Handlebar attachments
Discussion
Some of you may know that I'm doing the Eddie Merckx Classic road tour this September. It's 110km through the Alps in Salzburg, Austria and I've never done anything like it.
For the job, I've bought a Specialized Sirrus hybrid road bike (as I need to use it every day to ride around the city).
I've already done a few upgrades including removing the silly suspension seat post and replacing it with a nice light alu one, and upgrading the pedals to some light BBB ones.
However, one thing I'd like to do is replace the bars with something that will suit the distance better. Right now, I have a set of short flat bars which come as standard on the bike, but for the tour I'd like to get something a little more suitable.
The chap in the bike store where I bought my bike suggested some centre arm-rests which clip to the bars I already have, but I was also thinking of temporarily replacing the entire bar with some road race ones?
That unfortunately means I need to replace the shifters and levels too....
What would you suggest my best option would be???
For the job, I've bought a Specialized Sirrus hybrid road bike (as I need to use it every day to ride around the city).
I've already done a few upgrades including removing the silly suspension seat post and replacing it with a nice light alu one, and upgrading the pedals to some light BBB ones.
However, one thing I'd like to do is replace the bars with something that will suit the distance better. Right now, I have a set of short flat bars which come as standard on the bike, but for the tour I'd like to get something a little more suitable.
The chap in the bike store where I bought my bike suggested some centre arm-rests which clip to the bars I already have, but I was also thinking of temporarily replacing the entire bar with some road race ones?
That unfortunately means I need to replace the shifters and levels too....
What would you suggest my best option would be???
The clip on arm rests sound like Tri bars, which are probably not suitable unless you have ridden with them before (and they may not be allowed on the ride as lots of races ban them as you lose a lot of control).
Changing to drop bars would be the best option, but is obviously going to be expensive, especially if you are only doing it for the one ride!
A good compromise might be to fit some bar ends, which are cheap and easy to fit but will give you some alternative hand positions which is good for a long ride. In case you don't know what I mean they are fitted to the bike below. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Changing to drop bars would be the best option, but is obviously going to be expensive, especially if you are only doing it for the one ride!
A good compromise might be to fit some bar ends, which are cheap and easy to fit but will give you some alternative hand positions which is good for a long ride. In case you don't know what I mean they are fitted to the bike below. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Instead of bar ends, I'd say you're better off with front facing horn style handlebars. More suited to road bikes, they'll give your hands plenty of different positions to play with.
e.g.: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/ITM_CDB_Wing_Han...
or cheaper: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Profile_Airwing_...
e.g.: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/ITM_CDB_Wing_Han...
or cheaper: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Profile_Airwing_...
Cheers for the input. I'm not overly keen on bar-ends, plus add to the fact that my bars are very short anyway and it would mean replacing the main handle bar too.
The horn type bars look very interesting. Simple to attach also. I might just buy a pair of shifters / brake levers and hook the cables in and out as and when needed. It's a relatively simple job to do. Just a bit fiddly.
However this just means the drop-bars would be again an option. Any idea how they would suit a hybrid in terms of ride?
Cheers,
BB
The horn type bars look very interesting. Simple to attach also. I might just buy a pair of shifters / brake levers and hook the cables in and out as and when needed. It's a relatively simple job to do. Just a bit fiddly.
However this just means the drop-bars would be again an option. Any idea how they would suit a hybrid in terms of ride?
Cheers,
BB
Fitting 'drops' to a flat bar road bike or hybrid frame doesn't always work out for the best. It's worth a try but be aware that (shimano)road shifters have a different cable pull to the mtb shifters and don't always work with mtb mechs. The rear is OK but the front can pita to set up. If you do fit 'drops' then fit a shorter stem too. You're moved a long way forward on 'drops' and your back 'n balls might not appreciate that.
Alternatively, you could try a pair of Cane Creek Ergo bar ends . These can be clipped into a set of ODI Lock-On grips and thus not take up any more space on the bars. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Cane_Creek_Ergo_... I've used them on long rides and they are comfy and give a range of additional hand positions - which is what you're looking for I assume.
Alternatively, you could try a pair of Cane Creek Ergo bar ends . These can be clipped into a set of ODI Lock-On grips and thus not take up any more space on the bars. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Cane_Creek_Ergo_... I've used them on long rides and they are comfy and give a range of additional hand positions - which is what you're looking for I assume.
If your thinking about putting drops on, you may aswell have just bought an Allez.
Sure you can do it, but to get it working properly you need new shifters/brake levers, new cable outers(they will be different lengths), some bar tape, and probably a stem. Kind of a waste of money IMO, seeing as the whole point of the Sirrus is its flat bar.
Some Bar ends or Ergon integrated grips/barends would be a far more sensible option.
Sure you can do it, but to get it working properly you need new shifters/brake levers, new cable outers(they will be different lengths), some bar tape, and probably a stem. Kind of a waste of money IMO, seeing as the whole point of the Sirrus is its flat bar.
Some Bar ends or Ergon integrated grips/barends would be a far more sensible option.
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