taz777

How easy is it to remove and reattach the brake levers, grips and shifter over to new bars? Also, would there be an issue with brake cable length if I went for Cruiser Ape bars, for example?

On my Townie 8i, I have a twist-shift on the right-hand side grip.

vmcrcr

I didn't have any issues,the levers/grips/shifters moved right over (carefully removing the grips, and using hair spray or gel to reassemble them). I went with a lower rise, so I just left the cable length alone.
They guys over at https://www.ratrodbikes.com/ might have a better answer for you as far as sources for extended length cables, or buy some for a tandem and cut them down.

Townie7D

Townie7D

I took my Townie to my LBS and they switched the handlebars for me. Yes, it involved some new cables but it was worth it.

deathcrow76

I'm not too fond of the far reach either and I was just about to consider changing handlebars. Then I realized if I sat up straighter that my bad knee would "pop" when I pedaled. Bent forward to reach the handlebars and my knee didn't pop. The reason I went with the Townie is because it's the only bike I tested that was easy on my knee. So as much as I wish I could get another handlebar, I'm going to end up keeping it since it magically puts my body in the right position so as to not hurt my knee. That's what's so good about bikes I guess, each one can be customized to your needs and the way you want them to look

Big Dave Crowe

kill the thread! He gets it! Lots of handlebar options - awesome! Lol

Cruiser2112

BicycleSafari

Only if you don't read any part of it.

alloo

Thank You Trestlehed! These are the bars that I want for my bike. Townie 21D

Rollfast

I just found some dude on a bike group or Craigslist with good old Walds, Torringtons or similar old and wide, long bars and did it myself.

alloo

I got the Electra Cruiser Cafe Bars installed on my bike. I love the posture better, the bike seems easier to ride. My other Townie will have Bullhorn Bars.
Electra Townie 21D with Cafe Bars.

alloo

Townie 21d w/Bullhorns
Townie with the Electra Cruiser Bullhorn Bars.

JanJ

I had similar situation as the townie electra works great for my knees & hips but I needed the handlebars to be much closer. I was having to stretch to reach them and my lower back was killing me to the point where I just could not ride like that at all. So after reading countless forums and going to 2 bike shops and ordering and trying on different handlebars, I have a very simple solution. I turned the stem around. They say you are not supposed to do that as it affects how the bike drives/ steers. Well I'm here to tell you it doesn't. There is absolutely no difference in the way you handle the bike and honestly turning it around has been a life saver. I'm so comfortable and zero back ache.

SkinGriz

Well. Since it’s resurrected.

I think you’re correct. I think only the distance from steering axis matters. Not whether that distance is in front or behind the steering axis.

Immediately upon seeing the crank forward thing I understood the idea was to rotate the whole body backwards. And that’s why people find the handlebar position odd.

And I realized if I ever wanted to stand up and go for it, that it would turn into an incredibly awkward bike.

So maybe the handlebars are so far forward so they won’t be behind you if you ever have to stand up and pedal hard.

This is long winded... I guess my conclusion is these are like recumbents for people who aren’t quite ready for a recumbent.

C.corri

On my townie I did not like the setback of the seat. So I bought a laidback seat post, and flipped it around. this put my legs in a better position and decreased the reach to the bars. This allowed me to setup the townie with similar dimensions of my other bikes, which made the ride more enjoyable.

elboomero

nice!