Better Handlebars for My Hybrid?

[wackyjacky1]

Now that I've taken some time to think it over, I'm really leaning toward those moustache bars...but what are your opinions on how this bike would look with regular drop handlebars:



I'm still undecided about which way to go...all I know is I reeallly don't like the current bars!

[KnottedYet]

It would look fine. Very "cyclocross"-esque.

[wackyjacky1]

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go for it. I guess I'll discuss with my bike shop about my options for brake levers/shifters.

[KnottedYet]

Dedicated brake levers (and there are different kinds for brakes that require longer pull) and bar-end shifters are a nice way to go.

Cheaper, and ever so adjustable!

[wackyjacky1]

I am completely unfamiliar with bar end shifters, never used 'em before. There's a part of my mind that thinks they look awkward to use. It's one of the reasons I haven't fully embraced the moustache bars (even tho I think the moustache bar looks killer). I wonder if any other bar end shifter users could chime in about their experiences with them?

Inexpensive is good -- I love this bike, but it's not one I want to drop a big chunk of change on for upgrades. In a year or so I hope to treat myself to a nice road bike, if I feel I've earned it.

If I go moustache, I haven't decided if I should go low-budget (and heavy) with Nashbar, or high-cost (and lighter weight) with Rivendell. I think I could get some good drops for less than the Rivendell moustache.

[KnottedYet]

You can get the Nitto moustache other places cheaper than at Rivendell. The Nitto version is the one Grant Peterson (the Riv dude) designed, same as on the Bridgestone bike he designed.

I had bar ends on my drop bars (before I switched to moustaches). Off the top of my head, BleeckerStGirl has them on her drop bar Rambouillet. I know there are a couple others with Shimano barcons, but they'll have to come out of the woodwork. Oh, BikerHen has them on the drop bars of her Surly Long Haul Trucker.

(of course, I'll remember 2 or 3 more as soon as I hit the "submit" button! )

[wackyjacky1]

Thanks so much for the info and advice! I'm going to look into the Nitto bars and talk to my bike shop on Monday.