Re: Anyone gone to all upright bars - Albatross, Bosco, etc?

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

I rode my Alba-bar'd bike 40 miles on Saturday for the Manny in PDX Ride. I think the furthest I've ridden my Bosco'd bike in a day is 35 miles. I don't remember a time on either bike where I was wanting different bars. I imagine I could ride either bar further without issue. I think a bigger issue is having a saddle that's appropriate for the riding position. My Homer has Noodles. I like the variety between the set ups. 

--Smitty

[Michael Williams]

Hello, My Name is Mike,   and Im an all Upright rider.   I have 4 bikes.  2 with Albas, 1 with Boscos and 1 with the Sycip Wonder Bar.   Ive gone 80 miles on Albas a few times,   and Im gonna tour with them this summer on my Atlantis.   I dont find they hinder me at all when riding distance,   actually they definitely help.   Never been more comfortable,  but everyones different.   -Mike

On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 10:36 AM, <markt...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've just recently ordered a new single top tube Sam that Jim Thill will be helping me to assemble. I noticed that all of Grant P's bikes are shown with upright bars on the staff bikes page of the Riv website. Have any of the rest of you gone all "upright". Any limits for how far you've found an albatross or bosco bar to be comfortable?

Thanks,

Mark

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[bobish]

All upright and swept back here. Have not tried the Bosco because the a-bar has been such a revelation that I can't imagine improvement. I've also a steel h-bar one one bike (took it off an old schwinn--it's probably a wald). I find this sort of riding position ideal for many reasons.

- I can sit upright all I want for comfort but can easily crouch down and honk away when I feel like being in a more aero position.
- Weight back: excellent control of braking and shifting (bar ends) in all conditions.
- Lots of usable hand positions if you're the least bit experimental.
- Wide selection of cheap brake levers that will mate with brake of your choice.

I see no downsides. Over the years, I've tried different drop bars, m-bars, trekking bars, etc, to convince myself I'm wrong about upright, swept back h-bars and have yet to succeed in doing so.

Perry "give me my a-bar or give me death--well that may be a bit extreme" Bessas

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

Mark, when you took a spin on my Disc Trucker, you may have noticed the bar was a swept back design (a Fatback segmented Ti bar), although the sweep is modest compared to the Albatross or Bosco bars. I also use the Soma Clarence, which is similar, on two other bikes. I would urge you to consider the Clarence. Everybody seems to like it. Unfortunately it doesn't come in silver. Back and white only.

[Garth]

I use the Alba bar on two bikes and find it just right , for me.  I considered a Bosco to try, but realized it is much further swept back toward the rider than even an Alba bar, and this is not what I want.  With bar end brake levers and thumbshifters located inside the curves, I have a HUGE choice of hand positions !!   From more upright to more "aero" for big headwinds .... (as if it really makes a difference at the end of the day ... lol). 

A version with more rise would be a cool try, but nonetheless I love it as it is :) 


BTW ... I ran across a new-er version of Nitto's stem adapters for threadless stems ... the MTC-04 Long ! It's a cold forged 225mm long with a knurled mounting surface for the stem.  I prefer using these to traditional stems as it is sooo simple to change stems and bars !   VO/Genetic makes a nice looking one also, as well as the regular length Nitto MTC-04 and slightly longer MTC-12.

On Monday, April 15, 2013 1:36:14 PM UTC-4, markt...@gmail.com wrote:

I've just recently ordered a new single top tube Sam that Jim Thill will be helping me to assemble. I noticed that all of Grant P's bikes are shown with upright bars on the staff bikes page of the Riv website. Have any of the rest of you gone all "upright". Any limits for how far you've found an albatross or bosco bar to be comfortable?

Thanks,

MarkI

[René Sterental]

Over the last several years, ever since I discovered Rivendell, their bikes and their fit philosophy, I have slowly (until this year) realizing that my preconceived notions regarding drop bars as better and upright bars as worse have changed, and I went from being in lots of neck pain with drop bars (Noodles), then Touring bars (first time ever I rode pain free), through the original Bullmoose bars and now finally with the Bosco bars and similar variations. The only drop bar that I'm comfortable in now is the Grand Bois Randonneur, however I have it positioned quite higher than the saddle. Last remaining Noodles on my Homer are likely going to be removed soon as well. In the end, I expect that out of my four Rivendells, three will end up with some variation of upright bar (didn't like the Albatross the only time I've tried them) and possibly one will still keep the GB Randonneur bars.

 

I'm amazed at how stubborn I've been to recognize the benefits of riding upright, but it really wasn't until the Bosco bars when I realized they offered me all positions instead of locking me on just one. That is also the reason I installed reverse brake levers on the Bosco bars; they allow a clean uninterrupted bar where I can position my hands anywhere while still maximizing access to the brake levers.

 

Now that the Boscos are offered in three widths, I believe they are the most versatile bar.

 

René

--

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

Just rode 95 miles in 2 days on the Delaware Water Gap ride on my Atlantis with Albas – no problems at all.  Very comfortable, and room to get aero when (if?) you feel like it.  My son was on a Bombadil with Bullmoose bars, and found them less flexible for that long a ride.

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of markt...@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 1:36 PM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] Anyone gone to all upright bars - Albatross, Bosco, etc?

 

I've just recently ordered a new single top tube Sam that Jim Thill will be helping me to assemble. I noticed that all of Grant P's bikes are shown with upright bars on the staff bikes page of the Riv website. Have any of the rest of you gone all "upright". Any limits for how far you've found an albatross or bosco bar to be comfortable?

Thanks,

Mark

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[Deacon Patrick]

I love my Albas. I've ridden multiple 8+ hour days in the saddle on tours and day rides without issue. I do not wear gloves except for cold.

With abandon,

Patrick

[PATRICK MOORE]

I've no experience with Rivendell's upright bars except, briefly, the "Priest" bar; and no positive experience with other upright bars; I'm comfortable with drop bars in any event. But I'd love to try Albatrosses for off road use. My brother, who sets his bikes up as I do with drop bars below saddle, used Albatrosses on a couple of townie bikes and said they were great.

Can Albatrosses take bar end shifters? Can Albatrosses be slowly winging their way toward my Fargo ...???

--

http://resumespecialties.com/index.html

patric...@resumespecialties.com
__________________________________________________________________________

[EGNolan]

I only have two bikes at the moment; a cargo bike I share w/ my wife and my Raleigh International mut. The Yuba has Albatross & the Raleigh has Bosco's. I'd given a lot of thought to swapping them around because of the sweep on the Bosco's and the relatively short TT on the Raleigh, but after some strong headwinds this week, the Bosco's have proven themselves well. I have 3 solid positions on the that cover me well. I don't typically log long days, but rain or shine, snow or sleet, wind or well...none, the upright bars serve me well for my 10 mile (one way) commute daily and the few 30+ mile days I've been on the bike. The miles seem to pass a bit slower, but my attitude seems to be different when I hop on a bike w/ upright bars than compared to the same bike with drops. There's something to it, I have a bit more fun.

 

I initially got onto upright bars becuase I've had long lasting, recurring shoulder problems, but I don't have pain w/ drops if they're above the saddle and close enough to me, but I prefer upright now, regardless.

 

Eric

Indpls

 

[René Sterental]

Yes and Yes Patrick!

—
Sent from Mailbox for iPhone

--

[RJM]

So, a touring bike with Alba's is no big deal then?

 

 

I am really contemplating doing the Sam up with Albas or even Bosco bars but need to take it on a 6 day GAP trip this October. Right now it has noodles with barend shifters, but was thinking of moving that to the roadeo I have yet to build up.

 

Decisions, decisions.

[PeterG]

Had albas on my Sam...loved it! Replaced the albas on the Sam with boscos (using a 13cm stem)....love it even better!  So....I ditched the drops on my Homer and put the albas from the Sam on the Hilsen...Loving both bikes much more now...I actually have a full drop bar cockpit with brakes and interrupter brakes for sale....anyone...anyone?

[René Sterental]

I also went with a 13cm stem for the Bosco bars on my Hunqapillar. Seems to provide the perfect distance for both upright and forward leaning when going faster. Might try the narrower ones on the Atlantis as I switch the drops to the Hilsen to try them there. Perhaps I need to give the Albatross another chance as well... we'll see...

--

[Ray Shine]

Yes, I have transitioned over. But for the Atlantis and Conti-Rom, everything else is either Alba or the Jitensha flat. I even switched to Albas on the QB. I regularly do 35+ mile trips on a bike with Alba, and I commute daily on the Gomez with Albas.

---

From: EGNolan <egn...@gmail.com>
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tue, April 16, 2013 9:51:54 AM
Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: Anyone gone to all upright bars - Albatross, Bosco, etc?

--

[Matthew J]

> So, a touring bike with Alba's is no big deal then?

 

None at all.  Get the right seat and seat height and have a great tour.

[PATRICK MOORE]

Another question about the Albatross bar. One problem is that I'm asking the Fargo to do a very wide spread of duties, from sport tourer through loaded grocery getter to off road machine to -- one day! -- loaded tourer. Each has its own requirements of a bar. (So far, as I've said, the Midge is the best compromise of all - 46 cm Noodle, 42 cm Noodle, Midge) EXCEPT for my unfortunately and preternaturally sensitive left palm.

So: how does the Albatross do:

1. in heavy headwinds? Where do you hold on when bucking a steady 25 mph wind?

2. On steep, dirt drop-offs? Where do you hold so that you keep yourself secure while still being able to brake?

Maybe -- hate the thought, but just maybe -- the solution is to sell the Fargo and use the Ram for uses 1, 2 and 4, and get a dirt-specific 29er for use #3....

[Mike Williams]

They're pretty good on headwinds.  I find them great on dirt including some rough stuff.   -Mike

Sent from my iPhone

--

[PATRICK MOORE]

Mike -- Can we see a photo, please? And can you describe how you hold on in headwinds and how you hold on and brake on dropoffs?

I a very tempted to try them but dammit, it means spending for another bar and, this time, new brake levers; also, probably a new stem. And grips.

Must ..... Say ..... No .....

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

Do you all generally mount your Albatross bars right side up (6 cm rise) or upside down (6 cm drop)? I'll most likely end up trying both, but unless there is a good reason not to, I'm inclined to try upside down first.

Jay

[PATRICK MOORE]

BTW, by "headwind" I don't mean a slight breeze of 15 mph, I mean -- as just now in April, the cruelest month, sustained 30 gusting to 40+. I dunno if upright bars make much sense for that -- granted, it's not everyday, but high winds are common.

Still intrigued.

Off on the Ram to the PO and store ....

[Mike Williams]

Patrick,  maybe try them upside down.  Really good for wind and still good for dirt.  If you're thinking about it.  Go with a slightly longer stem like a 11cm

Sent from my iPhone

--

[Deacon Patrick]

In a headwind I just band my elbows and tuck low, whatever hand position I'm in (works for all of them). I can't imagine I'd be much more wind cutting in drops, though my hands would certainly be lower. I really only need that for the winds that you describe, 30-50 mph. If it helps, I've never been blown backwards. Grin.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Zack]

I have all upright bars, boscos on my hunqapillar and albas on my Sam.

For a while I had noodles on the Sam, but I realized I just don't like drops as much as albas or boscos, and got rid of them.  I feel like I ride in comfort.  

They are not super fun in crazy strong headwinds, but that is also the thing that I like least in all of bike riding, so I don't think drops would really solve that lol.

[doc]

Why do we tour?  I like Alba's because it's easier to take note of the world going by.

http://gspiess.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/imag0012.jpg?w=1024&h=574

[Garth]

Patrick,let your imagination go !!!!!!!!!! 

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3321/3645057344_0eb8b27096_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2433/3644420885_6995e0403c_b.jpg

[Garth]

Patrick, I ride my Albas on windy days up to 55mph !   Those days are umm ... fun !    The bars are not an issue ....  the bike itself is the issue in strong crosswinds !!!  ahahaha!!!

[Liesl]

Hi Friends, great thread.  I just switched to Bosco's on my protobleriot single from m'bars and think all my bikes are headed in that direction.  I am loving them.  I've had a couple of 20 mile days plus short errands and they're great.  I have the 58's and the big surprise here is that they are not too wide for me at 5'2".  What's even better is that they are making a difference for my neck.  I actually think I'll start a new thread with this particular information because there are folks who might benefit from what I'm learning.

[Montclair BobbyB]

I'm more comfortable on a mountain bike than road bike, and maybe that's why I prefer the Nitto Moose bars... I have 3 sets of em.  I also have a set of Noodles, which are the most comfortable drops I've ever used, but I always gravitate to the moose.

[Robert F. Harrison]

I started with Moustache bars on a Quickbeam a couple of years back and loved the combination. I've never really been a fan of drops, just never got comfortable, so the Moustache bars were great.

Then, while visiting the Bay Area last year after an Oregon coast ride (super), I went to Riv HQ (as I had on my previous Bay visit) and more or less fell in love with the Hunq. The demo I rode had Albas on them and oddly I can't say I was immediately impressed, but I ordered a Hunq with an Alba kit build figuring I'd give them a try and...

When my Hunq arrived later last year I fiddled with positioning a bit and discovered I loved the Alba bars. In fact I liked them so much I ordered another set for my Quickbeam. Now I've got two bikes with Albas and think they are both super. The M-bars are going to Hilo one of these days where I have an RB-1 with drops that I'm just not happy with. I think the M-bars will fix that bike right up. 

The Albas give me great control in town as I'm 90% an urban rider logging 10-20 miles most days running around Honolulu. On weekends I do longer rides and camping trips and have no trouble climbing with the Albas or getting bit more aero on longer runs into the tradewinds. 

I have some Bosco bars around I was going to use on an old bike project but realized after I'd bought them that they'd come back a bit too far for the size of the frame (which is really a bit small for me but still okay with the parts I've used). I don't know exactly what I'll do with them - but they'll be used sooner or later.

Aloha,

Bob

On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 7:36 AM, <markt...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've just recently ordered a new single top tube Sam that Jim Thill will be helping me to assemble. I noticed that all of Grant P's bikes are shown with upright bars on the staff bikes page of the Riv website. Have any of the rest of you gone all "upright". Any limits for how far you've found an albatross or bosco bar to be comfortable?

Thanks,

Mark

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Robert Harrison

Honolulu, HI
rfhar...@gmail.com
statrix.com

[PATRICK MOORE]

Interest thread. I've tried upside-down upright bars and they all hurt my left palm, so when I try Albatrosses, it will be in the "up" position.

I think this is what I'll do: if and when I sell the Fargo (because the Ram does the pavement part so much nicer, and because I really want a ss 29er for off road) I'll set up the 29er with Albas.

Just got back from a 3 mile grocery/PO trip + 10 mile detour with winds 30-gusting-to-40, on the Ram, coming back the last 5 miles with 34 lbs on the Fly/Banjos. Tucked into the hooks of the 42 cm Noodles downhill in the 70", outbound, sitting upright (and standing) uphill, in the 70", inbound. Yesterday, not quite as windy, but 7-8 miles south into 15 with higher gusts in the hooks of the GB Maes Parallels on the 75" gofast. I like hooks too much for aero and power in such situations and frankly, I find my drops very comfortable. 'Cept my left palm on that Midge.

[Jim Mather]

Upside down Noodle bars would be very comfortable.

jim m
wc ca

--

[bobish]

> Can Albatrosses take bar end shifters? Can Albatrosses be slowly winging their way toward my Fargo ...???

My Fargo here with criteria met.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cuadwqs0poqso5z/Photo%20May%2007%2C%2010%2006%2005%20PM.jpg

-
Perry

[PATRICK MOORE]

Y'know, that may be the way to go -- turn the Fargo into a dedicated off road machine. Thanks.

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[René Sterental]

Patrick,

 

Most people have addressed the headwind challenge with upright bars that allow for positioning the hands forward. Assuming you have the flexibility, certainly on the Bosco bars and probably as well on the Albas, you can place your hands on the section next to the stem, rest your elbows on the ends of the bar for additional stability and end up in a real forward lean.

 

My biggest concern, which I will further explore on the upcoming Rivendell S240 is going downhill on rough dirt with the hands on the straight rear ends where the brake levers are. I find that on the short sections I've done, I feel my hands want to slip forward and I have a harder time modulating the brake levers and holding on to the bars. In my case, I believe this might be compounded by the reverse brake levers which, so far, force me to use three fingers on the levers with my Neo-Retro/Touring brakes (that require a lot more pressure) and just leaves the thumb and index for holding on to the bar. I will have to try some different hand positions or gripping the bar and brake levers differently to see if I can address that problem. It's certainly more of an issue than with regular straighter bars, including the regular Bullmoose where your whole palm rests against the bar to counter your weight.

 

Granted, the proper way to go down rough stuff is to move your weight backwards and put all the weight on your feet and none on your hands, but when you factor the high/wide Brooks saddle and a wide saddlebag, you can't really go as far back as you would on a regular mountain bike. I need to experiment more, but so far, for the occasional rough dirt downhill it's just a hassle. If I were doing rough off-road riding regularly, I'd probably opt for the regular Bullmoose bars (MTB syle) vs. the really upright Boscos or Albas. In my short stint with Moustache bars on my previous Bombadil, going downhill on dirt wasn't an issue due to your hands being placed on the curved part behind the bars, which is where you needed them to access the brake levers. You could do the same brake lever configuration on the Albas, which would then give your the upright position option without access to the brake levers, but access to the brake levers on the more forward position when you're going fast/downhill.

 

René

[PATRICK MOORE]

Rene -- thanks for this and do post how you find off-roading with the Albatross. I think more and more that the answer to my self-made dilemma is to set up a bike more or less limited to dirt riding, so the issues of aero for headwinds and left palm comfort for long distance comfort do not arise (tho' I do understand that many listers ride Albas comfortably for many more miles than I usually ride at one go). 

In my experience, rough terrain and, particularly, steep dropoffs ask for (1) a rearward body position, (2) a firm grip on the bar and (3) immediate access to the brakes. It seems that the As would comfortably provide 1 and 3 and, perhaps, that is enough for me, since my steep dropoffs will be both moderately steep and moderately short.

I'm thinking more and more to re-equip the Fargo with Abatrosses. Not for a while, though, as I put my miles on this new Ram.

http://resumespecialties.com/index.html

patric...@resumespecialties.com
__________________________________________________________________________

[René Sterental]

Chris, I agree with your general assessment. The dark side of me loves riding on the dirt with my Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc... but also loves mixed terrain riding on my Rivs, just not of the same dirt difficulty/roughness. It's the best of both worlds to be able to choose where, how and what I'm going to ride based on my mood...

 

That being said, I now ride my Santa Cruz wearing a seersucker shirt instead of the previous commercial MTB attire... and am riding flat pedals as well instead of clipless!

On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 1:45 PM, Christopher Miller Rosales <cmiller...@gmail.com> wrote:

So: how does the Albatross do:

1. in heavy headwinds? Where do you hold on when bucking a steady 25 mph wind?

I LOVE my albatross bars on my long haul trucker. They are my favorite city bars and they bring you up nice and high. But with a strong wind the upright stance can really be annoying. You can tuck in and grab the front of the bar, but drops really are the best bet for getting out of the wind. I wouldn't hesitate to tour on albatross bars, they are very comfortable, but I'd still rather go drops for long distance.

2. On steep, dirt drop-offs? Where do you hold so that you keep yourself secure while still being able to brake?

I would not recommend albatross bars if you are hitting dirt. Their flex, which is great while totting around, is not favorable on dirt. And the hand position tends to have your hands slip forward, which is no bueno when hitting the downhills. Look at a swept back flatbar (i.e. Jitensha studio flat bar) if you want a bit more control.

Once again, I love my albatross bars, but for dirt and wind, they are not optimal.

Also, I understand a lot of people ride Rivendells on the dirt, but there is really no comparison to a real mountain bike. I'm going to get a lot of trouble for saying this, but a purpose-built 29er will shred the trail with much more gusto than even the Bombadil. Consider having one Riv for roads and light dirt, and a real mountain bike on the side, with - dare I say it? - front suspension! 

Just a thought to consider. Albatross bars are insanely comfortable and you should give them a try. Just don't expect full confidence in the dirt.

-Chris

Berkeley, CA

[Deacon Patrick]

On my Great Divide sectional tour I had descents that were both steep and rocky and mile upon mile upon mile with the Albas. I loved the Albas. Granted, I have a standard break setup, so my hands have a natural stopper, but I do not recall hitting them continually. That is with the cork grips and they have the nice fat handgrip on their upper section, so that no doubt played a role.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Michael]

What kinda saddle is good for the upright position?

 

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:22:09 AM UTC-4, Andy Smitty Schmidt wrote:

 I think a bigger issue is having a saddle that's appropriate for the riding position.

--Smitty

[Deacon Patrick]

The B-68 (or sprung 67). The wider platform is best for upright because more weight is on the saddle (and possibly because of hip and sit bone rotation?).

With abandon,

Patrick

[Mike Williams]

Easy fix to not sliding back on Albas is to tilt them down a little and your hands don't want to slide forward.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 16, 2013, at 1:45 PM, Christopher Miller Rosales <cmiller...@gmail.com> wrote:

So: how does the Albatross do:

1. in heavy headwinds? Where do you hold on when bucking a steady 25 mph wind?

I LOVE my albatross bars on my long haul trucker. They are my favorite city bars and they bring you up nice and high. But with a strong wind the upright stance can really be annoying. You can tuck in and grab the front of the bar, but drops really are the best bet for getting out of the wind. I wouldn't hesitate to tour on albatross bars, they are very comfortable, but I'd still rather go drops for long distance.

2. On steep, dirt drop-offs? Where do you hold so that you keep yourself secure while still being able to brake?

I would not recommend albatross bars if you are hitting dirt. Their flex, which is great while totting around, is not favorable on dirt. And the hand position tends to have your hands slip forward, which is no bueno when hitting the downhills. Look at a swept back flatbar (i.e. Jitensha studio flat bar) if you want a bit more control.

Once again, I love my albatross bars, but for dirt and wind, they are not optimal.

Also, I understand a lot of people ride Rivendells on the dirt, but there is really no comparison to a real mountain bike. I'm going to get a lot of trouble for saying this, but a purpose-built 29er will shred the trail with much more gusto than even the Bombadil. Consider having one Riv for roads and light dirt, and a real mountain bike on the side, with - dare I say it? - front suspension! 

Just a thought to consider. Albatross bars are insanely comfortable and you should give them a try. Just don't expect full confidence in the dirt.

-Chris

Berkeley, CA

--

[Marc Irwin]

I have the "old-fashioned" drop bars on one of my four bikes, my old TREK road bike I use for club rides.  My Soma Mixte has Albatross bars, my Hunq and Sam both have Bosco.  I prefer the Bosco bars for anything long distance.  They are way better than drops.  I've only used the Albatross bars around town so I don't know about them.

Marc

[Peter Morgano]

Haven't ridden drops in 6 years and used to miss them sometimes until I got Bosco Bars, the best of both worlds.

--

[BSWP]

Has anyone setup their Albas as Rene described, with brake levers well forward, moustache-style? I think that would be terrific - very similar to moustache style, where you have hand positions all over the bars, but access the brakes with your hands up at the front bends.

I'm getting a crick in my neck on weekend rides with the M-bars on the LongLow, and am either going to flip them up, or try some Albas. RBW well knows the wisdom of offering multiple bars... we end up trying them all.

- Andrew, Berkeley

[bobish]

>>>Has anyone setup their Albas as Rene described, with brake levers well forward, moustache-style? I think that would be terrific - very similar to moustache style, where you have hand positions all over the bars, but access the brakes with your hands up at the front bends.<<<

I did, a long while back. Works fine, just a matter of preference. I have them back in the "normal" spots now. Btw, there's also this:

http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2008/cc426r3-joezigurski1208.html

Perry

[John A. Bennett]

The longer you work at Rivendell, the more likely it becomes that ALL of your bikes will have upright bars. Exceptions: Robert and Mark. Explanation: 'Cross Riders. 

JAB

[John Blish]

I agree with John, although I am not working at RBW. 

I even have Bosco on my Moonlander. 

Provides comfort I was beginning to think might not be possible on a diamond frame bike for me anymore.

-jb

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John Blish
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[Mike]

I've run Albatross bars on my Surly Cross Check and on my Big Dummy briefly and they worked great. Although currently both bikes are running the Surly Open Bar which I currently like more as it's stiffer and the position works better for offroad riding and fast descending. The Albatross bars seem to put me in a bit more upright position than I desire. All that said, I'm fickle and could easily see returning to the Albatross bar.

I've done two 90 mile rides on the CC with the Open Bar and they were fine. I don't know that it's ideal. I have some hand issues, numbness, and the bar seemed to exacerbate it in a way drop bars dont.

I ordered Boscos for my Big Dummy and they seem okay, but like the Albatross bars, put me in a more upright position than I desire. That's not so bad for the Big Dummy. What killed leaving them on the bike was that they made it much more difficult to get the bike out of the basement. 

When I first got my Hilsen I could never imagine putting a bar like the Albatross on it. Who would do such a thing to such a nice, capable and expensive bike? My thinking has changed and I've toyed with the idea over the past year or so. I'm likely to make the switch later this year when my riding slows down even more.

I now see how a person could go all upright bars on their bikes but I don't see it for myself. I gotta say, I've become a big fan of the 48cm Noodles. I have those on my LHT and they're fantastic. I've considered them for my Hilsen but am more likely to go with Albatross bars later this year. Perhaps next year. Or the year after. 

--mike

[Kelly]

I have albatross bars on my Bombadil and love them.  I considered going back to drops after the frame gets back from paint, however since then I took the AHH touring with drop bars. Only three days but I will tell you that I sure missed the Albatross's. 

To say the least when the Bombadil gets back from paint I will be putting them back on.    I've ridden them two weeks across Alaska on pavement and gravel, the Katy Trail, the GAP, Single Track around town and the West Coast of Michigan in the last year and a half.   

In headwinds I just ride up in the hooks (I spend a lot of time there actually)  and when climbing and drinking coffee back on the grips.   They have been fantastic for me. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tksleeper/7699251132/in/set-72157630829044946

Good luck on the build, I can't wait to see pictures.

Kelly

[Steven Frederick]

FWIW, the OnOne Mary does come in silver-it's the same bar or so similar that I can't detect a difference.

http://shop.titusti.com/product-p/hbooma.htm

Apologies for the non-Riv content.

Steve

On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 7:59 AM, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery <thil...@gmail.com> wrote:

Mark, when you took a spin on my Disc Trucker, you may have noticed the bar was a swept back design (a Fatback segmented Ti bar), although the sweep is modest compared to the Albatross or Bosco bars. I also use the Soma Clarence, which is similar, on two other bikes. I would urge you to consider the Clarence. Everybody seems to like it. Unfortunately it doesn't come in silver. Back and white only.