Gear Question: Drop bar commuters
04-08-19, 09:21 PM
#1
Virgo
Thread Starter
Gear Question: Drop bar commuters
Drop bar commuters:
Which bar do you use?
Why?
Classic bend, ergo, compact, what have you? The only drop bar I have experience with is a vintage classic bend, 120mm reach 140mm drop. I’ve used it on 3 consecutive commuter bikes including my current hybrid drop conversion. It works OK and I wouldn’t describe it as uncomfortable but a bar with a little less “aggressive” reach and drop might be nice, I dunno?
Maybe there are some characteristics specific to commuting that might dictate a different drop bar choice than for, say, sporty group rides or touring or something else? That’s why I’m asking here.
Which bar do you use?
Why?
Classic bend, ergo, compact, what have you? The only drop bar I have experience with is a vintage classic bend, 120mm reach 140mm drop. I’ve used it on 3 consecutive commuter bikes including my current hybrid drop conversion. It works OK and I wouldn’t describe it as uncomfortable but a bar with a little less “aggressive” reach and drop might be nice, I dunno?
Maybe there are some characteristics specific to commuting that might dictate a different drop bar choice than for, say, sporty group rides or touring or something else? That’s why I’m asking here.
04-08-19, 09:26 PM
#2
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
Any bar is someone’s favorite.
My favorite is Gerry Burgess randonneur bars as found on Schwinns of the early 70’s. But even among the group of randonneur bars, it’s a weird outlier, with not as much bend in the hoops and a lot of grip area at the bottom of the drops. A lot more like gravel bike handlebars of today.
My favorite is Gerry Burgess randonneur bars as found on Schwinns of the early 70’s. But even among the group of randonneur bars, it’s a weird outlier, with not as much bend in the hoops and a lot of grip area at the bottom of the drops. A lot more like gravel bike handlebars of today.
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 04-08-19 at 11:38 PM.
04-08-19, 09:51 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Posts: 3,209
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
20 Posts
It depends on your commute. Fortunately mine is on good roads without a lot of traffic, dedicated bike lanes and a good portion of the ride is on the roads I take for weekend rides. Hence the standard road bike curl is fine. I would imagine in a congested city, there might be a different answer.
04-08-19, 10:11 PM
#4
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6219 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
All 3 of my road bikes...commute, touring and fast... have Salsa Bell Laps. The drops flare out nicely and allow for an angle to the shifters that I find much more comfortable than a squarer bar configuration.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
04-08-19, 10:35 PM
#5
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I've tried ergo bends a couple times and never quite liked them. The flattened part of the drop may fit into the hand a little better, but it puts the lever slightly further away, all else being equal.
So my favorite classic-style handlebar is the Nitto B115. It has a sharper bend at the rear corners, giving a little more straight length on the tops and ramps for your hands. (That's the thing I couldn't stand about the GB Randos that Darth Lefty loves, they're narrow and curved every which way on top, so I couldn't find a good place to put my hands except the drops!) The B115 also has an 8-10 degree flare to the drops, making them more comfortable in a couple of positions, to Stewart's point.
So my favorite classic-style handlebar is the Nitto B115. It has a sharper bend at the rear corners, giving a little more straight length on the tops and ramps for your hands. (That's the thing I couldn't stand about the GB Randos that Darth Lefty loves, they're narrow and curved every which way on top, so I couldn't find a good place to put my hands except the drops!) The B115 also has an 8-10 degree flare to the drops, making them more comfortable in a couple of positions, to Stewart's point.
04-08-19, 11:53 PM
#6
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
I'm presently trying to sell the Cannondale that's attached to the GB handlebars that Scott sent me. Once my heart surgery recovery is finished, I'm allowed back on DF bikes, and the autumn-winter sales start, I'm planning on buying a new road bike. I'm between M and L and usually have bought L. I'm going a size down to M this time and maybe then I won't be riding tops-or-drops like a 70's bike with turkey levers. Instead I'll be able to ride on the hoods like modern bikes are supposed to be. In that case the shape of the brifters might really be more important than the handlebars.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
04-09-19, 01:12 AM
#7
Banned
I usually buy my bars from Satori as they usually make them in the same factory as other brands and they come in every conceivable size, thickness and shape.
Also, one of the largest supplier of adjustable stems and QR stems for much better storage options (page 38/39).
https://www.satoribike.com/lib/dl_fil...2020-view1.pdf
Also, one of the largest supplier of adjustable stems and QR stems for much better storage options (page 38/39).
https://www.satoribike.com/lib/dl_fil...2020-view1.pdf
04-09-19, 06:40 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
155 Posts
I don't care for drop bars on my commuter because of the need for sudden movements to avoid pot holes, debris in the road, pedestrians who walk into the street while staring straight down at their phones, etc....
I find the flat bar gives me more control on those jerky motions than a drop bar.
But that's me.
I find the flat bar gives me more control on those jerky motions than a drop bar.
But that's me.
04-09-19, 08:02 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,901
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,928 Times
in
1,210 Posts
The ergo bars that came on my Randonee aren't ergonomic for my hands, but I put gel pads under the tape and kept riding them.
The bars that came on my Fuji were damaged a while back, and the bike shop found some that were close to the same shape. They look like the classic round bar shape, and they're a good fit for me.
Either bike can go on a long weekend road ride, depending on how much it looks like rain, and I don't bother to switch bars.
The bars that came on my Fuji were damaged a while back, and the bike shop found some that were close to the same shape. They look like the classic round bar shape, and they're a good fit for me.
Either bike can go on a long weekend road ride, depending on how much it looks like rain, and I don't bother to switch bars.
04-09-19, 09:18 AM
#10
Virgo
Thread Starter
I'm presently trying to sell the Cannondale that's attached to the GB handlebars that Scott sent me. Once my heart surgery recovery is finished, I'm allowed back on DF bikes, and the autumn-winter sales start, I'm planning on buying a new road bike. I'm between M and L and usually have bought L. I'm going a size down to M this time and maybe then I won't be riding tops-or-drops like a 70's bike with turkey levers. Instead I'll be able to ride on the hoods like modern bikes are supposed to be. In that case the shape of the brifters might really be more important than the handlebars.
All I've known up to this point is tops and drops with this exact bar, on 3 different bikes made in the 70s/early 80s (prior to current commuter). I suppose if I were to pretend I were looking at a picture of somebody else's bike, I'd probably say "how can you reach the hoods?".
Side note: I'm very encouraged by your recovery and positive attitude. Back in 2013 while I was still lurking BF and before I really got bit by the bike bug, I had the adductors in my left leg removed along with a lemon-sized sarcoma. Prior to that, I had only been riding about 500 miles a year, just on the trails and with my kids and stuff, but my leg was pretty jacked up for about 2 years and I didn't ride much at all, maybe 100 miles a year. It would be a tough thing for me to stay off the bike now.
Quick reminiscence - I remember the first time I rode my work commute after the surgery. It was similar to my current route just longer, we lived deeper into town and I worked a little further out in the country, 14 miles each way. I felt like a beast. My leg hurt so bad LOL. It was around that time I really got "bit". I could only do the ride a couple times a week but I did it as often as I could.
Last edited by Phamilton; 04-09-19 at 09:47 AM.
04-09-19, 09:46 AM
#11
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
what's that like? I guess jogging is out? Do you need a cane?
04-09-19, 10:00 AM
#12
Virgo
Thread Starter
I was on crutches for a month or so and limped for the first couple years but eventually adapted. The bike has helped a lot. I have to pace myself. I have to take care of my legs, I can't just hop on and pedal willy nilly like mad anymore. Lots of stretching, strengthening, massaging, and ibuprofen helps. Bike fit became pretty important once I started commuting every day. But most of these things I think are par for the course for pushing 40, and for cycling in general. I may be delusional, but I still think my best cycling days are yet to come. I haven't really tried jogging much yet. I bet it would hurt.
04-09-19, 10:31 AM
#13
Senior Member
Personally, I'd use an Origin8 Pro Fit ATB stem with 31.8 clamp to give you more bar options. This will raise the bars at the same time.
I prefer the Salsa Cowbell handlebar which is available in many sizes. However, I don't have a lot of different drop bar experiences.
I prefer the Salsa Cowbell handlebar which is available in many sizes. However, I don't have a lot of different drop bar experiences.
Last edited by katsup; 04-09-19 at 10:51 AM. Reason: typo
04-09-19, 10:44 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I have several bikes with drop bars that I ride to work, but none is designated as a commute bike. I prefer a traditional round but it's all so personal that it's hard to suggest a bar that I like that you'll like too.
04-09-19, 10:52 AM
#15
Virgo
Thread Starter
Personally, I'd use an Origin8 Pro Fit ATB stem with 31.8 clamp to give you more bar options. This will raise the bars at the same time.
I prefer the Salsa Cowbell handlebar which is available in many sizes. However, I have don't have a lot of different drop bar experiences.
I prefer the Salsa Cowbell handlebar which is available in many sizes. However, I have don't have a lot of different drop bar experiences.
04-09-19, 10:54 AM
#16
Virgo
Thread Starter
I usually buy my bars from Satori as they usually make them in the same factory as other brands and they come in every conceivable size, thickness and shape.
Also, one of the largest supplier of adjustable stems and QR stems for much better storage options (page 38/39).
https://www.satoribike.com/lib/dl_fil...2020-view1.pdf
Also, one of the largest supplier of adjustable stems and QR stems for much better storage options (page 38/39).
https://www.satoribike.com/lib/dl_fil...2020-view1.pdf
04-09-19, 11:28 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,955
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 873 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
My commute is 15.5 miles one-way on mostly MUP and some surburban bike lanes. I use Easton EA50 ergo bars, 40cm width (but actually 38 c-t-c), 80mm reach and 125mm drop, with Profile Designs Airstyke clipons. New bike is getting Zipp Service Course 80 Ergo bars, which are same dimensions in the 38mm and still clipon compatible, but with drilled Di2 holes.
04-10-19, 05:55 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,204
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2012 Post(s)
Liked 408 Times
in
234 Posts
I've got a few different bars on the bikes. Tradition round one from the 1980's, ergo, regular shallow drop and reach, and two with flattened tops. The last two are my personal favorites as the flat tops provide a bit more area for the hands when riding on the tops. And they look better.
04-10-19, 06:43 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
GEAR QUESTION: Drop bar commuters
Personally a question I never considered after decades of year-round cycle-commuting, even after
Drop bar commuters:
Which bar do you use?
Why?
Classic bend, ergo, compact, what have you? ...
Maybe there are some characteristics specific to commuting that might dictate a different drop bar choice than for, say, sporty group rides or touring or something else? That’s why I’m asking here.
Which bar do you use?
Why?
Classic bend, ergo, compact, what have you? ...
Maybe there are some characteristics specific to commuting that might dictate a different drop bar choice than for, say, sporty group rides or touring or something else? That’s why I’m asking here.
…For the past few years I have been entirely satisfied with my carbon fiber road bike, aluminum road bike as a beater that accepts 30C studded tires, and a previous moumtain bike beater, now in storage.
This year however has been a bust because this winter I developed a weakness in my neck muscles supporting my head upright (perhaps due to a two month unavoidable layoff) on my previously well-fitted bikes.
I had a subsequent fitting on both, with some handlebar adjustments. I recently got an exercise consultation for neck, shoulder and core muscles, and was given an exercise routine, that takes a big chunk of 50 minutes to perform. Exercise may fix it, but that’s a long-term solution.
All these remedies have barely allow me to ride my minimum 14 mile one-way commute with slight discomfort near the end. By this time of the year I'm doing weekly 50-60 mile rides easily, and even training for a Century.
Just yesterday, I rented a hybrid style bike with flat handlebars, and was comfortable on the commute, even with a moderately heavy backpack
So now I’m giving in to the idea of a flat bar bike. I’m in a quandary if I should replace the drop bars on my aluminum beater (with endurance style geometry) with flat bars, see if I can buy this relatively cheap hybrid since it seems to work, or buy a new quality hybrid to my specifications...
This year however has been a bust because this winter I developed a weakness in my neck muscles supporting my head upright (perhaps due to a two month unavoidable layoff) on my previously well-fitted bikes.
I had a subsequent fitting on both, with some handlebar adjustments. I recently got an exercise consultation for neck, shoulder and core muscles, and was given an exercise routine, that takes a big chunk of 50 minutes to perform. Exercise may fix it, but that’s a long-term solution.
All these remedies have barely allow me to ride my minimum 14 mile one-way commute with slight discomfort near the end. By this time of the year I'm doing weekly 50-60 mile rides easily, and even training for a Century.
Just yesterday, I rented a hybrid style bike with flat handlebars, and was comfortable on the commute, even with a moderately heavy backpack
So now I’m giving in to the idea of a flat bar bike. I’m in a quandary if I should replace the drop bars on my aluminum beater (with endurance style geometry) with flat bars, see if I can buy this relatively cheap hybrid since it seems to work, or buy a new quality hybrid to my specifications...
Help with choosing a bike.
Now here’s where I’m coming from. I have described myself as a decades-long, year-round lifestyle cyclist, and my favored bike is a high-end carbon fiber bike costing thousands of dollars..
I also have a aluminum beater road bike costing about $1500, and for me that was a minimal road bike, to be used in bad weather.
FWIW, I also have a Giant Escape hybrid bike that I recently bought for rehabilitation, because I was having trouble with my neck and shoulders riding the drop bars….
Now here’s where I’m coming from. I have described myself as a decades-long, year-round lifestyle cyclist, and my favored bike is a high-end carbon fiber bike costing thousands of dollars..
I also have a aluminum beater road bike costing about $1500, and for me that was a minimal road bike, to be used in bad weather.
FWIW, I also have a Giant Escape hybrid bike that I recently bought for rehabilitation, because I was having trouble with my neck and shoulders riding the drop bars….
04-10-19, 07:18 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
I always raise my bars using a longer stem or tube extender, not just for commuting
Last edited by rumrunn6; 04-11-19 at 09:12 AM.
04-10-19, 07:39 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,901
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,928 Times
in
1,210 Posts
04-10-19, 07:57 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
... got those long stems from Harris Cyclery Newton, MA many years ago. just checked their website & quickly found the brand you mentioned. could be the same as what I bought Nitto Technomic Stem (tall) 22.2mm Quill with 26.0mm Clampbut yeah, I've done a lot of experimentation & I try to adapt to what monster I wind up with. the drop bar ends n the MTB didn't last long. not entirely sure any of them "fit like a glove" tho. current bars on the Bottecchia are pretty comfortable, but wouldn't say I was in love with them
Last edited by rumrunn6; 04-10-19 at 01:15 PM.
04-10-19, 11:44 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,863
Bikes: too many of all kinds
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1147 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times
in
335 Posts
Any bar is someone’s favorite.
My favorite is Gerry Burgess randonneur bars as found on Schwinns of the early 70’s. But even among the group of randonneur bars, it’s a weird outlier, with not as much bend in the hoops and a lot of grip area at the bottom of the drops. A lot more like gravel bike handlebars of today.
My favorite is Gerry Burgess randonneur bars as found on Schwinns of the early 70’s. But even among the group of randonneur bars, it’s a weird outlier, with not as much bend in the hoops and a lot of grip area at the bottom of the drops. A lot more like gravel bike handlebars of today.
Based on your post I tried to google it, and found this Schwinn Le Tour
. The reach and drop are shorter than it looks in this picture - those long bar ends are a little misleading in the photo.
Looks like compass is the closest to this, although some gravel handlebars (notably the Salsa flared bars) seem to have a similar design theme.
https://janheine.wordpress.com/2015/...ur-handlebars/
04-10-19, 12:17 PM
#24
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
@chas58, here's a little more info on them: VeloBase.com - Component: GB Randonneur
04-10-19, 02:08 PM
#25
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
There’s a long thread in C&V showing differences between all the randonneur bars. The closest to the Gerry’s you can buy at retail today seem to be the Nitto 135’s