Handlebars for Women?

[Bethany1]

Last couple of trips with my Mukluk have been rough since it was used on single track in Lincoln. Obviously with a rigid fork I know it won't be perfect. LBS cut down my bars as they were too wide a few months ago, but after these rides, not having enough positions for my hands made them really hurt. I took my Fargo out for a ride on Saturday not knowing the tractors had roughed up the local limestone trail. Thump, thud, thump for most of the 17 miles. Someone had driven their ATV down the path as well. Fargo has different handlebars, Woodchipper 2s, and still had the same problems. I figure most of it might be the lack of a suspension and deal with it. However; being able to move your hands would really help with the Mukluk.

Guys on the mountain bike forum gave me several suggestions but between degrees, sweep and everything else, I'm not sure which is right. Did I get my bars too short? LBS took an inch off both sides. Perfect for my shoulders, not good for hand positions. Some of the bars would need trigger shifters as mine are grip shifters. Any suggestions for trigger shifters?

[limewave]

Have you looked at grips like these at all? They would offer some different hand/grip options. I'm hoping to get a pair myself soon.

[limewave]

Oops, just realized you can't get that model for gripshifters. But some of their other models you can. Check them outl

[spokewench]

Bar ends - I can't ride a mountain bike without them! Everyone back in the day road with them; now not so much anymore

You can ride on the bar or the ends when you are climbing or on the flat - not so much when you are riding lots of single track and twisties, but they do give you a break from the one position