Handlebar options

doofy said:

I don't know the proper names for the different handlebar options, but
I've ridden bikes where the handlebars are straight across, and the gear
shifts work well this way, and the ends of the handlebars don't hit my
legs. HOwever, that straight across, palms down position might not be
good for the wrists on long hauls.

The flat "T" bars are perfectly comfortable and work well with twist
grip shifters.

Quoted message said:

I've ridden other bikes where the handlebars dropped on each end, like
this /=\, and twisting the gear shifters were not that comfortable, and
the handlebar ends could sometimes hit my legs.

The "C" bars with drooping ends require more effort to hold one's arms
up.

Quoted message said:

Is there any option where the handlebar ends are like this /_\, where
the ends will not hit the legs, and the hands can be at an angle.

If you mean end that stick up on an over seat steering bike, probably
not, unless you make your own using MTB bar ends.

Quoted message said:

Not
sure what this would do to the grip shifter ergonomics. Or possibility
of impaling yourself if you ever happened to go end over.

If you mean end that stick up on an over seat steering bike, probably
not, unless you make your own using MTB bar ends.

Going "end over" is practically impossible on a properly designed
recumbent, so it will not happen unless you are riding an old
Hypercycle or other short wheelbase bike with an excessively long
boom.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

doofy said:

I don't know the proper names for the different handlebar options, but
I've ridden bikes where the handlebars are straight across, and the gear
shifts work well this way, and the ends of the handlebars don't hit my
legs. HOwever, that straight across, palms down position might not be
good for the wrists on long hauls.

I've ridden other bikes where the handlebars dropped on each end, like
this /=\, and twisting the gear shifters were not that comfortable, and
the handlebar ends could sometimes hit my legs.

Is there any option where the handlebar ends are like this /_\, where
the ends will not hit the legs, and the hands can be at an angle. Not
sure what this would do to the grip shifter ergonomics. Or possibility
of impaling yourself if you ever happened to go end over.

Hi Doofy,
Bike shops carry a variety of inexpensive handlebars. Experiment
with several. Brake and gear controls are usually not a problem. Also
experiment with riser bars as they can provide adjustability options
that a handlebar alone cannot.
Usually bar ends are only likely to hit your legs are on very sharp
turns. This contact is easily avoided by having legs in proper position.
I have a Bacchetta Corsa with bar end shifters and do not have
problems with legs hitting either bar ends or front wheel on sharp
turns. On really sharp turns, as a U-turn at slow speed, I unclip and
have feet in down position.
Al K
Al K

In alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:10:56 -0400

Al K said:

I have a Bacchetta Corsa with bar end shifters and do not have
problems with legs hitting either bar ends or front wheel on sharp
turns. On really sharp turns, as a U-turn at slow speed, I unclip and
have feet in down position.

Ditto, except I have a Giro 20 with the flexstem.

On most tight turns I just straighten the inner leg. On *really*
tight ones, such as the 180 deg exit on a particular
footbridge-turned-shared-path I push the stem forward on its hinge so
I can get the front wheel turned 90deg.

I did find that it took a while to have the balance and timing to do
tight turns without unclipping and dropping the inside leg. I
couldn't do it when I first got on the bike, but was doing it after a
few weeks.

Zebee

doofy came up with this when s/he headbutted the keyboard a moment ago in
alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent:

Quoted message said:

I don't know the proper names for the different handlebar options, but
I've ridden bikes where the handlebars are straight across, and the gear
shifts work well this way, and the ends of the handlebars don't hit my
legs. HOwever, that straight across, palms down position might not be
good for the wrists on long hauls.

I've ridden other bikes where the handlebars dropped on each end, like
this /=\, and twisting the gear shifters were not that comfortable, and
the handlebar ends could sometimes hit my legs.

Is there any option where the handlebar ends are like this /_\, where
the ends will not hit the legs, and the hands can be at an angle. Not
sure what this would do to the grip shifter ergonomics. Or possibility
of impaling yourself if you ever happened to go end over.

I have a Giant Stiletto with what I'd describe as a short monkeybar. Over
the years on uprights I developed the habit of leaning into turns, which
has carried over onto the lowrider - my knee pretty much drags the floor on
tight turns, hence the handlebar misses it completely, notwithstanding the
fact that the bar end hits the stop about an inch from the crossbar. Even
with the skate, I lean over that much the bike goes from an upright 21'
turning circle to something like 11' on the lean at full lock - I don't
ever take turns that tight particularly at the speeds I go...
--
If you can read this -
The [censored] fell off!