Nitto Wavie Bar vs. Billie Bar for conversion

[Mario Rocchio]

I’m looking into converting my Black Mountain Road+ into a flat at bike and was wondering if anyone has experience with both the Wavie Bar and Billie Bar. Obviously the Billie has a lot more back sweep but I’m curious how they compare in terms of different hand positions (for long rides/brevets) and off road riding (nor crazy technical).

I’m currently running the 62cm Crust Towel Rack, for reference. Looking to have both a comfy upright position and a slightly more aggressive/“aero” position for on the road/in the wind.

Also if anyone has either of these bars for sale, let me know. :)

[J Edward]

Haven’t tried the Wavie but I love the Billie because of how much real estate it offers. I have my thumbies (inboard, Riv-style) and brake levers mounted just behind the bends with XXL ESI grips and love the set up because my hands can (and do) wander from the bends all the way back for some bolt-upright riding. I like the looks of the Wavie bars and have been considering them for another build, but can’t see them being as versatile.

[Fryfam]

Haven't used either but I can vouch for the abundance of possible hand positions on the Albatross or Choco, which are somewhat similar to the Billie (maybe slightly more aero due to less "outsweep"?). Prefer the Albatross which is currently on my early 90s Miyata mtb: 32t up front and 11-34t in the rear allows for 20-23mph on the flats / near flats at 100rpms with my Compass RTPs. Usually I'm going considerably slower. Cruising down steep Seattle hills in my North Face puffer jacket is super fun and not aero.

[Fryfam]

 A pic to illustrate

On Friday, April 10, 2020 at 7:42:39 AM UTC-7, Mario Rocchio wrote:

[masmojo]

Hmmm, I would say there's a lot to unpack there.
First, you are comparing a drop bar to two very different non-drop bars.

The Wavie bar is going to be the more aggressive of the two just by virtue of the fact that it's flat & doesn't sweep back very far. Unless you run a very short stem your body position will be fairly forward.

The Billie bar is Rivendells proprietary take on the time tested Albatross bar. It's got some rise to it & it sweeps back pretty far putting your body in a much more upright position.

By Brevet I am assuming you are talking about fairly extended almost rando type milage? I personally couldn't imagine using either for that, but that's just me. For long rides it's typically considered preferable to shift weight forward and distribute it more evenly between the seat and hands/ upper body. This also makes you more aerodynamic, which is crucial on longish rides.

Of the two, for the purpose stated, I'd go with the Wavie bar.
I mostly ride somewhat upright, but my "brevet" bikes both have drop bars. My Bombora has Salsa Cowchippers and my Triple-cross has Whiskey carbon fiber drop bars. The Crust Towel Rack is Super wide; if you aren't a large or tall rider it might be too much! Possibly switching to a slightly narrower drop bar would help?

[Ryan Carey]

Hey Mario:  I would go with the Billie bars as there are multiple distinct hand positions—e.g., super upright on the grips, more aggressive with hands on the outer curves near the stem, and an intermediate position with hands on brake clamps (assuming they’re rounded this is surprisingly comfortable).  The Billie bars also allow several shifter placement options.  Admittedly, hands on the grips is upright, but it’s nice to reset every once in a while on longer rides.  The wavies kind of lock you into the “hands on the hoods” position.  If you’re looking to ride longer, that could be an issue.

[jstewse]

Mario, I haven't ridden the Wavie bars but I have ridden similar medium-sweep bars, and I have ridden both the Towel Racks and the Billie.  If you're looking for a bar with multiple hand positions, get a Billie or an Albatross and set them up with a longer stem so the area forward of the brake levers is your 'aero' or 'on the hoods' position and the grip area behind the brake lever is more you're upright/relaxed position.

I haven't ridden anything as long as a brevet on an BIllie/Albatross, but I think its got enough hand positions that it would be totally possible.