Soma Oxford vs. Nitto Albatross

[Cecily Walker]

When my bike shop substituted the Soma Oxford handlebars for the Nitto Albatrosses I'd originally requested, I was told that the handlebars were "just like" Nitto, except for the finish. However, I'm learning that the Albatross bars are a bit wider, and they're also a bit longer than the Somas. 

I'm wondering if anyone has a photograph or some other graphic that compares the size of the two handlebars so that I would be able to see the difference? I'm still trying to tune in the right fit on the Betty Foy, and even though I've gone in for a fitting, I can't help wondering if the longer, wider Albatross handlebars would make an appreciable difference in how the bike feels, especially on those days when the arthritis is flaring up and my wrists hurt a lot. 

Thanks in advance!

[Scot Brooks]

Hi Cecily,

Here's what flickr had to offer for the comparison. They really are remarkably similar, even near-as-makes-no-difference. We carry both in the shop where I work and I really can't tell if there's a difference when I hold the two up to each other. I've got the Somas on my bike and they're great, but nothing like the Nitto in terms of finish. Not even close.

[doc]

I've got both a pair of Albatross as well as a pair of Oxfords.  I found the shapes to be identical, with the Oxfords having a better finish.  While I haven't measured them, it seems the Oxfords are also a slightly smaller diameter between the ends and the center.  I found them discounted on line for $38.

[Matthew J]

with the Oxfords having a better finish 

Shinier maybe.  Nitto have a luster made by hand.  Oxfords are all machine.

[Cecily Walker]

Thanks for this, Scot! The Albatrosses look to be a bit wider, but not so much that they'd make a huge difference. 

[Evan Baird]

It's worth noting the Nitto comes in a steel version, which the Soma doesn't. Probably won't matter for road riding, but for gravel/single track it makes a big difference.

[Liesl]

Cecily, I have some lyme-related problems with my joints and also a few ragged vertebra in my neck.  Don't rule out Boscos as they are dreamy for comfy hands/wrists/neck and offer lots of hand positions.  I switched three bikes (saluki, protobleriot set up as a single speed, and a Bike Friday) with old style mustaches to Boscos and haven't looked back.  I still have albas on one bike, and I like the Boscos more.  You'll need a long (10-12cm) stem.

good luck!

Liesl

[Liesl]

FS, Tires, Bars, and Bag oh my

Cecily, if you're interested, this thread has a Bosco/stem set-up

[Cecily Walker]

Hey Liesl,

Keven at Riv actually suggested the Boscos back when I thought I was going to buy the build kit from Riv, but for whatever reason (stupidity on my part, maybe?) they didn't make it onto my list of considerations when I had the bike built locally. They sort of remind me of the handlebars I had on my Dutch bike. Now that I think of it, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.  I've just gotten so used to riding in a somewhat forward position (instead of bolt upright) that I worry the Boscos might make me too upright, if that makes any sense. 

Thanks for the reminder and the link to the other thread. I've got some thinkin' to do.

[sean]

Hi Cecily,

I used Nitto North Roads and I found them similar enough to Albatross bars but a little wider and more comfortable. So, you may consider those. They seem to be more widely available too. That being said, I am with Liesl on this one. I have similar vertebrae issues (stenosis in the neck) and have converted two of my bikes to Bosco bars. I can attest that they are great bars and offer many more positions that the Albatross. When Grant developed them, I honestly never in a million years thought I would ride bars like that. But after 2 rounds of PT, I committed to a more upright riding style (bye-bye drop bars) and find the Boscos to be wonderful. They are nice and wide and offer a natural position for cruising but also allow you to grab ahead of your levers for climbing and more aggressive riding. I've even grab the "flats" and tucked into a aerodynamic descent. They also allow plenty of room up front for a nice basket (on a Mark's rack) with no cable interference.

Good luck with you setup and glad to hear you are back on the bike!

Best regards,

Sean