|   handlebar and Computer question (repost from beginners cor.) | Zenith
Mar 11, 2002 12:55 PM | | I am going after a goal of a first race at the end of this summer.
I have a 2001 Kona Nunu that is set-up completely stock. I plan to add a computer this week and clipless pedals sooner rather than later. I have the basic riser bar that comes with most Kona bikes. Should I change to a flat bar with bar ends to race? I have been reading a lot on this board about risers Vs. flats (which is why I reposted from beginners corner; apologies for anyone who sees this twice).
Any thoughts on the handlebar issue or suggestions on computers would be great.
Thanks and Best,
Jennie |
| re: handlebar and Computer question (repost from beginners cor.) | BCRider
Mar 11, 2002 3:36 PM | | You don't neccesarily need to switch over. It all depends on how crouched you are now. If your bike is set up for a racy crouch and reach then don't mess with it. If it's set up for general freeriding and jumping then you're gonna want to lower and stretch that cockpit.
The easy way would be a lower angle and longer stem. And if your riser bars are still too high then turn the stem over so the angle is closer to parallel with the ground. Yes it'll look a little strange using a riser bar and a flipped stem but if it's only for one or two races why bother changing over all the controls and stuff. Especcially if you want to go log hopping in between race weekends.
And to try out the stem go out and find a killer hill. Or better yet. Take a bag o' stems with you to the base of a hill and try out different reach stems both upright and flipped until you find the one that lets you climb the hill with the most control and best feel and still offers some comfort and control on the return ride down. And don't forget that you can juggle around the spacers to fine tune the bar height as well. So often we forget why they are there.
And remember that your butt is gonna be on the tip of the saddle in the climbs (this is largely why you want that slightly more open cockpit reach AFAIK) and you're going to be spinning SMOOTHLY, right? These last couple of items are just in case you didn't know already.... Damn, listen to me. You'd think I was going racing instead of you. Good luck and give 'em hell. |
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