I'm Dutch and ride with these types of handle bars every day, as do most people here. To get into an aerodynamic stance lean forward and rest your front arms on the grips at a horizontal angle. Your hands will grip close to the middle part of the handle bar. Gives you both good leverage and an aerodynamic position. I always use it when I have headwinds.
I’ve literally just done this as my lockdown project. 90s alloy, 26inch wheel MTB with canti brakes and Nitto Albatross bars. Also using friction shifting but only went 7spd. I love the relaxed, upright position. With 2.1inch Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tyres it’s super comfortable. The combination of bars, riding position and tyres makes it carve turns like a longboard - slow with flow and style.
I have those tyres on my radar, they look awesome. Can you tell me if they are ok for a tubeless setup? I'm concerned to run these with tubes on gravel/rocky roads
Heh heh. Welcome to the dark side; we have Rustines. I've been using a V-O Porteur flipped upside down for a year, and I love it. With a short Terry stem, a big brass V-O bell, Brooks B17, and big squishy tires, my purple '92 Rockhopper never looked so classy or rode so smooth.
I did this to my hard tail mountain bike many years ago. I have been happy with the arrangement for over 15 years. It is a great bike to ride in awful weather.
Glad to see your coverage of “alternative” bar solutions. I converted my bikes 10 years ago and never looked back. Recently put jones H bars on my new salsa timberjack and im loving the supple life!
When I made the switch, I went with a longer stem to find my body position sweet spot. That plus using the front curves of the Nitto Albatross bar (which works well for me) allows me to ride extended sections of headwinds. I still enjoy the other advantages you mentioned.
Good thing I read through the comments before blabbing. I too think that Russ needs a longer stem with those swept back bars. I went from a 90 to 110 when I made my conversion. The plus is that it'll stretch you out more and make that "hook" position more aero.
I've converted two mtb's to upright this summer, and have loved every minute of it. Your comments are spot on about the pros and cons. I've noticed I've gravitated for the upright bars recently to see the scenery and enjoy the view. I'm seeing things I totally missed with drop bars.
We did a conversion like this on my wife's vintage Peugeot Touring bike, using the Velo Orange Postino bar. She loves it and rides it almost as much as she does her modern Jamis Road bike.
I converted from road bars, i have swept alt bars and a basket, I love my setup. Oh, I still love bar tape though, I just double wrap for great comfort
Nice! I just converted my Cross Check with Jones H-Loop bars and love them. I never liked the bar end shifters on the Surly, and I have a Breezer Doppler Pro with drop bars, so this differentiates the bikes even more.
Which is actually how the "drop bars" originated: Cyclists that flipped the old town bike bars upside down for more aero on track bikes, and then the curly back-swept shape was the next step.
I now have a Jones Loop H-Bar on my Specialized Rock Hopper, a Richey Venture Max Comp bar on my AWOL, and a Metropolis FSA bar on my Salsa Mukluk. The T-bar that came with both the Rock Hopper and the Mukluk became uncomfortable on my wrists after a few years, and so I swapped it out for more back sweep, that felt more natural to my wrist position. Same with the wider sweep on the Venture Max Comp bar. If I'm going to face a lot of wind (in the prairie out here, you get a lot of that) I go with the drop bar. But, if I'm in twisting single track, and in and out of trees and over the occasional rocky/technical sections, I go with the Metropolis and/or the Jones Loop H-Bar set up. But I like the retro look of the bars you put on yours. That classic chrome look. Nice.
I've changed a lot of my bikes over to bullhorn handlebars. Similar concept to what you did but I love to use the bullhorns in long climbs and cycling into the wind for aero. Have all the controls on the flat bar part so that I feel more in control. It works for me.
I converted my touring/commuter bike to alt bars six or seven years ago. I was afraid I'd miss the many hand positions of drop bars, but not at all. I can ride all day on my Nitto Albatross bars, rarely deviating from the default hand position. Of course, I'm not looking for an aero position,; I'm looking for comfort in a long ride.
Exactly. A bike frame size for drop bars is not the same as one for swept back or even mountain bike flat bars. Also, there are so many types of swept back bars - some which sweep back with little or no compensation for reach, in which case you would need a longer stem or have a longer front end to begin with, or something like a Ritchey Kyote, which has a very tight bend in the bar which brings the hands forward more inline with the stem-bar clamp as opposed to sweeping back far behind the stem-bar clamp.
That's awesome. I did this same thing with my drop bar Marin last year and I love it. The only difference is I flipped my bar over to keep the front end a little lower.
Alt bars are all ya need. This style handlebar should be stock on most road bikes. Drop bars are for racing. Most folk don’t use the drops. Most of the drop bar spandex folks I see look uncomfortable and are exclusively on the tops and not even the hoods. Amazing vid russ!!!
@@HollyBoni love it. And ur right if implying bar comfort not about type as much as fit. But even if fit is perfect i still prefer alt bars due to cheap, high quality parts, non integrated levers and shifters, hydraulic brake price and availability, ergon grips, and exposed cables for easy maintenance. And lower gearing for mtns near my house.
@@frakafrocka For sure. I like drop bars but I always thought the price of integrated shifters was ridicioulusly high, then hydraulic ones came along and topped everything... 🙄
c johnson you can get multiple hand positions and aero on jones bar. Plus have better components for cheaper. When on Jones in wind I rest forarms on grips and hold front of loop. Not exactly the same but hey can’t have everything. Drops have a place but almost all nice bikes come with them. I wish were more 50/50 . Think most people get drops due to form over function.
When you mentioned that Whatbars website I immediately checked it out and It's an amazing reference! I've been looking for a bar similar in backsweep to my current Surly Moloko Bars for my fat-bike but I wanted something lighter and w/o the little bullhorns. Thanks so much!
I did this type of conversion with my Surly Straggler to the North Road style bars and I don't think I've enjoyed riding a bike more, now. The 52cm frame is just slightly too large for me but with the new bars it's not only an awesome gravel bike but also fantastic for just riding around town. Surly needs to make a stock version like this.
I recently installed some soma gators flipped upside down with a 30mm crust stem on an old Schwinn High Sierra. Talk about FUN!!!! If I was riding into extreme headwinds I could literally flip the bars back to drop mode in a matter of minutes :)
I did this a couple of years ago on my 1990s rigid mountain bike. Switched from flat bars to Nitto albatross swept bars with bar-end shifters. Replaced the original riser stem with a 120mm quill stem swiped from my road bike for a lower position. And switched from 700x32 chevron tread tires to 700x42 Conti SpeedRides. Kept most of the original components, including cantilever brakes. Terrific all arounder, including casual gravel rides. Same advantage you noted for standing to climb -- body weight is directly over the BB. It's a little less aero, but much better leverage than my road bike when standing to climb, and less tiring. There's a good reason why this style bike was popular for decades before the drop bar road bike style became trendy with casual cyclists. If you want to get a little lower and more aero, try flipping the swept bar, path racer style. A longer stem can help too, although it changes the bike fit as well. I find it easier to tweak minor fit issues with an old school quill stem.
"...and your little dog, too!" But seriously, you look comfy and classy! Personally I crave discomfort and impracticality. I do think those guys looking for 70cm drop bars with extreme flare should look into this kind of setup. It's like we've gone full circle.
I've had alt bars on my old Raleigh Routier for about 12 years now. When I bought the bike new in 1986 it had drops, then I turned them upside down and cut them into bullhorns, then normal risers. The Alt bars, maybe I call them North Road Bars are great on the flat where cycling position and speed isn't so important. I usually take the bike to Holland when visiting family.
I have put a 4 inch riser bar with a Zoom adjustable quill stem on my 1997 Schwinn Paramount road touring bike to get my arthritic neck up out of that stressed tuck position. I also put a pair of 6 inch bar ends on the ends of the bars as well to get a little more forward reach and aerodynamic on the road, which is where I find myself most of the time.. I haven't used a drop bar on any of my bikes for over 30 years. It is much easier on my neck and as a result at 66 years old, I am still riding. Thanks for the video.
Been using Albatross bars on a 92 Kona Explosiv for years and I'll never go back to flat . Gave up drop bars before that due to neck and back stiffness. I love this Alt setup as it has added years to my biking career!
That was one of a few incarnations I did with my 90's, steel, Cinder Cone; these bikes will do anything. Now have an 853 Explosif frame to play with.....along with my steel Lava Dome!
Yes , I am currently using alt bars with added aero bars. It allows for a second hand & riding position. A lot of long distance bike packers are adding aero bars.
i struggled with drops for a while and have been happily running moloko bars on my gravel rig for a few years now. i love them and won't go back to drops on it. currently piecing together more of a kush road rig and i am going to try drops on that again to see, but i might be back to "alt" bars on that again too... if you want more positions, try wrapping them in some comfy gel tape, and if you really want to go nuts, but mtb bar ends in the bends and then wrap everything!
If you check out the whatbar website and have a look for the Koga Denham Bars, they have a 30 deg sweep with aero grips in the centre. Designed by Alee Denham on cyclingabout.com.
Yeah, there are plenty of alt bars that offer multiple hand positions including aero options - usually more forward than dropped. (Nixsounds notes one example). "Alt" doesn't *mean* swept-back cruiser bar, but it includes this type.
Surprisingly. Drop bars have an upper area to grab them with,and a medium heidth area to grab them,and a lower area to grab them. Dont have to bend over to use them.
@@bradsanders6954 I am 6'4" and I have to bend over to use everything except ape hangers maybe. Surprisingly, at 56, the alt bars also keep my old ass wrists at an angle that doesn't cause me pain as well as come back behind the stem, making my ride more comfortable. When I was young, I just rode bikes, and none of this mattered, because I was young, and wasn't OLD. :P
@@JeffOehlsen I realized I was getting old the second I seriously started considering inner bar ends on an alt bar at my hood location. If you catch me mounting mirrors next, please call the mental health professionals and get me locked up! Catch you at BINGO!
1.) Looks very classy and comfortable! 2.) I agree about the road decent and also the gravel comments 3) as usual very good content. Thanks for sharing!
Often called a North Road bar. I did this about 15 years ago to a rebuild of an old Shogun Metro SE frame and it was a very comfortable bike to ride for urban commuting and even some more relaxed touring rides. Agreed, it is no fast bike in a headwind or as a bunch-ride bike. But comfy. Best to fit a longer stem to convert from road drop bars as otherwise you will be quite crowded and very upright. This may be a desirable thing but it is usually best to go with a bit of length. Road bar position is a good 5-10cm forward of the bar-stem mount, whereas the North Road grips are going to be up to 5cm behind the bar-stem mount. Best to extend the stem by at least 4-6cm if you can
I converted both mine and my fiance's bikes from drops to alt bars. Her Schwinn got townie bars and my motobecane fixie got some kalin flat bars and a 90s mtb neck. Bars are probably the most drastic change you can make to a bike.
I bought an old cannondale touting bike and installed the jones bars, with mtb controls, tektro levers on cantilever brakes. I found the same experience with the saddle. My upright position required a different saddle. Like the whole package,works really well. Found you can fine tune the weight on your wrists and elbows with small changes in the bar angle. Would certainly recommend the alt bars on these more tradition shaped frames.
Swapped out to Soma Oxford on my Trek 520disk late last season. Welcome to the party, hope it serves you well. I found the more upright but not straight up was very good for me. Good trail, good road, good climbing hills, good on flats. L Did have to slide my Adamo saddle forward a bit. Noticed the fear on steep road decents as well.
Last year I officially converted all my bikes to alt bars. I will never go back. I prefer them for mixed terrain, although if I was still doing 100% road riding I might be rocking drops. My personal favorites are the Velo Orange crazy bars and the Surly moloko.
xbmarx - Glad to see I’m not the only one who prefers non-drop bars. My every day ride has flats and I like the security of wrapping my hands around that long bar. I’ve hit some nasty stuff, but always managed to keep control.
I got the wild hair to try a set of Nitto Albatross bars on a Sam Hillborne I use for gravel riding. The bar it replaced was a SOMA Portola dirt drop. I found the same advantages as you did, Russ. I do find the forward sweeps on the Albatross plenty comfortable to be on for paved riding. I use bar end shifters and Oury Single Compound V2 Grips (longer than the standard Single Compound grips and with no flange), then wrap the forward sweeps with bar tape. This creates a fairly uninterrupted progression of hand position well into the sweeps. I liked it so much, I also put the Albatross bars on a new Rivendell Joe Appaloosa 29er build that I've been riding singletrack on. The Albatross is great for that too!!
Another great video. I have been thinking about those bars for awhile now. Know I'm in a minority but, I just seem to enjoy a more upright ridding position than most. Thanks for taking the plunge and sharing your experience.
Looks super rad, especially with the basket. It’s like a sleeper gravel grinder. I’d think you naturally have a lot more leverage in gripping flat bar brakes compared to gripping brifters. Maybe that has something to do with it?
I've got a similar bar on my regular commute bike, i have the bar in mustche mode. Comfortable to tuck in when holding it in the middle, stable position for rough when holding the grips. I've added griptape along the whole bar.
I’ve used similar handlebars on my commuter for the past 13 years, and they’re terrific. Comfortable, nimble, stable, and I can keep up a good traveling pace. FTW
After riding my drop-bar gravel bike for quite some time, I have recently come to the conclusion that a light flat-bar XC mountain bike makes a better gravel bike (for me) than the gravel bike. It's almost as fast on pavement, as fast on gravel, and faster on anything more technical either flat, up, or down. It can pretty much go anywhere I care to go with way more confidence and commitment than on my gravel bike. Also, on the rough stuff, I don't have to keep it slow and it doesn't beat and vibrate me to death. I'm more comfortable with the geometry of the XC bike--I'm less over the front tire, so climbing is more efficient and steep, rough descents are definitely more secure and confidence inspiring. And the bottom bracket is an inch and a half higher and able to clear obstacles better. So, the gravel bike is going to be sold. For what I do, the XC MTB (I have a hardtail and will eventually get a super-light full sus (with remote lockout) XC racer as a second bike) just makes more sense. I'm maybe 20% pavement, 25% gravel/doubletrack, and 55% more mountain bike type trails (mostly green and blue, but some black diamond). To be fair, though, it really depends on you and your riding. For many, an XC MTB is more than is needed. If I lived on the plains or rode milder terrain, I'd probably chose the gravel bike. But here in the mountains and deserts, the XC just makes more sense for me. Not quite as fast on the roads, but faster and more secure everywhere else. I actually timed myself on a paved five mile flat to moderate uphill road with both the gravel bike and XC MTB. I pushed it hard on both. Even though the XC is almost five pounds heavier, I was within about 35 seconds. That is what really convinced me that I'm at very little disadvantage on my XC on pavement and at a big advantage on the rough stuff. Makes sense to go with the XC MTB "gravel bike"...
Cool topic. I’ve got slightly swept back bars on my Valencia and had been looking at potentially the Denham Bars due to the “long stretches” and aero bits you spoke of here. Wide is great for the rocky bits, but tucked for pavement cruising is definitely a thing to consider. Thanks as always for the vid. Off to that bar website for more homework
Iv recently changed to these cruiserbars from bullhorn for my touring/commuter and I was amazed how the riding changed for the better. Not very sporty, more classic look but definitely worth the upgrade
I changed the flat handle bar on my Norwid touring bike last year to a M-Wave Double Bar (identical to the Cinelli Double Trouble) which is a 660mm Jones H-Bar copy. It was a big positiv change in comfort specially in combination with Ergon grips but after few month I want even more sweep and will change to an VO Granola Bar as well but keeping the width. As bonus it has a more classic look in addition to my Porteur rack. The M-Wave handlerbar wil go on my '09 Surly Pugsley.
My late, lamented Troll had a Rivendell Bosco on it, and that was darned comfortable. Because of the length and the rise of the bar, I could kinda tuck down onto the flats of the bar and get kinda-sorta aero. Current build is starting out on an Albatross, we’ll see how it goes.
I've got an old rigid Giant Iguana with bara like this. Works great and is very comfortable. Never tried it on gravel though. Just commuting on pavement.
Just doing similar conversion, from TRPs & 9speed wth dropbar actuated with Sora to butterfly with Sturmey-Archer thumbshifters and brake levers... we'll see how that goes ;)
Grew up racing dirt motorcycles and when I started racing road motorcycles the switch to low bars (clip ons) was easy. Not so on bicycles. Currently riding a Specialized Cruz Carbon cyclocross bike and love everything about it...except the drops. Forget the aero advantages, I’ll be switching to flats for better brake modulation and more secure handling.
Interesting, i am glad you are experimenting, especially with extra bikes. Mtb have come a long way with bars, going much wider. Look at the XC races and you'll notice very short bars. Hey my old mtb has a short bar! Hey I'm going to change it...and i did, last year. I put on a huge bar with a large rise and sweep bring the bars further back so i could sit up, put some squish on and the ride is different. I love it as a change from my gravel or full squish with it's 26" wheels, most responsive. My wife's mtb has a short bar, but it has a cute curl/bend to it, like an unagressive alt bar. The commuter bikes tend to have a very upright posture but they usually go flat bar with a minor rise. I tested one, i could get a good crank on it but it didn't feel comfortable for long commutes. I think the posture is less difficult to hold, with core muscles. As we get older i think this is our eventual position. Thanks for the video. And yes i also like the flat bar braking, and so much easier to fiddle with. But not the most comfortable on really long rides. I did 80km with my old bike and i was struggling for another position - many XC racers actually reach down and grab their forks to steer, i have seen this on mtb on the highway in gravel races.
Who knew. I have “alt bars “. I have a surly lht and put some Nitto swept back bars on a couple years ago because of a sciatic nerve issue. I put cork grips with hemp twine and bar end shifters. I love it. And. I am never mistaken for someone that will go fast
Korina42 I am with you! I used to put lots of miles on a road bike, I remember getting home and looking at the Garmin and going back a mile just so I could get to 60. I regret that. I have done some long races but I don’t mind going slower now. And sitting up so I can see what’s happening around me.
Love it! I'm also a huge fan of "inverse brake levers" (which Tektro also makes). NOT a fan of the parlance "alt-bar" since "drop bar" is just a type of bar, but whatever (not the fault of Path Less Pedaled). Heart!
What a sweet setup Russ! I have always been comfortable with flat bars on gravel. You just feel more upright and have more balance with the bicycle. You also made the comment of when traveling on the pavement it gets a little tougher with the handlebar postion not to mention a little head wind can be rough where as drop bars might be better. After a while you get use to the bars while riding in any condition. Recently I had a set of albatross nitto handlebars with bar end shifters on my 84 Stumpy. I actually went back to the bullmoose bars I feel more dialed in. And for some reason can breath a little bit better due to the width of the bars if that compensates for more chest spread cleareance? If that makes sense. Happy Trails and Keep On Trucking.
With an adjustable front you can experiment with the positioning, find the ideal position for your purpose, and even change it to what you need at that moment, e.g. windward or downhill. I personally prefer handlebars that are more straight, they give more torque on the steering, and don't try to get away from you when the surface is more slippery.
I’ve used VO porteur bars for years on an old road bike that I converted for use with a 2 speed SA hub. I use road brake (Tektro) levers mounted flat at the bends, allowing me to rest my forearms on the lever ‘hoods’ when descending or wanting a more aero position. I have also used these bars with derailleur gears and bar end shifters. You could use ‘brifters’, I suppose. They make a slightly more assertive setup to the ‘north road’ shape that you installed. Cheers, The Fossil
you just need to try a smp martin touring gel and it will be change your life dude. Especialy for your type of ride, its perfect with upright position like your bar or jones bar, she not the sexyiest saddle but the most confotable ever.
I have found trekker bars (butterfly as they’re called in the states) give me a wide range of hand and seat positions. I can ride upright or down tucked for long distances depending on conditions without discomfort. I can optimize my reach on the fly and hand numbness is a thing of the past. These made a huge improvement in cycling pleasure for me. That’s what it’s all about, right?
My lower back approves of this conversion.
My lower back too and my hands wrists shoulders approves this as well.
I'm Dutch and ride with these types of handle bars every day, as do most people here. To get into an aerodynamic stance lean forward and rest your front arms on the grips at a horizontal angle. Your hands will grip close to the middle part of the handle bar. Gives you both good leverage and an aerodynamic position. I always use it when I have headwinds.
Yeah that's also what I do. Sometimes the headwind is so merciless.
@@VacuousCat Headwind: Dutch hill.
But what do you do with your back arms? Also, how many arms do Dutch people have?
@@robtwalicki what he means is forearms. ✌️
@@aljericlaude9217thanks for clarifying
I’ve literally just done this as my lockdown project. 90s alloy, 26inch wheel MTB with canti brakes and Nitto Albatross bars. Also using friction shifting but only went 7spd. I love the relaxed, upright position. With 2.1inch Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tyres it’s super comfortable. The combination of bars, riding position and tyres makes it carve turns like a longboard - slow with flow and style.
I have those tyres on my radar, they look awesome. Can you tell me if they are ok for a tubeless setup? I'm concerned to run these with tubes on gravel/rocky roads
I have a similar setup and I love it. Albatross bars are so comfortable.
wow, this is my exact set up besides the 7 speed.
the Billy bonkers turned the bike into a ripper. Love the bars too but may be too relaxed.
Heh heh. Welcome to the dark side; we have Rustines.
I've been using a V-O Porteur flipped upside down for a year, and I love it. With a short Terry stem, a big brass V-O bell, Brooks B17, and big squishy tires, my purple '92 Rockhopper never looked so classy or rode so smooth.
I did this to my hard tail mountain bike many years ago. I have been happy with the arrangement for over 15 years. It is a great bike to ride in awful weather.
Glad to see your coverage of “alternative” bar solutions. I converted my bikes 10 years ago and never looked back. Recently put jones H bars on my new salsa timberjack and im loving the supple life!
I LOOOOOVE the way those bars look on that bike! So classy! The fact that they actually work is also good 🤣
When I made the switch, I went with a longer stem to find my body position sweet spot. That plus using the front curves of the Nitto Albatross bar (which works well for me) allows me to ride extended sections of headwinds. I still enjoy the other advantages you mentioned.
Good thing I read through the comments before blabbing. I too think that Russ needs a longer stem with those swept back bars. I went from a 90 to 110 when I made my conversion. The plus is that it'll stretch you out more and make that "hook" position more aero.
I've converted two mtb's to upright this summer, and have loved every minute of it. Your comments are spot on about the pros and cons. I've noticed I've gravitated for the upright bars recently to see the scenery and enjoy the view. I'm seeing things I totally missed with drop bars.
We did a conversion like this on my wife's vintage Peugeot Touring bike, using the Velo Orange Postino bar. She loves it and rides it almost as much as she does her modern Jamis Road bike.
I converted from road bars, i have swept alt bars and a basket, I love my setup. Oh, I still love bar tape though, I just double wrap for great comfort
It’s amazing how a handlebar swap can make a bike feel completely new.
Nice! I just converted my Cross Check with Jones H-Loop bars and love them. I never liked the bar end shifters on the Surly, and I have a Breezer Doppler Pro with drop bars, so this differentiates the bikes even more.
Alt alt bars: alt bars upside down giving you a more dropped position while still having a wider stance for control on gravel
Which is actually how the "drop bars" originated: Cyclists that flipped the old town bike bars upside down for more aero on track bikes, and then the curly back-swept shape was the next step.
Finally some love for swept and flat bars. I get so sick of nothing but dirt drops
I now have a Jones Loop H-Bar on my Specialized Rock Hopper, a Richey Venture Max Comp bar on my AWOL, and a Metropolis FSA bar on my Salsa Mukluk. The T-bar that came with both the Rock Hopper and the Mukluk became uncomfortable on my wrists after a few years, and so I swapped it out for more back sweep, that felt more natural to my wrist position. Same with the wider sweep on the Venture Max Comp bar. If I'm going to face a lot of wind (in the prairie out here, you get a lot of that) I go with the drop bar. But, if I'm in twisting single track, and in and out of trees and over the occasional rocky/technical sections, I go with the Metropolis and/or the Jones Loop H-Bar set up. But I like the retro look of the bars you put on yours. That classic chrome look. Nice.
I've changed a lot of my bikes over to bullhorn handlebars. Similar concept to what you did but I love to use the bullhorns in long climbs and cycling into the wind for aero. Have all the controls on the flat bar part so that I feel more in control. It works for me.
I converted my touring/commuter bike to alt bars six or seven years ago. I was afraid I'd miss the many hand positions of drop bars, but not at all. I can ride all day on my Nitto Albatross bars, rarely deviating from the default hand position. Of course, I'm not looking for an aero position,; I'm looking for comfort in a long ride.
did you changed the stem or anything else, i want to convert my miyata 310 to an upright commuter with albatrosses?
@@keithbasham2413 go 120mm or 130mm stem if you want that handlebar
This solution is better if you have a larger frame that you would love to use.
Exactly. A bike frame size for drop bars is not the same as one for swept back or even mountain bike flat bars. Also, there are so many types of swept back bars - some which sweep back with little or no compensation for reach, in which case you would need a longer stem or have a longer front end to begin with, or something like a Ritchey Kyote, which has a very tight bend in the bar which brings the hands forward more inline with the stem-bar clamp as opposed to sweeping back far behind the stem-bar clamp.
That’s what I’m hoping to accomplish with my longer than needed 60cm LHT frame.
@@SurpriseMeJT I'm trying the Kyote for that reason!
That's awesome. I did this same thing with my drop bar Marin last year and I love it. The only difference is I flipped my bar over to keep the front end a little lower.
I've just acquired a Raleigh sprite with moustache handlebars. I love the way it rides. Definitely more comfortable for leisurely bimbles.
Man, it looks classic. Well, even more classic. I’m definitely going to consider this for my 18 y/o road bike to jazz it up.
Alt bars are all ya need. This style handlebar should be stock on most road bikes. Drop bars are for racing. Most folk don’t use the drops. Most of the drop bar spandex folks I see look uncomfortable and are exclusively on the tops and not even the hoods. Amazing vid russ!!!
Watch the "Why a 0mm stem?" video that was posted a few days ago.
@@HollyBoni love it. And ur right if implying bar comfort not about type as much as fit. But even if fit is perfect i still prefer alt bars due to cheap, high quality parts, non integrated levers and shifters, hydraulic brake price and availability, ergon grips, and exposed cables for easy maintenance. And lower gearing for mtns near my house.
@@frakafrocka For sure. I like drop bars but I always thought the price of integrated shifters was ridicioulusly high, then hydraulic ones came along and topped everything... 🙄
c johnson you can get multiple hand positions and aero on jones bar. Plus have better components for cheaper. When on Jones in wind I rest forarms on grips and hold front of loop. Not exactly the same but hey can’t have everything. Drops have a place but almost all nice bikes come with them. I wish were more 50/50 . Think most people get drops due to form over function.
Sooo...grandma bars are now cool again? next we'll go back to threaded stems! XD
Well that Polyvalent has a threaded steerer...
Savage
Yes! I’m here for that! 🤘🏻
Really enjoying my Jones H riser bar.
When you mentioned that Whatbars website I immediately checked it out and It's an amazing reference! I've been looking for a bar similar in backsweep to my current Surly Moloko Bars for my fat-bike but I wanted something lighter and w/o the little bullhorns. Thanks so much!
SO good. Helpful, clear, interesting, succinct and great riding footage. This might be my favorite one yet. Great job.
I did this type of conversion with my Surly Straggler to the North Road style bars and I don't think I've enjoyed riding a bike more, now. The 52cm frame is just slightly too large for me but with the new bars it's not only an awesome gravel bike but also fantastic for just riding around town. Surly needs to make a stock version like this.
I recently installed some soma gators flipped upside down with a 30mm crust stem on an old Schwinn High Sierra. Talk about FUN!!!! If I was riding into extreme headwinds I could literally flip the bars back to drop mode in a matter of minutes :)
You’re getting closer and closer to a hardtail MTB, almost to the promised land!
Ha! This is what I have been preaching....XC HT with a carbon fork anyone?
@@racerx8410712 And 29s. Simple and gets it done.
how is this closer to a mtb set up lol. it's less so than drop bars
Exactly what I was thinking. Between this and the MTB riding he's been doing lately... well, it's only a matter of time. :-)
@@racerx8410712 kinda like that setup but i rather have an air fork..
Now you just need a curly moustache, a pair of Blundstones and Mumfords and Sons t-shirt.
I did this a couple of years ago on my 1990s rigid mountain bike. Switched from flat bars to Nitto albatross swept bars with bar-end shifters. Replaced the original riser stem with a 120mm quill stem swiped from my road bike for a lower position. And switched from 700x32 chevron tread tires to 700x42 Conti SpeedRides. Kept most of the original components, including cantilever brakes. Terrific all arounder, including casual gravel rides.
Same advantage you noted for standing to climb -- body weight is directly over the BB. It's a little less aero, but much better leverage than my road bike when standing to climb, and less tiring. There's a good reason why this style bike was popular for decades before the drop bar road bike style became trendy with casual cyclists.
If you want to get a little lower and more aero, try flipping the swept bar, path racer style. A longer stem can help too, although it changes the bike fit as well. I find it easier to tweak minor fit issues with an old school quill stem.
I did one and it worked out great. What got me going is it's a '72 Carlton with center pulls that can take 700 x 38 with fenders.
Excellent video, a ton of useful info here.
Reminds me of the surly terminal bar I have. I love that bar, very very comfortable.
I had the same reaction, I was surprised how well my VO Tourist bars felt off road with my Soma Wolverine. Pretty great bars for all around riding.
"...and your little dog, too!"
But seriously, you look comfy and classy! Personally I crave discomfort and impracticality. I do think those guys looking for 70cm drop bars with extreme flare should look into this kind of setup. It's like we've gone full circle.
Perfect video for my upcoming conversion from Salsa Woodchippers to Jones H bar - great comparison/analysis! 👍🏼
This is an older setup folks used to called a path racer setup. Personally think it is a good idea. Those bars would give you alot of leverage.
My hands tend to slide forward on steep downhill singletracks.
I've had alt bars on my old Raleigh Routier for about 12 years now. When I bought the bike new in 1986 it had drops, then I turned them upside down and cut them into bullhorns, then normal risers. The Alt bars, maybe I call them North Road Bars are great on the flat where cycling position and speed isn't so important. I usually take the bike to Holland when visiting family.
I have put a 4 inch riser bar with a Zoom adjustable quill stem on my 1997 Schwinn Paramount road touring bike to get my arthritic neck up out of that stressed tuck position. I also put a pair of 6 inch bar ends on the ends of the bars as well to get a little more forward reach and aerodynamic on the road, which is where I find myself most of the time.. I haven't used a drop bar on any of my bikes for over 30 years. It is much easier on my neck and as a result at 66 years old, I am still riding.
Thanks for the video.
Yes! Another one! Putting out a lot of nice content lately. Thanks!
Been using Albatross bars on a 92 Kona Explosiv for years and I'll never go back to flat . Gave up drop bars before that due to neck and back stiffness. I love this Alt setup as it has added years to my biking career!
That was one of a few incarnations I did with my 90's, steel, Cinder Cone; these bikes will do anything. Now have an 853 Explosif frame to play with.....along with my steel Lava Dome!
Yes , I am currently using alt bars with added aero bars. It allows for a second hand & riding position. A lot of long distance bike packers are adding aero bars.
i struggled with drops for a while and have been happily running moloko bars on my gravel rig for a few years now. i love them and won't go back to drops on it. currently piecing together more of a kush road rig and i am going to try drops on that again to see, but i might be back to "alt" bars on that again too... if you want more positions, try wrapping them in some comfy gel tape, and if you really want to go nuts, but mtb bar ends in the bends and then wrap everything!
you could put on some bar ends in the middle of the bars for when you need to get aero
If you check out the whatbar website and have a look for the Koga Denham Bars, they have a 30 deg sweep with aero grips in the centre. Designed by Alee Denham on cyclingabout.com.
Yeah, there are plenty of alt bars that offer multiple hand positions including aero options - usually more forward than dropped. (Nixsounds notes one example). "Alt" doesn't *mean* swept-back cruiser bar, but it includes this type.
Yeah did that in 2008. instagram.com/p/CAhKpt3HtWb/
The main surprise to me is that it does not look all that ridiculous!
I am all about this type of bar. I am old, and there is no reason at all for me to be bending over my fat and subsequently wheezing. HAHAHAHAHAHA
Surprisingly. Drop bars have an upper area to grab them with,and a medium heidth area to grab them,and a lower area to grab them. Dont have to bend over to use them.
brad sanders you’re still beefing forward to grip at the hoods. Alt bars sweep back often times behind the stem.
@@bradsanders6954 I am 6'4" and I have to bend over to use everything except ape hangers maybe.
Surprisingly, at 56, the alt bars also keep my old ass wrists at an angle that doesn't cause me pain as well as come back behind the stem, making my ride more comfortable.
When I was young, I just rode bikes, and none of this mattered, because I was young, and wasn't OLD. :P
@@JeffOehlsen I realized I was getting old the second I seriously started considering inner bar ends on an alt bar at my hood location. If you catch me mounting mirrors next, please call the mental health professionals and get me locked up! Catch you at BINGO!
@@saintless I am getting strange urges when I go by the bingo hall. It calls me even.... LOL
digging the conversion and bike’s capabilities- sounds like an ultra endurance sleeper bike man
1.) Looks very classy and comfortable! 2.) I agree about the road decent and also the gravel comments 3) as usual very good content. Thanks for sharing!
Super classy! Very tasteful. Nice job.
Hell yeah from Minneapolis. Mustache bars on my crappy fixed gear for tracklocross and gravel. Better control for sure on both climbs and descents.
Often called a North Road bar. I did this about 15 years ago to a rebuild of an old Shogun Metro SE frame and it was a very comfortable bike to ride for urban commuting and even some more relaxed touring rides. Agreed, it is no fast bike in a headwind or as a bunch-ride bike. But comfy.
Best to fit a longer stem to convert from road drop bars as otherwise you will be quite crowded and very upright. This may be a desirable thing but it is usually best to go with a bit of length. Road bar position is a good 5-10cm forward of the bar-stem mount, whereas the North Road grips are going to be up to 5cm behind the bar-stem mount. Best to extend the stem by at least 4-6cm if you can
I converted both mine and my fiance's bikes from drops to alt bars. Her Schwinn got townie bars and my motobecane fixie got some kalin flat bars and a 90s mtb neck. Bars are probably the most drastic change you can make to a bike.
I bought an old cannondale touting bike and installed the jones bars, with mtb controls, tektro levers on cantilever brakes. I found the same experience with the saddle. My upright position required a different saddle. Like the whole package,works really well. Found you can fine tune the weight on your wrists and elbows with small changes in the bar angle. Would certainly recommend the alt bars on these more tradition shaped frames.
Swapped out to Soma Oxford on my Trek 520disk late last season. Welcome to the party, hope it serves you well. I found the more upright but not straight up was very good for me. Good trail, good road, good climbing hills, good on flats. L Did have to slide my Adamo saddle forward a bit. Noticed the fear on steep road decents as well.
I saw a lady riding a bike with a long adjustable supple stem and big comfy bars and supple seat. I might need to try that supple setup.🚲👌
I like this set up better, it would be easier for my 52 year old shoulders! Great job !
Last year I officially converted all my bikes to alt bars. I will never go back. I prefer them for mixed terrain, although if I was still doing 100% road riding I might be rocking drops. My personal favorites are the Velo Orange crazy bars and the Surly moloko.
xbmarx - Glad to see I’m not the only one who prefers non-drop bars. My every day ride has flats and I like the security of wrapping my hands around that long bar. I’ve hit some nasty stuff, but always managed to keep control.
Grant Petersen from Rivendell bikes recommends similar bars for many of their bikes for general riding.
I got the wild hair to try a set of Nitto Albatross bars on a Sam Hillborne I use for gravel riding. The bar it replaced was a SOMA Portola dirt drop. I found the same advantages as you did, Russ. I do find the forward sweeps on the Albatross plenty comfortable to be on for paved riding. I use bar end shifters and Oury Single Compound V2 Grips (longer than the standard Single Compound grips and with no flange), then wrap the forward sweeps with bar tape. This creates a fairly uninterrupted progression of hand position well into the sweeps. I liked it so much, I also put the Albatross bars on a new Rivendell Joe Appaloosa 29er build that I've been riding singletrack on. The Albatross is great for that too!!
I ride Jones bars on my Sutra and love it.
Robert Winot I have jones bars on my bullitt cargo bike and they are without doubt the most comfortable bars Iv owned .
Yup. I ride the Jones Bar 2½" rise on my Trek 920. I love it.
I like Jones bars but they are so fn heavy and seem too much for an all rounder bike.
I just put Jones bars on my cross check and they're so sweet!
@@PathLessPedaledTV Jones and Molokos are tanks.
Another great video. I have been thinking about those bars for awhile now. Know I'm in a minority but, I just seem to enjoy a more upright ridding position than most. Thanks for taking the plunge and sharing your experience.
Looks super rad, especially with the basket. It’s like a sleeper gravel grinder. I’d think you naturally have a lot more leverage in gripping flat bar brakes compared to gripping brifters. Maybe that has something to do with it?
The Polyvalent looks great with those bars!
I've got a similar bar on my regular commute bike, i have the bar in mustche mode. Comfortable to tuck in when holding it in the middle, stable position for rough when holding the grips. I've added griptape along the whole bar.
Great information. Thank you.
I’ve used similar handlebars on my commuter for the past 13 years, and they’re terrific. Comfortable, nimble, stable, and I can keep up a good traveling pace. FTW
After riding my drop-bar gravel bike for quite some time, I have recently come to the conclusion that a light flat-bar XC mountain bike makes a better gravel bike (for me) than the gravel bike. It's almost as fast on pavement, as fast on gravel, and faster on anything more technical either flat, up, or down. It can pretty much go anywhere I care to go with way more confidence and commitment than on my gravel bike. Also, on the rough stuff, I don't have to keep it slow and it doesn't beat and vibrate me to death. I'm more comfortable with the geometry of the XC bike--I'm less over the front tire, so climbing is more efficient and steep, rough descents are definitely more secure and confidence inspiring. And the bottom bracket is an inch and a half higher and able to clear obstacles better. So, the gravel bike is going to be sold. For what I do, the XC MTB (I have a hardtail and will eventually get a super-light full sus (with remote lockout) XC racer as a second bike) just makes more sense. I'm maybe 20% pavement, 25% gravel/doubletrack, and 55% more mountain bike type trails (mostly green and blue, but some black diamond).
To be fair, though, it really depends on you and your riding. For many, an XC MTB is more than is needed. If I lived on the plains or rode milder terrain, I'd probably chose the gravel bike. But here in the mountains and deserts, the XC just makes more sense for me. Not quite as fast on the roads, but faster and more secure everywhere else. I actually timed myself on a paved five mile flat to moderate uphill road with both the gravel bike and XC MTB. I pushed it hard on both. Even though the XC is almost five pounds heavier, I was within about 35 seconds. That is what really convinced me that I'm at very little disadvantage on my XC on pavement and at a big advantage on the rough stuff. Makes sense to go with the XC MTB "gravel bike"...
I ride a Trek 920 with a Jones Bar 2½ rise. Best setup I've ever ridden.
Cool topic. I’ve got slightly swept back bars on my Valencia and had been looking at potentially the Denham Bars due to the “long stretches” and aero bits you spoke of here. Wide is great for the rocky bits, but tucked for pavement cruising is definitely a thing to consider.
Thanks as always for the vid. Off to that bar website for more homework
Made my own bar back in 2008. instagram.com/p/CAhKpt3HtWb/?igshid=1i0t8ex0dzdv8
Iv recently changed to these cruiserbars from bullhorn for my touring/commuter and I was amazed how the riding changed for the better. Not very sporty, more classic look but definitely worth the upgrade
I like those bars and how you set up the bike!
Those are cool, and I like the silver. You could flip them over to get a little lower in the front.
I changed the flat handle bar on my Norwid touring bike last year to a M-Wave Double Bar (identical to the Cinelli Double Trouble) which is a 660mm Jones H-Bar copy. It was a big positiv change in comfort specially in combination with Ergon grips but after few month I want even more sweep and will change to an VO Granola Bar as well but keeping the width. As bonus it has a more classic look in addition to my Porteur rack. The M-Wave handlerbar wil go on my '09 Surly Pugsley.
I was just thinking about doing this, I might try some flared drops first so I can use the same levers. Continue the research!
That’s the way to do it.
Surley open bar!!! Sweet!! I love where your heading! I think drop bars are just a fashion deal. Drop bars r 4 road.
My late, lamented Troll had a Rivendell Bosco on it, and that was darned comfortable. Because of the length and the rise of the bar, I could kinda tuck down onto the flats of the bar and get kinda-sorta aero. Current build is starting out on an Albatross, we’ll see how it goes.
I add clip-on aero bars to the alt bar and this mostly mitigates the downsides discussed in this video
I've got an old rigid Giant Iguana with bara like this. Works great and is very comfortable. Never tried it on gravel though. Just commuting on pavement.
Hi Russ, you can also try flipping the bars and putting some dummy brake hoods on the humps so you can have an aero position!
Just doing similar conversion, from TRPs & 9speed wth dropbar actuated with Sora to butterfly with Sturmey-Archer thumbshifters and brake levers... we'll see how that goes ;)
Grew up racing dirt motorcycles and when I started racing road motorcycles the switch to low bars (clip ons) was easy. Not so on bicycles. Currently riding a Specialized Cruz Carbon cyclocross bike and love everything about it...except the drops. Forget the aero advantages, I’ll be switching to flats for better brake modulation and more secure handling.
Interesting, i am glad you are experimenting, especially with extra bikes. Mtb have come a long way with bars, going much wider. Look at the XC races and you'll notice very short bars. Hey my old mtb has a short bar! Hey I'm going to change it...and i did, last year. I put on a huge bar with a large rise and sweep bring the bars further back so i could sit up, put some squish on and the ride is different. I love it as a change from my gravel or full squish with it's 26" wheels, most responsive. My wife's mtb has a short bar, but it has a cute curl/bend to it, like an unagressive alt bar. The commuter bikes tend to have a very upright posture but they usually go flat bar with a minor rise. I tested one, i could get a good crank on it but it didn't feel comfortable for long commutes. I think the posture is less difficult to hold, with core muscles. As we get older i think this is our eventual position. Thanks for the video. And yes i also like the flat bar braking, and so much easier to fiddle with. But not the most comfortable on really long rides. I did 80km with my old bike and i was struggling for another position - many XC racers actually reach down and grab their forks to steer, i have seen this on mtb on the highway in gravel races.
Just purchased whiskey Parts Winston bars, can't wait to give him a try.
Who knew. I have “alt bars “. I have a surly lht and put some Nitto swept back bars on a couple years ago because of a sciatic nerve issue. I put cork grips with hemp twine and bar end shifters. I love it. And. I am never mistaken for someone that will go fast
My philosophy is, I like riding my bike, why would I want the ride to be over sooner? #partypace
Korina42 I am with you! I used to put lots of miles on a road bike, I remember getting home and looking at the Garmin and going back a mile just so I could get to 60. I regret that. I have done some long races but I don’t mind going slower now. And sitting up so I can see what’s happening around me.
Those shifter pods are sweet.
Yes I do. Nitto Jitensha on a steel rosd bike. Love it.
I have bar end shifters on my touring bike and one of the reasons I could never go to brifters is the infinite trim on the front derailleur
Ergotec Contest Comfort for me. Wrapped with two layers of gel tape. Super nice.
I put an old mtb Deity Bars on, when I built up my Flaanimal frameset. I find it so much comfortable, especially on the descents.
Love it! I'm also a huge fan of "inverse brake levers" (which Tektro also makes). NOT a fan of the parlance "alt-bar" since "drop bar" is just a type of bar, but whatever (not the fault of Path Less Pedaled). Heart!
i love this bike man.
What a sweet setup Russ! I have always been comfortable with flat bars on gravel. You just feel more upright and have more balance with the bicycle. You also made the comment of when traveling on the pavement it gets a little tougher with the handlebar postion not to mention a little head wind can be rough where as drop bars might be better. After a while you get use to the bars while riding in any condition. Recently I had a set of albatross nitto handlebars with bar end shifters on my 84 Stumpy. I actually went back to the bullmoose bars I feel more dialed in. And for some reason can breath a little bit better due to the width of the bars if that compensates for more chest spread cleareance? If that makes sense. Happy Trails and Keep On Trucking.
With an adjustable front you can experiment with the positioning, find the ideal position for your purpose, and even change it to what you need at that moment, e.g. windward or downhill. I personally prefer handlebars that are more straight, they give more torque on the steering, and don't try to get away from you when the surface is more slippery.
I’ve used VO porteur bars for years on an old road bike that I converted for use with a 2 speed SA hub. I use road brake (Tektro) levers mounted flat at the bends, allowing me to rest my forearms on the lever ‘hoods’ when descending or wanting a more aero position. I have also used these bars with derailleur gears and bar end shifters. You could use ‘brifters’, I suppose. They make a slightly more assertive setup to the ‘north road’ shape that you installed. Cheers, The Fossil
put some on my marin four corners, never taking em off no hand numbness now. so comfy combined with a brooks saddle.
try reversing the bar upside down. A bit more comfort and slight aero benefit. I used to do that before i switched to a cornerbar.
you just need to try a smp martin touring gel and it will be change your life dude.
Especialy for your type of ride, its perfect with upright position like your bar or jones bar, she not the sexyiest saddle but the most confotable ever.
I have found trekker bars (butterfly as they’re called in the states) give me a wide range of hand and seat positions. I can ride upright or down tucked for long distances depending on conditions without discomfort. I can optimize my reach on the fly and hand numbness is a thing of the past. These made a huge improvement in cycling pleasure for me. That’s what it’s all about, right?