Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

[Christopher Cote]

I've got a question for the collective. I'm looking to get a little more upright in life. I am considering Albatross bars. My concern is that I have tried a few times to get comfortable on Moustache, and later Albastache bars, and never really gelled with them. I didn't find the forward position comfortable at all, and my hands would fall into a position on the sweeps that would just send jolts of pain up my wrists. Is there anyone out there that had a similar reaction to Moustache bars, but found comfort in Albatross bars? Or am I wasting time and money trying out the Albatross bars? Would Ergon "paddle-type" grips help with the wrist pain thing?

As a counterpoint, I find the hoods and ramps of drop bars acceptable, and on my off-road focused mountain and fat bikes, I like "alt" bars with 25-45 degrees of sweep.

I think I'd be pretty happy with the new Wavie bar, but that is very similar to the before mentioned bars on my off-road bikes. I want something different than my existing road (drop) and off-road (mid sweep) bars. 

Thanks!

Chris

[Ron Mc]

Map bars may be your compromise.  

My upright built with Map bar is my easiest bike to set up on a winter trainer, but I didn't like only the upright riding position.  

I added a core muscle position using a Nitto double lamp bar and MB bar ends.  

Was able to spend a winter dialing it in.  

When I got it on the road, I liked the 3 positions it gave me so much, wrapped it and made it permanent

[Ron Mc]

oh yeah, Riv eqivalent is Wavie Bar

[Ron Mc]

I also confess to be a moustache inamorato

[Joe Bernard]

I find the rearward position on Moustache/Albastache to feel completely different to Albatross with Ergons. In theory they should be similar, but in practice the Albatross is miles better with those paddles on there.

[jandrews]

The Choco Norm really splits the diff between albastache and albatross IME.  The forward grip is much more comfortable and natural than both of those bar.  I don't find a huge difference in the swept out section.  Thoughtful stem selection is key with the Choco (and the Albastache for that matter)

[Patrick Moore]

I've tried the Moustache probably a dozen times over the years (all the original model) and, while it is not as uncomfortable as some other bars I've used, it is never good for more than a few miles. But I always found the curves the most comfortable part, and that is where I positioned the brake levers.

I recently swapped out the M bar on my Dahon folder for a Surly Open bar, the model with no rise, and trimmed the ends severely, and installed road levers, again at the apex of the curves. Still not as comfortable as a road drop bar, but better than the M bar for sure because it let me set the bar level with saddle but without extending the reach excessively. 

The Open has less reach and more width (66 versus 53 cm), and the sweepback angle is considerably shallower; it also comes in a model with rise. Perhaps worth a look. IIRC, though, only steel and black.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique

[Pondero]

I have had excellent results with the albatross bar.  I use the ergon grips for more upright crusing, and the most forward part of the curve (with cloth tape) for climbing, wind, or faster moments.  I'm using downtube shifters to maximize the hand positions between the bar end and the forward curves.  The smoother the brake level clamps, the better.  I can ride these bars all day.

Chris Johnson

Sanger, Texas

[Christopher Cote]

Ron and Patrick, I'm well-experienced with bars like the MAP and Surly Open. Looking for feedback on the Albatross from folks who don't like 'staches. Chris, your Rambler with Albatrosses is perfection. I'm looking to attain the same, for me.

Chris

[Deacon Patrick]

Moustache or New Moustache (AKA Albastache)?

I shifted from Albatross to Moustache (too narrow and low/forward) to New Moustache (just right for years) to Bullmoose a few months ago. The Albatross is higher and farther back that either Moustache, and it’s default position is upright vs (for me) the default Moustache position in the outer curves (which never felt great to me on the Albatross).

From what you describe, the Albatross would be a good logical next bar to try. Enjoy the hunt (because the alternative is ... not enjoying it. Grin.)!

With abandon,
Patrick