Searching for cycle cross model with performance and uplight handle bars
05-21-14, 09:45 PM
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Searching for cycle cross model with performance and uplight handle bars
Recovering from whiplash but have confirmed I can ride a beach cruiser upright so looking for a mid range bike for roads till I recover and can return to my Bianchi then use it for gravel biking.
Have not found a lighter weight bike with adequate gears delivered with upright bars. Considering changing handlebars and adjusting a Surly Cross Check. Can rewire my Kona mountain bike, but so heavy I won't be able to keep up. A local store has a low end Novara with upright bars and says they can order similar models with better components but wary of this option.
Suggestions appreciated.
Have not found a lighter weight bike with adequate gears delivered with upright bars. Considering changing handlebars and adjusting a Surly Cross Check. Can rewire my Kona mountain bike, but so heavy I won't be able to keep up. A local store has a low end Novara with upright bars and says they can order similar models with better components but wary of this option.
Suggestions appreciated.
05-22-14, 09:35 AM
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There are plenty of "flat bar performance" bikes out right now. They're a road frame with hybrid controls, so they're a little faster than a hybrid bike. The Novara Express, Specialize Sirrus, and Cannondale Quick are examples.
For the most part, flat bar controls are different than those for road bikes/drop handlebars, because the two styles of bars have different diameters. So if you're looking to convert a Cross Check or any other drop bar road bike, you'll be tossing or selling the shifters/brake levers and finding new ones.
Converting a drop bar bike to flat handlebars can result in a fast, comfortable bike. But it's not cheap or quick.
For the most part, flat bar controls are different than those for road bikes/drop handlebars, because the two styles of bars have different diameters. So if you're looking to convert a Cross Check or any other drop bar road bike, you'll be tossing or selling the shifters/brake levers and finding new ones.
Converting a drop bar bike to flat handlebars can result in a fast, comfortable bike. But it's not cheap or quick.
05-22-14, 10:33 AM
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If your Cross Check has bar end shifters you can use Paul Thumbies to convert them to upright bars. They cost about $50.
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80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
05-23-14, 09:15 AM
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Yes .. "Cross" Bikes with straight handlebars wear the label 'Hybrid'. and have their own Forum section Hybrid Bicycles
If your taste and budget are in the $2k+ Full on Cyclocross race bike range .
you should be already mechanically adept enough to change the bars and overhaul the bike between race weekends ..
though some sanctioning bodies decree agains straight bars in Cross races .. YMMV ..
If your taste and budget are in the $2k+ Full on Cyclocross race bike range .
you should be already mechanically adept enough to change the bars and overhaul the bike between race weekends ..
though some sanctioning bodies decree agains straight bars in Cross races .. YMMV ..
05-23-14, 09:22 AM
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Novara safari comes stock with trekking bars and is currently on sale (through May 26): Novara Safari Bike - 2014 at REI.com
Trekking bars would be a good choice since you can sit upright and still get lots of useful hand positions. P
Trekking bars would be a good choice since you can sit upright and still get lots of useful hand positions. P
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