I've bought these for my kona dr dew. as my distance/commuter/untility bike. I have a pannier rack and a pizza rack up front. I use this bike on family rides with kids and the load out is great I can carry the families picnic stuff, coats etc. it's not the prettiest of set ups but it's a great load lugger, I dont do anything but road and compacted trails. I love the extra hand positions especially now I'm into my 40s and starting to get wrist/neck/back/shoulder niggles
I use these on my work setup. Light in middle, upper bar. Quadlock moto mount to the right on upper bar. Chrome industries handlebar bag lashed to bar near stem, fits the hole well and plenty of storage for tube, power bank. 2 CI feed bags on either side of the steerer. I really like the Ergon grips for swept back bars (can’t remember the model #). They flatten out the sweep and are super comfy on 6-8 hour shifts. I single wrapped the horns and bottom bar. I also heard you can stick Roman candles/bottle rockets in the horn tubes. Cool vid.
I just ordered this bar but won't see it for another 10-11 days. Can you comment on the reach and whether you can ride it upright with a short stem? I actually have similar plans as you - I have two feed bags and a quadlock mount I plan on throwing on these bars. I also have a chrome doubletrack handlebar bag! Do you have the same one? How does it fit? Any chance you can share a photo of your setup?
I was about to switch from a flared drop bar with sti shifters on a gravel bike to a trekking bar which I had kicking around in surplus. But after seeing several videos of riders installing these over trekking or Jones bars I’m now going that way instead. Primary reasons; reduce my neck, hand, back pain by a more upright riding position, multiple hand positions, mounting positions for cargo (bike packing, touring, stash bags, electronic devices). A Jones h bar was great on one foldable touring bike I have but not for my 650b gravel bike, and the trekking bar was shifting more weight forward of the stem which made steering squirrelly! I’m not too concerned on the weight of the bar as I’ve reduced front cargo load capacity on the gravel bike (small fork bags). It may not be till September before I can get new shifters, brake levers for this new conversion I’m planning, hopefully post new photos once done.
I’m seriously considering swapping the drop bars on my Salsa Fargo for these bars. Coming from MTB, I feel like I have no control over my bike with the drop bars and really can’t find a comfortable position on longer rides.
Good review. I’ve been thinking about these bars and have been thinking about the weight. I do wish they were aluminum. However, I would take comfort over weight. I do like the bar’s versatility.
At some point hopefully I can find a shop that has these in stock to see and hold a bit before I buy I'm running the Surly Sunrise 38 mil hybrid bars it's nice but I wish it was all one diameter for light and accessories to go on easier. So many options not enough money to choose with 😂
While steel is heavier than aluminum, it has superior ride quality, providing more lively feedback and better absorption of road chatter. I haven’t tried these bars so I can’t say if the superior ride quality of steel affects handlebar performance as much as it does bike-frame performance when compared to its aluminum counterpart. I wish reviewers of alt-bars would mention ride quality and feedback more than they typically do.
I show how I did it in my video called “Turning A Mountain Bike Into A Gravel Bike” if you want to give that a look. ua-cam.com/video/Tml92nueT1U/v-deo.html
I have a question about stem length. I am converting to those from drop bars on my TREK 520. My stem has a 17° rise and is about 100mm. Do you think this stem will be ok with the Moloko vs my old gravel drop bars?
I’d give it a shot as is and then go from there. The main hand position will feel much closer than your drop bars do, but if you’re wanting to use the front loop/horns a lot I have a feeling you’ll want a shorter stem.
Question: Is it possible to put bar end shifters in the horns? I’m running a drop bar with bar end shifters and not really feeling the setup. I’ve been thinking about going to this bar but I really like the bar end shifters.
I haven't tried, but it seems like a really good idea. According to their FAQ, the internal diameter of the horns is roughly 19-20mm so I'd see what range your bar ends will fit in.
I prefer these on technical trails and for a more mountain bike feel. The Jones is more comfortable and much lighter, but have a more “alt-bar” feeling.
After about 3 years the last Keurig stopped working ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf initially was able to unblock, however eventually we couldn't fix. That one was a replacement unit sent by the manufacturer after we had problems with our very first Keurig. This works fine (lol, at least for now) however I didn't realize the water reservoir was so much smaller than our prior unit. With 2 people having one or two cups of coffee each morning, it seems like I'm refilling it daily. Otherwise just happy to have the convenience of pod coffee vs. making a morning pot.
@@RideYearRound cannot buy Surly in my country. So im gonna buy spec diverge, change the gear to MTB group (gonna bikepacking in mountains) and install Surly moloko bar. That can work
Hello friend. Was wondering if you've played around with the stem length since setting up these bars? How do you feel about the reach? I just ordered these bars for my 90's MTB and won't see them for another 10 days. Trying to figure out if I should order another stem in the 50-60 mm range (I want to be able to ride almost upright). Thanks and great video! Watching this in 2021 and we still don't really know what a gravel bike is. Yours is clearly a gravel crusher!
I never actually swapped it out, but if I was wanting to sit more upright/relaxed I would use a shorter stem than the 70mm I had on there (50mm would probably be perfect). I wanted a little more of an aggressive position so I intentionally went a little longer on the stem.
Would you be willing to post a video on how you wrapped the tape on your Surly Moloko bars?
First time I've seen this setup - super interesting. I like the variety with these bars and mounting possibilities.
I'm a big fan of alt bars on gravel/adventure bikes.
I use these too. I cut an inch off the ends, I don’t ride technical trails. Surly makes a bag that fits in the middle of the loop, very handy.
I've bought these for my kona dr dew. as my distance/commuter/untility bike. I have a pannier rack and a pizza rack up front. I use this bike on family rides with kids and the load out is great I can carry the families picnic stuff, coats etc. it's not the prettiest of set ups but it's a great load lugger, I dont do anything but road and compacted trails. I love the extra hand positions especially now I'm into my 40s and starting to get wrist/neck/back/shoulder niggles
Have you mounted the specialized pizza rack? I’m thinking about mounting it to my dew plus
I use these on my work setup. Light in middle, upper bar. Quadlock moto mount to the right on upper bar. Chrome industries handlebar bag lashed to bar near stem, fits the hole well and plenty of storage for tube, power bank. 2 CI feed bags on either side of the steerer. I really like the Ergon grips for swept back bars (can’t remember the model #). They flatten out the sweep and are super comfy on 6-8 hour shifts. I single wrapped the horns and bottom bar. I also heard you can stick Roman candles/bottle rockets in the horn tubes. Cool vid.
I’ll have to test out the Roman candle idea on the 4th of July haha
I just ordered this bar but won't see it for another 10-11 days. Can you comment on the reach and whether you can ride it upright with a short stem? I actually have similar plans as you - I have two feed bags and a quadlock mount I plan on throwing on these bars. I also have a chrome doubletrack handlebar bag! Do you have the same one? How does it fit? Any chance you can share a photo of your setup?
Well done. Can’t wait to try my new Moloko mounted Surly Troll.
Nice review, found the existence of the surly corner bar, but now I have probably something more suited for me
Love the bars. Run them on my surly LHT. Took forever to find a set but couldn’t recommend more. Great review!
I had them backordered for awhile and then found a set available and ordered them asap! It's a tough market right now.
I was about to switch from a flared drop bar with sti shifters on a gravel bike to a trekking bar which I had kicking around in surplus. But after seeing several videos of riders installing these over trekking or Jones bars I’m now going that way instead. Primary reasons; reduce my neck, hand, back pain by a more upright riding position, multiple hand positions, mounting positions for cargo (bike packing, touring, stash bags, electronic devices).
A Jones h bar was great on one foldable touring bike I have but not for my 650b gravel bike, and the trekking bar was shifting more weight forward of the stem which made steering squirrelly!
I’m not too concerned on the weight of the bar as I’ve reduced front cargo load capacity on the gravel bike (small fork bags).
It may not be till September before I can get new shifters, brake levers for this new conversion I’m planning, hopefully post new photos once done.
In addition I will try to install those new bar end LED lights on the short bull ends of the bar, make a nice turn signal or visibility for bike.
I’m seriously considering swapping the drop bars on my Salsa Fargo for these bars. Coming from MTB, I feel like I have no control over my bike with the drop bars and really can’t find a comfortable position on longer rides.
Best review yet! Thank you
Great review. Thanks for informing about the weight. Will keep looking out.
Good review. I’ve been thinking about these bars and have been thinking about the weight. I do wish they were aluminum. However, I would take comfort over weight. I do like the bar’s versatility.
At some point hopefully I can find a shop that has these in stock to see and hold a bit before I buy I'm running the Surly Sunrise 38 mil hybrid bars it's nice but I wish it was all one diameter for light and accessories to go on easier. So many options not enough money to choose with 😂
Great review. Thank you.
I did order it in the Netherlands. Will get it tomorrow :-)
While steel is heavier than aluminum, it has superior ride quality, providing more lively feedback and better absorption of road chatter. I haven’t tried these bars so I can’t say if the superior ride quality of steel affects handlebar performance as much as it does bike-frame performance when compared to its aluminum counterpart. I wish reviewers of alt-bars would mention ride quality and feedback more than they typically do.
No absorption when you have a stiff steel loop. Steel Flat bars are another story there are absortion going on/
Has anyone tried these vs the VO crazy bars?? What's the verdct
Been looking at these bars for a bit. Thanks for the info, it helped!
Great review.
Have you got any tips on the wrapping of the tape? Where do you start?
I show how I did it in my video called “Turning A Mountain Bike Into A Gravel Bike” if you want to give that a look. ua-cam.com/video/Tml92nueT1U/v-deo.html
love these bars
what an awesome scenery, where is this location, i like it very ))) Subscribed !
2:26 What are those mittens?
They’re called handlebar mitts or pogies or probably some other names. There are lots of different ones available online.
Thank you
can you easily instal mtb breaks and shifters onto the moloko, like the corner or will I need more cable and mechanisms to make this work?
what is the simplest narrow handlebars you would recommend that is still confortable?
I have a question about stem length. I am converting to those from drop bars on my TREK 520. My stem has a 17° rise and is about 100mm. Do you think this stem will be ok with the Moloko vs my old gravel drop bars?
I’d give it a shot as is and then go from there. The main hand position will feel much closer than your drop bars do, but if you’re wanting to use the front loop/horns a lot I have a feeling you’ll want a shorter stem.
@@RideYearRound I believe you are right. Thank you for the advice.
Have you ever tried the velo orange crazy bars? I'm trying to decide between these and the crazy bars.
I haven't, but based on the measurements I think I might like the new version of crazy bars more than these.
Question: Is it possible to put bar end shifters in the horns? I’m running a drop bar with bar end shifters and not really feeling the setup.
I’ve been thinking about going to this bar but I really like the bar end shifters.
I haven't tried, but it seems like a really good idea. According to their FAQ, the internal diameter of the horns is roughly 19-20mm so I'd see what range your bar ends will fit in.
Where i can buy this?
I wish they'd make this bar with a 20 degree sweep.
How do you rate these against the Jones bars in hindsight?
I prefer these on technical trails and for a more mountain bike feel. The Jones is more comfortable and much lighter, but have a more “alt-bar” feeling.
Cool thanks for replying
But the price though ~£100 here!! Maybe if it was £50... its just steel pipe remember :o
By that logic no steel bike should be more than a couple hundred bucks because things should only be the cost of the material.
After about 3 years the last Keurig stopped working ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf initially was able to unblock, however eventually we couldn't fix. That one was a replacement unit sent by the manufacturer after we had problems with our very first Keurig. This works fine (lol, at least for now) however I didn't realize the water reservoir was so much smaller than our prior unit. With 2 people having one or two cups of coffee each morning, it seems like I'm refilling it daily. Otherwise just happy to have the convenience of pod coffee vs. making a morning pot.
Would you recommend it for bikepacking and longer rides?
For sure. If you look at Surly’s bikes they put these on their most rugged bikepacking bikes.
@@RideYearRound cannot buy Surly in my country. So im gonna buy spec diverge, change the gear to MTB group (gonna bikepacking in mountains) and install Surly moloko bar. That can work
Still have?
Yes I do. Love them.
Hello friend. Was wondering if you've played around with the stem length since setting up these bars? How do you feel about the reach? I just ordered these bars for my 90's MTB and won't see them for another 10 days. Trying to figure out if I should order another stem in the 50-60 mm range (I want to be able to ride almost upright). Thanks and great video! Watching this in 2021 and we still don't really know what a gravel bike is. Yours is clearly a gravel crusher!
I never actually swapped it out, but if I was wanting to sit more upright/relaxed I would use a shorter stem than the 70mm I had on there (50mm would probably be perfect). I wanted a little more of an aggressive position so I intentionally went a little longer on the stem.
I bought an adjustable stem for this reason, I wanted the upright comfy ride when out with the kids. I've got them on a rigid commuter bike
What bike do you have them mounted on?
Surly Karate Monkey
Hi, did you shorten your moloko bar or did you keep the original length?
I kept everything original. I enjoy the width as is.
Hello, I 'm from Russia, I would like to know how you like this steering wheel, is it convenient for you ?
I really like these handlebars and would recommend them to anyone who doesn’t want to run drop bars but wants additional hand positions.
: )