee Legrand]

http://store.somafab.com/sysibar.html

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[Alan Lavine]

Any chance we could see a photo?

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[Brad]

Hi Alan,

Have you tried any of the bikes with the newish Riv geometry like the Appaloosa or Clem? They have long top tubes so that albatrosses and boscos don't end up in your lap. I've been riding a Clem L with albatross bars and I like the position a lot. It's more upright than my bike with drops, but it has enough reach that I still have some arch in my back. And super-long chainstays with fat tires take the edge off of bumps.

While my back is in good shape, my left arm is not. I managed to break my elbow and wrist recently (skateboarding and ultimate frisbee). The bones healed quickly, but I notice long-term effects from whatever tissue damage I incurred (I probably should have done some rehab). It's tricky to get my bars set up so that I don't feel some pain after a lot of riding. It took me a while to find an angle for the albatross bars that didn't bother my wrist.

Brad 

Queens