|   starting to get it... - dirt drop bars???? | jh_on_the_cape
Jun 13, 2003 11:00 AM | | I dont have a 29er mtb. But yesterday I went to the garage to grab a bike for a ride. Everybike except for my commuter/cross bike had some sort of issue - either a flat or I had started to change something and didnt exactly finish.
So I took the Bianchi reparto corse 'cross project USA'. 700x40 serfas snakebellyish tires, sort of like pythons. I ride about 2 miles of road to the trails. I said 'OK, I will stick to the easy dirt roads'. But I turn and go and feel good and get on some single track and lo and behold I am flying.
My only issue was with the drop bars. They say 'Europa Aluminum' or something on them. Too narrow, and I dont like being on the hoods all the time. I thought someone here might suggest a better bar. I commute 8 miles each way on the bike, so a normal MTB riser is out of the question. And I have Shimano 600 STI levers. I looked for the WTB dirt drops, but they are hard to find and really expensive. I dont want to spend alot of time or money. Is there some knock off of that kind of bar around? I dont really care if it's heavy, I just want to try it out. I just know it from pictures that people have posted here.
Also, if someone in the Boston area has one I could borrow, I could 'loan' you a 6pack while I try it out. Or any feedback at all, maybe it's not what I am looking for...
A guy at work has a pair of those moustache bars extra, but they dont seem like what I am looking for.
And dont tell me to go get a full custom 29er. The though already crossed my mind, but that's not going to happen any time soon.
This is a picture of the bike. |
| Try Salsa Bell Lap bars | shiggy©®
Jun 13, 2003 11:36 AM | | They are flaired and are available up to 46cm wide. Use a short and tall stem. You want the tops of the bars to be close to level with your saddle.
You will not find a pair of WTBs very easily. WTB's stock pile ran out about a year ago and they have no plans to order more. |
| I agree. | DaveA
Jun 13, 2003 1:34 PM | | I just put some Salsa Bell Lab bars -46cm- on my cross bike and love them. I like them better that my previous WTP dirt drops because the top is wider (46cm c-c) and the end of the flair is about 52cm. Also, the Tektro CX top brake levers are nice on these roomy bars. I thought the WTB's were only usefull while on the drops becouse the tops/hoods are so narrow. |
| Try Salsa Bell Lap bars | D_man
Jun 13, 2003 1:52 PM | | Maybe we need a campaign to get them to bring back the WTB drops? |
| New off road drops | shiggy©®
Jun 13, 2003 4:07 PM | | AlexUK on the SS board was working on sourcing a modified version of the WTB bars. Could have a bit less reach, less drop and be wider on the tops and at the hoods.
I have not heard a progress report in a couple of months. |
| New off road drops | Alex UK
Jun 15, 2003 10:03 AM | | Sorry, works been pretty busy.
The marketing manager did not seem to interested, so I will try talking to the MD some time soon but don't hold your breath!
If they are not interested i can still use their contacts and shipping containers.....all I have to do is front the £££.
I have a hardly-used Maverick in the back bedroom that could provide the cash, but I don't want a spare room full of handlebars!
So, how many would I sell (within 3mths say...)?
Later
Alex UK |
| New off road drops | D_man
Jun 16, 2003 6:01 AM | | Well I'd take a couple pairs. That would be a pretty small dent in your room full of bars! |
| i'd buy a pair!!! nm | sslos
Jun 16, 2003 9:50 PM | | |
| New off road drops | Cloxxki
Jun 17, 2003 1:55 AM | | Are you determined to market the ideal bar yourself? Otherwise, Salsa might be a good partner to get the bars into availability. Looks like Salsa could well handle the required numbers and cash, plus they are open to new things, it seems. |
| I'm in for a pair......(NM) | roma
Jun 17, 2003 6:11 AM | | |
| I could use at least 4 pair... | shiggy©®
Jun 17, 2003 7:58 AM | | ...and a buddy would take 1 or 2. |
| I am in for two pairs | victorthewombat
Jun 17, 2003 10:59 AM | | Alex,
I would purchase two pair. |
| I'll take a pair as well. nm | eelpie
Jun 17, 2003 1:10 PM | | enem |
| thanks! ... | jh_on_the_cape
Jun 17, 2003 7:37 AM | | Thanks for the info. I will look for the Salsa Bell Lap bars. And if someone made some dirt drop esque bars for cheap, I would try them out. I think alot of people would give them a try if they were in the $25 range. At $60, people think twice about some random bike doodad. |
| MotoAce Bell Laps are under $30 | shiggy©®
Jun 17, 2003 7:56 AM | | Made of 6061 alloy instead of 7075.
Bell Lap $40.99 & MotoAce Bell Lap $25.99 at aebike.com |
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