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| Current bars on the Peugeot. |
Whether it's reconfiguring an older bike to fit, or redoing a much-loved machine due to physical changes and/or limitations, replacing drop or straight bars with upright-style handlebars is all the rage. Handlebar fever has stricken
Pondero,
One Speed: Go!, and
Family//Bike//Words. All have or are exploring alternative bars.
I've been bitten also. From current
Ross handlebars to recent Peugeot tinkering, I've keyed on,
primarily, different handlebar setups to, hopefully, solve fit problems.
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Maybe something like these Pyramid
riser bars could work.
Photo credit: Amazon |
In fact, after riding the Peugeot for several days with current bar configuration, I'm unhappy with the result—I'm sitting more upright than I intended and the bars are too close to my body. I've discovered, however, that I love the mountain lever brakes and swanky grips. Those will stay and determine what future bars will grace the Peugeot.
I'm not in a hurry to make a change. It's nearly winter. I'll take my time, scout out local vendors, inspect bikes on the road, and explore options.
Or maybe an
adjustable quill stem will do the trick. Hmm, never thought about that.
If I read your post correctly, that your current position is too upright for comfort, perhaps flipping those bars upside down would help that. Or a different stem with more drop or a longer or shorter length. An adjustable quill stem can help dial in the setup since it's easy to try different angles. I found that after you get the setting that's just right, though, the need for adjusting goes away, and I replaced it with a non-adjustable stem of the same size and angle.
ReplyDeleteTo clarify, the bars are too close to my body. (I rewrote a sentence in blog post to hopefully reflect this.). I am finding this position not very efficient, for sitting and also for climbing hills. I can't get much leverage. I am used to a more aggressive posture, apparently, and while I've tried this Dutch style of riding, I personally dislike it. We have hills around here!
DeleteFlipping the bars won't work in this case. The stem is at maximum height, which I need. I need bars that protrude forward or rise straight up from the stem without sweeping back towards my body. Maybe something like what I have on my Trek would be suitable. As you know, dealing with a 1980s 1 inch stem can be problematic.
My thinking is if I can figure this out, by possibly using an adjustable stem, then I may have also discovered a way to keep my Ross bike. A too short stem is the only reason I'm considering getting rid of her.
I bought some north road style bars, but found them incomfortable on my wrists. I guess everyone is different. Find mtb style are comfy enough for me.
ReplyDelete