Better than DROP BARS on Gravel?

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  • Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
  • I convert my Polyvalent from drops to "alt bars". Are they better than drops on gravel?
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Комментарии • 422

  • @PaulVoorberg
    @PaulVoorberg 3 года назад +69

    I'm Dutch and ride with these types of handle bars every day, as do most people here. To get into an aerodynamic stance lean forward and rest your front arms on the grips at a horizontal angle. Your hands will grip close to the middle part of the handle bar. Gives you both good leverage and an aerodynamic position. I always use it when I have headwinds.

    • @VacuousCat
      @VacuousCat Год назад +3

      Yeah that's also what I do. Sometimes the headwind is so merciless.

    • @polyrhythmia
      @polyrhythmia Год назад +3

      @@VacuousCat Headwind: Dutch hill.

    • @robtwalicki
      @robtwalicki Год назад +3

      But what do you do with your back arms? Also, how many arms do Dutch people have?

    • @aljericlaude9217
      @aljericlaude9217 Год назад +2

      @@robtwalicki what he means is forearms. ✌️

    • @georgeadams5390
      @georgeadams5390 Год назад

      ​@@aljericlaude9217thanks for clarifying

  • @stockton350
    @stockton350 4 года назад +80

    My lower back approves of this conversion.

    • @brokenspine66
      @brokenspine66 6 месяцев назад

      My lower back too and my hands wrists shoulders approves this as well.

  • @Korina42
    @Korina42 4 года назад +20

    Heh heh. Welcome to the dark side; we have Rustines.
    I've been using a V-O Porteur flipped upside down for a year, and I love it. With a short Terry stem, a big brass V-O bell, Brooks B17, and big squishy tires, my purple '92 Rockhopper never looked so classy or rode so smooth.

  • @Quevallyn
    @Quevallyn 4 года назад +35

    I’ve literally just done this as my lockdown project. 90s alloy, 26inch wheel MTB with canti brakes and Nitto Albatross bars. Also using friction shifting but only went 7spd. I love the relaxed, upright position. With 2.1inch Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tyres it’s super comfortable. The combination of bars, riding position and tyres makes it carve turns like a longboard - slow with flow and style.

    • @kurinoko3375
      @kurinoko3375 4 года назад

      I have those tyres on my radar, they look awesome. Can you tell me if they are ok for a tubeless setup? I'm concerned to run these with tubes on gravel/rocky roads

    • @benjaminobrien
      @benjaminobrien 4 года назад +1

      I have a similar setup and I love it. Albatross bars are so comfortable.

    • @darkjord5823
      @darkjord5823 4 года назад +2

      wow, this is my exact set up besides the 7 speed.
      the Billy bonkers turned the bike into a ripper. Love the bars too but may be too relaxed.

  • @sterby1
    @sterby1 3 года назад +12

    Alt alt bars: alt bars upside down giving you a more dropped position while still having a wider stance for control on gravel

    • @Stoney3K
      @Stoney3K 3 года назад +6

      Which is actually how the "drop bars" originated: Cyclists that flipped the old town bike bars upside down for more aero on track bikes, and then the curly back-swept shape was the next step.

  • @uniquenamegoeshere2263
    @uniquenamegoeshere2263 4 года назад +4

    I did this to my hard tail mountain bike many years ago. I have been happy with the arrangement for over 15 years. It is a great bike to ride in awful weather.

  • @Vallihi
    @Vallihi 4 года назад +6

    Glad to see your coverage of “alternative” bar solutions. I converted my bikes 10 years ago and never looked back. Recently put jones H bars on my new salsa timberjack and im loving the supple life!

  • @Nix_sound
    @Nix_sound 4 года назад +9

    I converted from road bars, i have swept alt bars and a basket, I love my setup. Oh, I still love bar tape though, I just double wrap for great comfort

  • @animatorgeek
    @animatorgeek 2 года назад +7

    I converted my touring/commuter bike to alt bars six or seven years ago. I was afraid I'd miss the many hand positions of drop bars, but not at all. I can ride all day on my Nitto Albatross bars, rarely deviating from the default hand position. Of course, I'm not looking for an aero position,; I'm looking for comfort in a long ride.

    • @keithbasham2413
      @keithbasham2413 Год назад

      did you changed the stem or anything else, i want to convert my miyata 310 to an upright commuter with albatrosses?

    • @mikes3725
      @mikes3725 Год назад +1

      @@keithbasham2413 go 120mm or 130mm stem if you want that handlebar

  • @christopherjohnson9902
    @christopherjohnson9902 4 года назад +15

    When I made the switch, I went with a longer stem to find my body position sweet spot. That plus using the front curves of the Nitto Albatross bar (which works well for me) allows me to ride extended sections of headwinds. I still enjoy the other advantages you mentioned.

    • @mikesiemens4145
      @mikesiemens4145 4 года назад +4

      Good thing I read through the comments before blabbing. I too think that Russ needs a longer stem with those swept back bars. I went from a 90 to 110 when I made my conversion. The plus is that it'll stretch you out more and make that "hook" position more aero.

  • @plantbasedupinhere
    @plantbasedupinhere 11 месяцев назад +4

    It’s amazing how a handlebar swap can make a bike feel completely new.

  • @speedbird8987
    @speedbird8987 4 года назад +4

    Nice! I just converted my Cross Check with Jones H-Loop bars and love them. I never liked the bar end shifters on the Surly, and I have a Breezer Doppler Pro with drop bars, so this differentiates the bikes even more.

  • @ronstuff6330
    @ronstuff6330 2 года назад +2

    I've converted two mtb's to upright this summer, and have loved every minute of it. Your comments are spot on about the pros and cons. I've noticed I've gravitated for the upright bars recently to see the scenery and enjoy the view. I'm seeing things I totally missed with drop bars.

  • @zombpocolypseiscomin
    @zombpocolypseiscomin 4 года назад +4

    I LOOOOOVE the way those bars look on that bike! So classy! The fact that they actually work is also good 🤣

  • @martintanz9098
    @martintanz9098 4 года назад +3

    We did a conversion like this on my wife's vintage Peugeot Touring bike, using the Velo Orange Postino bar. She loves it and rides it almost as much as she does her modern Jamis Road bike.

  • @edcatt9196
    @edcatt9196 4 года назад +5

    I now have a Jones Loop H-Bar on my Specialized Rock Hopper, a Richey Venture Max Comp bar on my AWOL, and a Metropolis FSA bar on my Salsa Mukluk. The T-bar that came with both the Rock Hopper and the Mukluk became uncomfortable on my wrists after a few years, and so I swapped it out for more back sweep, that felt more natural to my wrist position. Same with the wider sweep on the Venture Max Comp bar. If I'm going to face a lot of wind (in the prairie out here, you get a lot of that) I go with the drop bar. But, if I'm in twisting single track, and in and out of trees and over the occasional rocky/technical sections, I go with the Metropolis and/or the Jones Loop H-Bar set up. But I like the retro look of the bars you put on yours. That classic chrome look. Nice.

  • @paulojrg
    @paulojrg 4 года назад +24

    This solution is better if you have a larger frame that you would love to use.

    • @SurpriseMeJT
      @SurpriseMeJT 3 года назад +2

      Exactly. A bike frame size for drop bars is not the same as one for swept back or even mountain bike flat bars. Also, there are so many types of swept back bars - some which sweep back with little or no compensation for reach, in which case you would need a longer stem or have a longer front end to begin with, or something like a Ritchey Kyote, which has a very tight bend in the bar which brings the hands forward more inline with the stem-bar clamp as opposed to sweeping back far behind the stem-bar clamp.

    • @jovenguardian
      @jovenguardian 3 года назад +1

      That’s what I’m hoping to accomplish with my longer than needed 60cm LHT frame.

    • @anniebikes7002
      @anniebikes7002 2 года назад +1

      @@SurpriseMeJT I'm trying the Kyote for that reason!

  • @hubdeep9452
    @hubdeep9452 4 года назад +2

    I've changed a lot of my bikes over to bullhorn handlebars. Similar concept to what you did but I love to use the bullhorns in long climbs and cycling into the wind for aero. Have all the controls on the flat bar part so that I feel more in control. It works for me.

  • @bosanderspublictheology
    @bosanderspublictheology 3 года назад

    SO good. Helpful, clear, interesting, succinct and great riding footage. This might be my favorite one yet. Great job.

  • @michaelc7937
    @michaelc7937 4 года назад +1

    That's awesome. I did this same thing with my drop bar Marin last year and I love it. The only difference is I flipped my bar over to keep the front end a little lower.

  • @MattBeindorff
    @MattBeindorff 4 года назад

    Yes! Another one! Putting out a lot of nice content lately. Thanks!

  • @lesleykenwood2715
    @lesleykenwood2715 4 года назад +8

    Really enjoying my Jones H riser bar.

  • @kylezeiszler3561
    @kylezeiszler3561 4 года назад +3

    Finally some love for swept and flat bars. I get so sick of nothing but dirt drops

  • @mmfarrington
    @mmfarrington 4 года назад +2

    I did this type of conversion with my Surly Straggler to the North Road style bars and I don't think I've enjoyed riding a bike more, now. The 52cm frame is just slightly too large for me but with the new bars it's not only an awesome gravel bike but also fantastic for just riding around town. Surly needs to make a stock version like this.

  • @TeddE9x
    @TeddE9x 3 года назад +2

    I had the same reaction, I was surprised how well my VO Tourist bars felt off road with my Soma Wolverine. Pretty great bars for all around riding.

  • @chrisdavis837
    @chrisdavis837 4 года назад

    Another great video. I have been thinking about those bars for awhile now. Know I'm in a minority but, I just seem to enjoy a more upright ridding position than most. Thanks for taking the plunge and sharing your experience.

  • @ianrichardson8426
    @ianrichardson8426 4 года назад +1

    I recently installed some soma gators flipped upside down with a 30mm crust stem on an old Schwinn High Sierra. Talk about FUN!!!! If I was riding into extreme headwinds I could literally flip the bars back to drop mode in a matter of minutes :)

  • @jimburtwell2731
    @jimburtwell2731 4 года назад

    I bought an old cannondale touting bike and installed the jones bars, with mtb controls, tektro levers on cantilever brakes. I found the same experience with the saddle. My upright position required a different saddle. Like the whole package,works really well. Found you can fine tune the weight on your wrists and elbows with small changes in the bar angle. Would certainly recommend the alt bars on these more tradition shaped frames.

  • @TheDarKris
    @TheDarKris 4 года назад +1

    When you mentioned that Whatbars website I immediately checked it out and It's an amazing reference! I've been looking for a bar similar in backsweep to my current Surly Moloko Bars for my fat-bike but I wanted something lighter and w/o the little bullhorns. Thanks so much!

  • @Dark_Templar28
    @Dark_Templar28 4 года назад +1

    Reminds me of the surly terminal bar I have. I love that bar, very very comfortable.

  • @nickdavis9280
    @nickdavis9280 2 года назад +1

    I've just acquired a Raleigh sprite with moustache handlebars. I love the way it rides. Definitely more comfortable for leisurely bimbles.

  • @roadbikecommuter5355
    @roadbikecommuter5355 4 года назад +2

    Great video! Can you try putting a velo orange crazy bar on that bike and see if that would put you in a more aero position on the flat sections?

  • @TheRoadrunner11
    @TheRoadrunner11 4 года назад +14

    Sooo...grandma bars are now cool again? next we'll go back to threaded stems! XD

    • @robertcoates2752
      @robertcoates2752 4 года назад +4

      Well that Polyvalent has a threaded steerer...

    • @hammeredscout
      @hammeredscout 4 года назад +1

      Savage

    • @YerDad632
      @YerDad632 4 года назад +1

      Yes! I’m here for that! 🤘🏻

  • @SvensonGus
    @SvensonGus 4 года назад

    I've got a similar bar on my regular commute bike, i have the bar in mustche mode. Comfortable to tuck in when holding it in the middle, stable position for rough when holding the grips. I've added griptape along the whole bar.

  • @jakeshannon3826
    @jakeshannon3826 4 года назад +1

    i struggled with drops for a while and have been happily running moloko bars on my gravel rig for a few years now. i love them and won't go back to drops on it. currently piecing together more of a kush road rig and i am going to try drops on that again to see, but i might be back to "alt" bars on that again too... if you want more positions, try wrapping them in some comfy gel tape, and if you really want to go nuts, but mtb bar ends in the bends and then wrap everything!

  • @leightonbohl1920
    @leightonbohl1920 4 года назад

    I’ve used VO porteur bars for years on an old road bike that I converted for use with a 2 speed SA hub. I use road brake (Tektro) levers mounted flat at the bends, allowing me to rest my forearms on the lever ‘hoods’ when descending or wanting a more aero position. I have also used these bars with derailleur gears and bar end shifters. You could use ‘brifters’, I suppose. They make a slightly more assertive setup to the ‘north road’ shape that you installed. Cheers, The Fossil

  • @edwintam2349
    @edwintam2349 4 года назад +4

    Grant Petersen from Rivendell bikes recommends similar bars for many of their bikes for general riding.

  • @wiselteats
    @wiselteats 4 года назад

    digging the conversion and bike’s capabilities- sounds like an ultra endurance sleeper bike man

  • @Jessatron888
    @Jessatron888 4 года назад +1

    What a sweet setup Russ! I have always been comfortable with flat bars on gravel. You just feel more upright and have more balance with the bicycle. You also made the comment of when traveling on the pavement it gets a little tougher with the handlebar postion not to mention a little head wind can be rough where as drop bars might be better. After a while you get use to the bars while riding in any condition. Recently I had a set of albatross nitto handlebars with bar end shifters on my 84 Stumpy. I actually went back to the bullmoose bars I feel more dialed in. And for some reason can breath a little bit better due to the width of the bars if that compensates for more chest spread cleareance? If that makes sense. Happy Trails and Keep On Trucking.

  • @malachid9298
    @malachid9298 4 года назад

    Swapped out to Soma Oxford on my Trek 520disk late last season. Welcome to the party, hope it serves you well. I found the more upright but not straight up was very good for me. Good trail, good road, good climbing hills, good on flats. L Did have to slide my Adamo saddle forward a bit. Noticed the fear on steep road decents as well.

  • @saintless
    @saintless 3 года назад

    Thanks for all the great vids! You're helping me chew through a situation... Thinking of going this route on my 2001ish Trek 520. Currently running a 9speed "Shimergo" setup on Cowbells but starting to sour on my mini-v's. Alt bars with regular v (and full Shimano MTB 10 from parts bin) or doubling down with my current set up but swapping to canti's... blargh, I hate decisions. lol I think my only hesitation for the alt bars is that leaves me with only one drop bar bike (Paramount) which I can't take on gravel at all. So this helps, truely!

  • @kymcopyriot9776
    @kymcopyriot9776 4 года назад

    Grew up racing dirt motorcycles and when I started racing road motorcycles the switch to low bars (clip ons) was easy. Not so on bicycles. Currently riding a Specialized Cruz Carbon cyclocross bike and love everything about it...except the drops. Forget the aero advantages, I’ll be switching to flats for better brake modulation and more secure handling.

  • @Agamum
    @Agamum 4 года назад +3

    This is an older setup folks used to called a path racer setup. Personally think it is a good idea. Those bars would give you alot of leverage.

    • @hammeredscout
      @hammeredscout 4 года назад

      My hands tend to slide forward on steep downhill singletracks.

  • @Harry_16710
    @Harry_16710 2 года назад

    Perfect video for my upcoming conversion from Salsa Woodchippers to Jones H bar - great comparison/analysis! 👍🏼

  • @danenglishoutside443
    @danenglishoutside443 4 года назад +1

    I was just thinking about doing this, I might try some flared drops first so I can use the same levers. Continue the research!

  • @AdventuresWithDaniel
    @AdventuresWithDaniel 4 года назад

    1.) Looks very classy and comfortable! 2.) I agree about the road decent and also the gravel comments 3) as usual very good content. Thanks for sharing!

  • @AaronGruber
    @AaronGruber 4 года назад +14

    you could put on some bar ends in the middle of the bars for when you need to get aero

    • @Nix_sound
      @Nix_sound 4 года назад +3

      If you check out the whatbar website and have a look for the Koga Denham Bars, they have a 30 deg sweep with aero grips in the centre. Designed by Alee Denham on cyclingabout.com.

    • @chrislukes9037
      @chrislukes9037 4 года назад

      Yeah, there are plenty of alt bars that offer multiple hand positions including aero options - usually more forward than dropped. (Nixsounds notes one example). "Alt" doesn't *mean* swept-back cruiser bar, but it includes this type.

    • @PathLessPedaledTV
      @PathLessPedaledTV  4 года назад +3

      Yeah did that in 2008. instagram.com/p/CAhKpt3HtWb/

  • @gerrymaillet5485
    @gerrymaillet5485 4 года назад

    Great topic! I've been thinking a lot about bars and stems of late. I didn't like the cowchippers and converted to a Jones loop bar. I don't care for that either. Still searching for a bar for a Salsa Marrakesh. So many options but not easy to try them out without a lot of buying and selling.

  • @matthewoppen1602
    @matthewoppen1602 4 года назад

    I'd love to try this out on my Breezer Doppler Pro, it looks great on your polyvalent.

  • @disklamer
    @disklamer 4 года назад +1

    With an adjustable front you can experiment with the positioning, find the ideal position for your purpose, and even change it to what you need at that moment, e.g. windward or downhill. I personally prefer handlebars that are more straight, they give more torque on the steering, and don't try to get away from you when the surface is more slippery.

  • @robappleby583
    @robappleby583 4 года назад +1

    Been using Jones and Moustache (? is that right?) bars for years and love them. Funnily enough I've been thinking of setting up a bike with cowcatcher drops... always new things to try out.

  • @davidmaita5581
    @davidmaita5581 4 года назад

    I put an old mtb Deity Bars on, when I built up my Flaanimal frameset. I find it so much comfortable, especially on the descents.

  • @byronstumman7420
    @byronstumman7420 4 года назад +2

    Looks super rad, especially with the basket. It’s like a sleeper gravel grinder. I’d think you naturally have a lot more leverage in gripping flat bar brakes compared to gripping brifters. Maybe that has something to do with it?

  • @theparalexview785
    @theparalexview785 4 года назад

    I did this a couple of years ago on my 1990s rigid mountain bike. Switched from flat bars to Nitto albatross swept bars with bar-end shifters. Replaced the original riser stem with a 120mm quill stem swiped from my road bike for a lower position. And switched from 700x32 chevron tread tires to 700x42 Conti SpeedRides. Kept most of the original components, including cantilever brakes. Terrific all arounder, including casual gravel rides.
    Same advantage you noted for standing to climb -- body weight is directly over the BB. It's a little less aero, but much better leverage than my road bike when standing to climb, and less tiring. There's a good reason why this style bike was popular for decades before the drop bar road bike style became trendy with casual cyclists.
    If you want to get a little lower and more aero, try flipping the swept bar, path racer style. A longer stem can help too, although it changes the bike fit as well. I find it easier to tweak minor fit issues with an old school quill stem.

  • @TimFitzwater
    @TimFitzwater 4 года назад +1

    Having tried out my friends’ bikes with alt bars the handling definitely takes some getting used to!

  • @chrisblinzinger5629
    @chrisblinzinger5629 4 года назад

    Changed out my drop after 13k miles for a Koga Denham. Love it and don't know why I waited so long. Can still fit my handlebar bag and it sure opened up my chest on long rides compared to the drop. much more comfortable on long rides.

  • @nathanh281
    @nathanh281 4 года назад +13

    "...and your little dog, too!"
    But seriously, you look comfy and classy! Personally I crave discomfort and impracticality. I do think those guys looking for 70cm drop bars with extreme flare should look into this kind of setup. It's like we've gone full circle.

  • @sammyseagull
    @sammyseagull 4 года назад +1

    Been using Albatross bars on a 92 Kona Explosiv for years and I'll never go back to flat . Gave up drop bars before that due to neck and back stiffness. I love this Alt setup as it has added years to my biking career!

    • @ronwhite8503
      @ronwhite8503 3 года назад +1

      That was one of a few incarnations I did with my 90's, steel, Cinder Cone; these bikes will do anything. Now have an 853 Explosif frame to play with.....along with my steel Lava Dome!

  • @DavidFraser007
    @DavidFraser007 3 года назад +1

    I've had alt bars on my old Raleigh Routier for about 12 years now. When I bought the bike new in 1986 it had drops, then I turned them upside down and cut them into bullhorns, then normal risers. The Alt bars, maybe I call them North Road Bars are great on the flat where cycling position and speed isn't so important. I usually take the bike to Holland when visiting family.

  • @terranovnicek1567
    @terranovnicek1567 3 года назад +1

    I converted both mine and my fiance's bikes from drops to alt bars. Her Schwinn got townie bars and my motobecane fixie got some kalin flat bars and a 90s mtb neck. Bars are probably the most drastic change you can make to a bike.

  • @andrewsmith7367
    @andrewsmith7367 4 года назад

    The moustache bars are similar. I was going to put some on my old mtb. Nice video very interesting.

  • @josephhaddakin7095
    @josephhaddakin7095 4 года назад +1

    I ride a Trek 920 with a Jones Bar 2½ rise. Best setup I've ever ridden.

  • @alutious
    @alutious 4 года назад

    Interesting, i am glad you are experimenting, especially with extra bikes. Mtb have come a long way with bars, going much wider. Look at the XC races and you'll notice very short bars. Hey my old mtb has a short bar! Hey I'm going to change it...and i did, last year. I put on a huge bar with a large rise and sweep bring the bars further back so i could sit up, put some squish on and the ride is different. I love it as a change from my gravel or full squish with it's 26" wheels, most responsive. My wife's mtb has a short bar, but it has a cute curl/bend to it, like an unagressive alt bar. The commuter bikes tend to have a very upright posture but they usually go flat bar with a minor rise. I tested one, i could get a good crank on it but it didn't feel comfortable for long commutes. I think the posture is less difficult to hold, with core muscles. As we get older i think this is our eventual position. Thanks for the video. And yes i also like the flat bar braking, and so much easier to fiddle with. But not the most comfortable on really long rides. I did 80km with my old bike and i was struggling for another position - many XC racers actually reach down and grab their forks to steer, i have seen this on mtb on the highway in gravel races.

  • @GHinWI
    @GHinWI 4 года назад +19

    You’re getting closer and closer to a hardtail MTB, almost to the promised land!

    • @racerx8410712
      @racerx8410712 4 года назад +2

      Ha! This is what I have been preaching....XC HT with a carbon fork anyone?

    • @hammeredscout
      @hammeredscout 4 года назад +1

      @@racerx8410712 And 29s. Simple and gets it done.

    • @darkjord5823
      @darkjord5823 4 года назад

      how is this closer to a mtb set up lol. it's less so than drop bars

    • @christocr
      @christocr 3 года назад

      Exactly what I was thinking. Between this and the MTB riding he's been doing lately... well, it's only a matter of time. :-)

    • @jstndmnd27
      @jstndmnd27 3 года назад

      @@racerx8410712 kinda like that setup but i rather have an air fork..

  • @mr.keepitreal2200
    @mr.keepitreal2200 Год назад

    Yes , I am currently using alt bars with added aero bars. It allows for a second hand & riding position. A lot of long distance bike packers are adding aero bars.

  • @paulespinoza7172
    @paulespinoza7172 4 года назад

    After watching this it queued into the Ochco overlander ride and made me think that would be a great bar for that style ride. I have a Specialized Diverge and have never been in the drops but was afraid of ruining the look by the use of a alt. bar, but now maybe there's a choice.
    Thanks

  • @mpwithad
    @mpwithad 4 года назад

    Yes I do. Nitto Jitensha on a steel rosd bike. Love it.

  • @markmarlatt1105
    @markmarlatt1105 4 года назад

    I've got an old rigid Giant Iguana with bara like this. Works great and is very comfortable. Never tried it on gravel though. Just commuting on pavement.

  • @TheGotoGeek
    @TheGotoGeek 4 года назад

    My late, lamented Troll had a Rivendell Bosco on it, and that was darned comfortable. Because of the length and the rise of the bar, I could kinda tuck down onto the flats of the bar and get kinda-sorta aero. Current build is starting out on an Albatross, we’ll see how it goes.

  • @DCassidy42
    @DCassidy42 4 года назад +10

    Now you just need a curly moustache, a pair of Blundstones and Mumfords and Sons t-shirt.

  • @zoladkow
    @zoladkow 3 года назад +1

    Just doing similar conversion, from TRPs & 9speed wth dropbar actuated with Sora to butterfly with Sturmey-Archer thumbshifters and brake levers... we'll see how that goes ;)

  • @bobby_digitali
    @bobby_digitali 4 года назад

    I recently put some V/O Curvy bars on a Kona Rove ST and am really liking the feel of them. For your application here I think the curvy bars make a little more sense than the granola and would give you a more 'spirited' ride on gravel and pavement. They are really similar to the Soma osprey but without any rise. Cheers !

  • @gregorybraithhunter
    @gregorybraithhunter 4 года назад

    Love it! I'm also a huge fan of "inverse brake levers" (which Tektro also makes). NOT a fan of the parlance "alt-bar" since "drop bar" is just a type of bar, but whatever (not the fault of Path Less Pedaled). Heart!

  • @nommchompsky
    @nommchompsky 2 года назад +2

    I have bar end shifters on my touring bike and one of the reasons I could never go to brifters is the infinite trim on the front derailleur

  • @curtbrown7967
    @curtbrown7967 4 года назад

    Love Jones H bar with rise. As an experiment Prospector Persuader bars are on order. Curious to try a 0 degree stem inspired by James of Analog cycles interview. Fun to play around with combinations and change up existing bikes to new flavors.

  • @zeitismyname
    @zeitismyname 4 года назад +1

    Now I'm wondering if there's any difference in the ride feel between this alt bar and the Jones H-bar as both makes the riding posture more upright.

  • @ARJWright
    @ARJWright 4 года назад

    Cool topic. I’ve got slightly swept back bars on my Valencia and had been looking at potentially the Denham Bars due to the “long stretches” and aero bits you spoke of here. Wide is great for the rocky bits, but tucked for pavement cruising is definitely a thing to consider.
    Thanks as always for the vid. Off to that bar website for more homework

    • @PathLessPedaledTV
      @PathLessPedaledTV  4 года назад

      Made my own bar back in 2008. instagram.com/p/CAhKpt3HtWb/?igshid=1i0t8ex0dzdv8

  • @fatboyfat2184
    @fatboyfat2184 4 года назад

    Bought a Breezer liberty 6. found I was getting elbow pain
    Changed to an alt bar ( satori noirette) works great no more elbow pain
    Next bike will factor in a longer top tube to accommodate the alt bar

  • @scottbalsai
    @scottbalsai 4 года назад

    I have put a 4 inch riser bar with a Zoom adjustable quill stem on my 1997 Schwinn Paramount road touring bike to get my arthritic neck up out of that stressed tuck position. I also put a pair of 6 inch bar ends on the ends of the bars as well to get a little more forward reach and aerodynamic on the road, which is where I find myself most of the time.. I haven't used a drop bar on any of my bikes for over 30 years. It is much easier on my neck and as a result at 66 years old, I am still riding.
    Thanks for the video.

  • @RuezgaDaniel
    @RuezgaDaniel 4 года назад

    Hi Russ, you can also try flipping the bars and putting some dummy brake hoods on the humps so you can have an aero position!

  • @stevenpreston8403
    @stevenpreston8403 4 года назад

    The Polyvalent looks great with those bars!

  • @MiceNine9
    @MiceNine9 4 года назад

    My favorite alt bars were the Trekking bars I swapped onto my old Jamis road bike for a 1,200 mile tour back in 2013. I ended up keeping them on my commuter bike for years. Most comfortable hand positions of any bars I've had to this day, but didn't always make for the most efficient riding posture. I only recently got into gravel riding and I've been wondering lately how they would ride in place of my dirt drops.

  • @mattthelombax
    @mattthelombax 4 года назад

    Oh heck, I lived by the Postino on my work bikes for several years!

  • @MrSkidion
    @MrSkidion 4 года назад

    I use a Jones H-bar that has the 2.5 inch rise on a titanium road bike frame. I use this alot of long distance riding events.

  • @user-id2hi2dd1w
    @user-id2hi2dd1w 4 года назад

    Hey Russ, the bike looks great! Like the red grips as they compliment the green frame nicely... and welcome to the dark side!

  • @sethmcfarland1083
    @sethmcfarland1083 4 года назад

    I have very similar bars on my single speed commuter/ cruiser. I have the velo orange ones with the slight rise. Also just got persuader bars on my mtb. Still getting used to the upright position on the mtb.

  • @pdk
    @pdk 4 года назад +1

    Would love to see a swap from this to jones bar. Looks like it would put your hands very slightly forward of position on this bar. Curious how much difference a few centimeters makes on that. The other (more obvious) change to try would be a longer stem, but that stem already looks dang long.

  • @shellypalumbo5297
    @shellypalumbo5297 3 года назад +2

    I have found trekker bars (butterfly as they’re called in the states) give me a wide range of hand and seat positions. I can ride upright or down tucked for long distances depending on conditions without discomfort. I can optimize my reach on the fly and hand numbness is a thing of the past. These made a huge improvement in cycling pleasure for me. That’s what it’s all about, right?

  • @merckxamillian
    @merckxamillian 4 года назад

    I've been looking for some bars like this, with some rake - that's the problem with flat bars like mustache. These are awesome flipped over, sort of old school french street style. I had a Schwinn Supersport set up that way and it was great in the city. Old chrome tourist bars.

  • @hammeredscout
    @hammeredscout 4 года назад

    I saw a lady riding a bike with a long adjustable supple stem and big comfy bars and supple seat. I might need to try that supple setup.🚲👌

  • @MrGND123
    @MrGND123 2 года назад

    I got the wild hair to try a set of Nitto Albatross bars on a Sam Hillborne I use for gravel riding. The bar it replaced was a SOMA Portola dirt drop. I found the same advantages as you did, Russ. I do find the forward sweeps on the Albatross plenty comfortable to be on for paved riding. I use bar end shifters and Oury Single Compound V2 Grips (longer than the standard Single Compound grips and with no flange), then wrap the forward sweeps with bar tape. This creates a fairly uninterrupted progression of hand position well into the sweeps. I liked it so much, I also put the Albatross bars on a new Rivendell Joe Appaloosa 29er build that I've been riding singletrack on. The Albatross is great for that too!!

  • @mohawkpathology
    @mohawkpathology 4 года назад

    Never got comfy with drops on my pacer so now I use nitto Riv Choco on my Clem and love em. They don’t have much rise and are pretty straight at the stem clamp so that makes a good forward position for grip.
    Picked up the Canti lightning bolt and prob gonna try drops again; or maybe albastache? Idk

  • @billinhouston3291
    @billinhouston3291 4 года назад

    Those are cool, and I like the silver. You could flip them over to get a little lower in the front.

  • @stevewalther2293
    @stevewalther2293 4 года назад +1

    Surley open bar!!! Sweet!! I love where your heading! I think drop bars are just a fashion deal. Drop bars r 4 road.

  • @osterlitz1
    @osterlitz1 4 года назад

    I would like to do this type of conversion to my Quick 3. I have changed the tires to 37's and have been thinking that the flat bar is not the best for my 71 year old arms and wrists. The Quick has hydro brakes and Sora makes up the rest of the mech. What do you think would be the first thing I would need to research to find a bar that will make the swap the least expensive? Your video shows a riding position that would be good for me as I hope to keep riding for many more years. Enjoy your videos and your interviews.

  • @streetcar6896
    @streetcar6896 4 года назад

    I like this set up better, it would be easier for my 52 year old shoulders! Great job !

  • @christocr
    @christocr 3 года назад +1

    After riding my drop-bar gravel bike for quite some time, I have recently come to the conclusion that a light flat-bar XC mountain bike makes a better gravel bike (for me) than the gravel bike. It's almost as fast on pavement, as fast on gravel, and faster on anything more technical either flat, up, or down. It can pretty much go anywhere I care to go with way more confidence and commitment than on my gravel bike. Also, on the rough stuff, I don't have to keep it slow and it doesn't beat and vibrate me to death. I'm more comfortable with the geometry of the XC bike--I'm less over the front tire, so climbing is more efficient and steep, rough descents are definitely more secure and confidence inspiring. And the bottom bracket is an inch and a half higher and able to clear obstacles better. So, the gravel bike is going to be sold. For what I do, the XC MTB (I have a hardtail and will eventually get a super-light full sus (with remote lockout) XC racer as a second bike) just makes more sense. I'm maybe 20% pavement, 25% gravel/doubletrack, and 55% more mountain bike type trails (mostly green and blue, but some black diamond).
    To be fair, though, it really depends on you and your riding. For many, an XC MTB is more than is needed. If I lived on the plains or rode milder terrain, I'd probably chose the gravel bike. But here in the mountains and deserts, the XC just makes more sense for me. Not quite as fast on the roads, but faster and more secure everywhere else. I actually timed myself on a paved five mile flat to moderate uphill road with both the gravel bike and XC MTB. I pushed it hard on both. Even though the XC is almost five pounds heavier, I was within about 35 seconds. That is what really convinced me that I'm at very little disadvantage on my XC on pavement and at a big advantage on the rough stuff. Makes sense to go with the XC MTB "gravel bike"...

  • @xbmarx
    @xbmarx 4 года назад +1

    Last year I officially converted all my bikes to alt bars. I will never go back. I prefer them for mixed terrain, although if I was still doing 100% road riding I might be rocking drops. My personal favorites are the Velo Orange crazy bars and the Surly moloko.

    • @ClockworksOfGL
      @ClockworksOfGL 4 года назад

      xbmarx - Glad to see I’m not the only one who prefers non-drop bars. My every day ride has flats and I like the security of wrapping my hands around that long bar. I’ve hit some nasty stuff, but always managed to keep control.

  • @Radnally
    @Radnally 4 года назад

    I think velo orange just did a vid on this last week. Put mx bars on my graveler last year. Works well.
    Whats your basket? Wald?

  • @lowdee
    @lowdee 3 года назад

    I’ve been looking at doing this for a while but had trouble getting shifters for my Campag 9 speed set-up. Any suggestions?