Downtube Dyan - a New Handlebar and Front Rack

Soma's Clarence handlebar, flipped upside down, allowed a comfortable hand position.

Along with the initial saddle and pedal swap, I also needed to address the handlebars, seeking something more ergonomically friendly in addition to adding a front rack, so I'm all set for Amtrak adventures.

The Bars

The slotted handlepost is exceptionally long, and while I consider myself on the taller side at 5'7", I still had to slam the post for the best fit. I knew a new bar could fix both problems. Like swapping bars on my mountain bike, I use the same problem-solving technique: determine correct width, rise, and sweep, room for controls - 7" in my case - and avoid recabling the bike if at all possible. The bar also had to be fairly compact and not affect the fold. Most bars with a forward arc and similar backsweep will work. This in-depth research, and paying attention to all measurements, is hopefully the correct solution the first time around. Soma's Clarence handlebar worked perfectly. I'm 2 for 2! 

Top-down view of the flipped bars. So comfy!

 

Front Rack

The goal with a front rack, was to have more storage when needed, be removable so the bike could still be folded, and be lightweight enough to lug around, connected to any bag and strap system. I attached a red "pig nose" bracket to frame connection. It's permanent (unless unscrewed) and doesn't interfere with the fold. The simple L-shaped Zizzo Front Cargo Rack slides and clicks firmly in place, released easily by pulling a hook in the red bracket. 

I'm pleased with both changes!