bironi

Hey all,
I'm looking for advice on a handlebar that will put me in a more upright position with less stress on my wrists.
I have a bone on bone arthritic left wrist.
I'm currently riding Nitto Noodles for the last few years.
I ride fixed gear almost exclusively.
I live in an area where I still have to climb a bit, so I need a bar that is not just for cruising.
I see that Nitto has some swept back bars that might work, but I have not ridden this type of bar since childhood.
I'd like to hear some advice from those with experience.
Thanks much in advance,
Byron

Random Tandem

I have been trying out trekking or butterfly handlebars on my Clunker 100 Challenge bike - 1982 Bridgestone Regulus that did not have handlebars when I bought it. Not sure how to link it but perhaps: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ition-6-a.html and the photos with the new bars are on the 9th page (I think) try here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ion-6-a-9.html

I like drop bars and I do not find the butterfly bars a good replacement, but that is partly because they are too upright and too much like multiple upright bars, which might be just what you are seeking.

Good luck.

-Will

arty dave

Not arthritic, but have suffered from long term tennis elbow in the past. I found that Velo Orange Porteur bars with a long stem work really well for me - the grips are just off parallel, and this takes all the stress out of my hands/wrists/forearms/elbows.
I've just started a build with steel Porteur bars that came from a low-end Motobecane. I'm going to use Tektro inverse brake levers and the bike has downtube shifters, so the bars will be open to more hand positions.

bargainguy

Nitto Albatross & North Road bars are similar. On the Albatross, the handles go straight back from the bar at almost a 90 degree angle, whereas on the North Road, slightly flared to the outside. Either of these might be a good fit.

I also have a Surly Open bar which is a different design, even more flared to the outside than the North Road. This might be too aggressive for your riding position, though, as we're getting into mustache bar territory.

randyjawa 

I too suffer from joint pain and never have I found a cockpit that was as comfortable as this...

bironi

That might be the ticket, and the cheapest experiment.

randyjawa 

I have tried a few different handlebar styles and those Mavic bullhorns coupled with the aero levers proved to be exceptional. Other trials include...

Motobecane with upright bars proved to be pretty darn good also but lacked the feel that I most like...



Mustache bars? Pooey-Stinko..!



Drop bars are still my way to go but I do not fool myself into thinking that they are the cat's meow. However, Brifters allow me to assume a position very close to that of the bullhorn set-up. This is comfortable and easy to use...

John E

I do not have your problem, but I really like the bar extensions I put on my mountain bike. These provide a relaxing, neutral wrist orientation.

Just tryin' to keep up with my grandsons in last year's 4th of July parade in their neighborhood. I figured the red-white-and-blue Schwinn, purchased from a San Diego firefighter, is always appropriate on national holidays.

I have padded grips on the bars and also on the extensions, and I always wear full-finger padded gloves, as well.

canklecat

Ditto, swept bars. I've been riding Nitto Albatross bars on one hybrid for a couple of years, after being hit by a car, breaking and dislocating my shoulder. The swept bar was much more comfortable than the riser and flat bars I'd been using. More hand positions, almost as versatile as drop bars. There's a good reason swept bars have been popular for decades. Turns out they're very functional.

merziac

You may be wrestling with the bars too much with the fixie, have you tried an extended break from that yet?

Very little experience but have ridden a bit and some track.

mechanicmatt

I have wide-ish Nitto Noodles but with a very upright and short stem on my road bike. But I have brake hoods and don't know if you do with a fixie.

However I much prefer my Koga Denham Bars which are similar to Velo Orange Crazy Bars. I also have Gusset Stasche Bars with very similar rear bend of the Koga Denham and think that they are great. They are much cheaper as well. Jones bars are similar in rear sweep as well but I haven't ridden them.

If you want swept back, look for something around 700mm wide with a 30-35 deg sweep back. Then tilt them down 5 deg. Feels so good that you may not really go back to anything else.

Also go to Whatbars.com, and you can play around for hours with various bars that you can put on your bike. Good luck.

mechanicmatt

First is the Koga Denham and second is the Gusset Stasche. Forgot to say, don't forget comfy grips. Super important.

canklecat

Ditto, comfy grips. I like the ergo style grips with palm shelf to support the base of the hand/wrist. Mine are cheap but functional and don't twist around much. Ergon brand grips are better with a locking collar to prevent twisting.

They look a little odd at first glance on a swept bar like my Nitto Albatross, but are so comfy I don't care how it looks.

clubman 

I have pain in my wrists and have found low rise Northroad bars to be very comfy with the cushioned grips mentioned here. I still position my bars low because the trick for me is to get my stomach muscles to take the weight off my arms, even with a sprung saddle. A variety of wrist braces are also used when riding.