[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Me too :) Bosco bars rock! On Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:16:31 AM UTC-6, Philip Kim wrote: > > Loved the Bosco bars on my appaloosa -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving ema

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Loved the Bosco bars on my appaloosa -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, se

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I'm struggling similarly. I set up a prototype Appaloosa last spring and rode the past season with Albastache bars. But I always felt like I was "in-between" comfort locations. When sitting upright I found myself holding onto the very end of the bars, often actually holding the bar-end shift

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Eric hit it on the head for my experiences and thoughts on the topic. I don't ride drops any more but neither do I like riding like Mary Poppins. Also when I see bikes with drops that are hiked up well above the saddle it kind of takes me back a bit. Always appears to be ungainly but if someo

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

dave, your experiences in uprightness mirror mine to a tee...have tried on a quickbeam an appaloosa and a waterford and gone back to drops, usually mounted a little below or about equal to the seat...I too would love to know how drops would work on a cheviot. even at age 72 I need to be a bit s

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

all of my drop bars have interrupter brakes…Paul Components makes nice ones, but cheapies work just as well…probably works best with wide bars. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receivin

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I had the same feeling before adding interrupter levers to my noodles. Now riding around town in traffic is just as nice on the noodles as the albas. On Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 10:34:37 AM UTC-7, Joe Bernard wrote: > > My very specific reason for trying to make uprights work is I don't like

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Zed got the Diacomp knob ide

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Quick update: dstein, the blog post you linked to resonated with me. I, too, have fought a Bosco-high setup, deliberately going for an upright build that's not *too* upright so isn't sit-up-and-beg. But the blog post's author finally realized that Grant knew more about bikes than *he* did, so

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I bought a bike from a fellow list member about two years ago that has “upright” Soma Oxford bars on it. I found the bike’s initial setup to be uncomfortable even for short-is rides, and ended up getting a longer stem that puts me in a position somewhere between “upright” and “road bike.” Summar

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I don't think giving your body a little time to acclimate to a certain piece of equipment is equatable to selling someone a too-small frame. That said, if people are experiencing sharp or debilitating pain, as opposed to mild discomfort or a little initial soreness, I would never say keep on k

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

On 01/23/2018 11:53 AM, Dave Small wrote: Thanks to everyone for the continued discussion.  My experimentation phase has waned, but it hasn't disappeared.  I also know what I like and what works for me---for now.  But my preferences have changed over the past 10 years, and are continuing to ch

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I've never had an upright bar that didn't make my hands numb by 40 miles, and in most cases a lot quicker than that.   For short distances, maybe riding in suit jackets and slacks 3-speed Raleigh style, fine; but in my experience, not for sporting rides. On 01/23/2018 01:03 PM, 'Mark in Beaco

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

OJ! On Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 12:16:13 PM UTC-8, Dave Small wrote: > > Hi all, > > As I read more and more testimonials from people about how awesome their > switch was to upright handlebars, I wanted to try 'em. I like drop bars as > long as they're saddle-height or higher, but there's a

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Meh. If it continually causes pain, even after futzing around with the different variables, how long are you supposed to "stick with it" before it suddenly works? My motto: "If it don't fit, then you musta quit!" On Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 1:03:17 PM UTC-5, Mark in Beacon wrote:oo small bi

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Me too, except it's my left palm that goes numb anywhere except ramps and hoods, though I can go further in the hooks without the numbness than I can using non-drop bars. But, that said, I do want eventually to try Albatrosses or somesuch with a more upright position, on a frame with a sufficientl

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Or the fourth camp, which says "Stick with one setup for a while. You might like it." I will say I'm surprised at how many folks say they outright dislike upright bars. Again, count me grateful that my body is just not that challenged by various positions on a bicycle. Within limits, especially

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

My very specific reason for trying to make uprights work is I don't like the braking situation on drops. I'm too old a creaky to ride in the drops so all my braking is on the hoods, which feels unstable on steep descents. I like mtb levers I can get to. -- You received this message because yo

Re: [RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

This is a really interested and thorough review of someone who went through something similar on a Clem Smith: http://zedmartinez.com/2016/06/rivendell-clem-smith-jr/ On Tue, Jan 23, 2018 at 8:53 AM, Dave Small wrote: > Thanks to everyone for the continued discussion. My experimentation phase

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Thanks to everyone for the continued discussion. My experimentation phase has waned, but it hasn't disappeared. I also know what I like and what works for me---for now. But my preferences have changed over the past 10 years, and are continuing to change. I'm trying the anticipate my continu

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I don't like upright bars. There, I said it! I have tried: Albatross/Dove/Moustache/Bullmoose/ GB All Rounders/MAP Aherne/ Flatbars/ Riser Bars/Arced bars and trekking bars. All make my right palm numb. Sometimes in minutes and sometimes longer. Height reach have en effect but never eliminate i

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Lester Lammers wrote:* However, we are all different and upright bars may never work for you.* Well maybe. But, imagine if we lived in a parallel universe, one that was exactly the same as ours, except drop bars had never been invented. Muscle memory combined with mental attitude (I'm enjoying

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Don't give up yet Dave but don't expect the Cheviot to be a road bike. I was going to throw in the towel until I got the cockpit right for me the set up is much different than any road bike I have had. The new Cheviot geometry/design is different from the Foy/Gomez and Mountain mixte. More laid

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

In the past I tried a SOMA Oxford bar on a Surly Cross Check and really didn't like it. It was just too twitchy! I attributed it to two things, the upright angles of the seat and headtube and the stem was sized for drop bars. So I was curious to try albatross bars on my AHH. But before I took

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Dave Small indicated that he’ll never try uprights again if he can’t get them to work for him now. I’d recommend that you never say never. Particularly since you claim that this project is anticipating you getting older and your needs changing over time. Maybe in 5 or 10 years you won’t be th

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Also, play with hip positioning (rotation forward or back), saddle position, and position forward or back on the saddle — that can all make a difference. I realized on this morning’s ride that I change my hip rotation and saddle position depending on how agressive my position is. However, I’m us

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Hey Dave, I have gone through a similar process. I wanted to get what everyone else got with albatross. I found that I liked a bosco bar for riding two blocks to the grocery or bar, but not for "real" rides, and not on my nicer bikes. I bought a Cheviot because I wanted the full upright, true

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Dave, I'm an albatross fan, but it took me awhile to find my sweet spot. I'll mention it here because seems a little different than what works for many of the folks who have commented. Instead of higher bars and a longer stem, I found that using the same stem I used for my drop bars works for

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Do try the Albastach and Bosco. The 120mm VO stem I offered has a 17 degree rise and you may like the flipped Albas. These are what I have on the Boscos https://www.benscycle.com/dia-compe-drop-bar-hand-rests/bar_end_dia-compe__188-179/product kind of like riding on the hoods with drop bars. Y

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Dave, When I switched from Albatross to an Albastache bar, I had to switch from an 11 stem to an 8 as Riv suggested. That was the right fit for me. The switch was needed anyway because the clamp sizes were different. John -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Thanks, Bill. I won't be afraid to conclude that I prefer drop bars, but want to be sure I'm evaluating the uprights properly and thoroughly, because if I conclude they're not for me then I'm never gonna try them again. I started down this trail because I'd considered the Cheviot to be my eve

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Don't be afraid to conclude that you just prefer drop bars. I run my Rosco Bubbe step through with drop bars and I like it very much. I think a Cheviut with drop bars could be a really slick setup. Bill Lindsay El Cerrito, CA On Monday, January 22, 2018 at 9:11:03 AM UTC-8, Dave Small wrot

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Thanks much to everyone who responded. I've read all the replies---twice---and here are my thoughts: 1. A common theme is to try a long stem to get more extension. I'll try that. I don't think it'll help, but it's an easy experiment and I don't trust my expectations enough to *not* try it.

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Dave, First, I have to say your Cheviot is gorgeous! With all the images of great looking Cheviots that have been popping up here I'm trying hard to resist the temptation to jump in. Secondly, I've had the same handlebar experiences that others have related. I have drops on two Rivs and Albat

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

You might find a sweet spot by flipping your Albatross bars upside down and placing your brake levers on the curves toward the front a la the Moustache and Albastache bars. Combined with a long stem, placing my hands forward near both levers provides fun control and the comfortable stretch I nee

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

Great pic here of a Blue Lug Chev with Albastache bars. Looks pretty cool to my eye My first Sam had Albatross bars. Comfortable, but I felt kinda "pokey" after riding around for 10 min. I'd sit up for a while, then find myself s

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I'm right there with you, Dave. My Hillborne came with Albatross bars and I never warmed up to them. My old Bianchi was the swan song for drop bars for me. The more upright riding is great for urban riding and as I've been getting older I was getting a little neck pain from drops. I finally

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I kinda went through something similar. I could never get it dialed in right. I had a cheviot briefly, a hunqapillar with a million different handlebar combos including albatross, an old rigid mtn bike I put Rosco's on, nothing really worked for me. I was riding around on a cruiser in Amsterdam

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I'm another rider who really, really wanted to like the feel of albatross bars as much as I love the look. But alas, after trying them on three Rivendells and multiple other bikes, I have to admit that they just ain't for me. When it comes to upright (i.e. non-drops), I seem to prefer the 45 de

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I've put a set of albatross bars on almost every bike I've had in the past few years, including one with the same geometry as some current Rivs, and no amount of tweaking could make them feel good or even bearable. I think upright, pullback bars just aren't for everyone. I say this as someone

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

This is a nuanced thought I’m not sure how to best convey, but riding between my new Moustache’s curves and more upright shifts how my core is engaged. I suspect if you live/ move in a way that has your core strong one way but not the other, it makes perfect sense that one would feel better than

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I'm 65 and got a 55cm Cheviot 15 months ago as my old man's paper boy bike. It has been frustrating to get it dialed in. Being bolt upright was not for me. This helped: http://zedmartinez.com/category/personal/biking/ So did the recent posts here on the subject. I won't go intp all the iterati

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I have tried albatrosses and boscos on a variety of bicycles, as well as basically flat horizontal bars (Nitto Jitensha) as well as bullmooses on a variety of bikes, Sam Hillborne, Betty Foy, Bombadil, Clementine, a couple of different kind of Roscoes. The only really comfortable bike with uprig

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I used to have a 62 Surly CC with Albas, and had the same problem you're having...uncomfortably in-between. Sadly (and luckily?) it was stolen, and I got a 60cm Cheviot that I use for long rides and commuting, with the largest (58?) boscos and bar tape on the flat part by the stem. Against w

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

On Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2:16:13 PM UTC-6, Dave Small wrote: > 1.  Has anyone else experienced something similar and then fixed it, > 2.  Has anyone used drop bars on a Cheviot? > Sounds VERY similar to my own experience. I’ve been thinking about writing a post on this, following the earl

[RBW] Re: My trials and tribulations with upright bars

I like upright bars. I have surly open bars on my bike because they are wider. I found I had a hard time being comfortable until I got a longer frame and a longer stem. Comfort on a bike is a balance between your butt and your hands. You are putting too much pressure on your hands and they