Touring Bicycle Handlebars and Trekking Bars with Road Bike Drop Vs. Straight Mountain Bike Setups.  Also Cycling Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, Padded Grips, and Cork Tape.

Straight or drops?

Question from a DownTheRoad.org reader

So, I've started compiling my touring bike's parts and I've come to bars. Which do you prefer, straight bars or drops? Judging from the pictures, Tim and Cindie have used both, and I was wondering which they liked more? Anyone else with input would be nice as

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Tim's Answer

You are correct; Cindie and I have used both types of handlebars.  Cindie prefers mountain bike or straight bars but I am perfectly happy with either type.  For me each type of handlebar has its advantages and shortcoming depending on the situation.  These differences (to me) are so minute that I would be happy with either system while traveling.  I have no problem using a drop bar for off road touring (this is different than Mt. biking) and a straight bar for road touring (this is different than road biking) I recommend road bars only if you are an experienced cyclist and already know that is what you like.  Many experienced cyclist still prefer straight bars on their touring bikes.  If you are unsure or new to the sport I recommend mountain bike or straight bars.  Road drop bars have some advantages over Mt. bars but they do not feel as practical to most new bicyclist. 

 Dimension Dimension Riser bars - all sizes

Click to Purchase Dimension Riser Bar

 designed by Jeff Jones, featuring an unconventional design that allows for multiple hand and body positions for better handling and greater comfort.

Titec H-Bar Touring Handlebar Up Sweep (rise) 4 degrees Click to Purchase Titec H-Bar handlebar Titec J-Bar Mountain Handlebars - flat bar (no rise) Click to Purchase Titec J-Bar Handlebars

 Moustache Double-bend Touring Commuting Handlebar - all sizes

Click to Purchase Moustache Handlebar

Salsa Moto Ace (Touring Bicycle) Drop Bar Click to Purchase Salsa Moto Ace Drop Bar Salsa Woodchipper (Bicycle Touring) Drop Bar Click to Purchase Salsa Woodchipper Drop Bar

 Cruiser Multi-Position Handlebars

Click to Purchase Cruiser Multi-Position Bars

 Bar Ends - all shapes and sizes

Click to Purchase Bar Ends - all shapes and sizes

 Ergon Handlebar Grips

Click to Purchase Ergon Handlebar Grips

Brooks Leather Handlebar Tape

Click to Purchase Brooks Leather Handlebar Tape

Equipment Pages Index

Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advice About Advice
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers
(See more about Sponsorship Here)

START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
Custom Touring Bicycles and Bike Upgrade Buyers Guide
Bicycle Touring Frames 
The Steel Repair Myth
Steel and Aluminum Derailleur Hanger Repair
Bicycle Touring Wheels
Phil Wood: The Best Bicycle Hubs

Panniers / Bike Bags
Cargo Trailers Vs Panniers
Tires for Bike Tours
Bicycle Touring Saddles
Cindie's Women's Specific Bike Touring Saddles
Brooks Leather Touring Bicycle Saddle Care and Conditioning
Bike Computer
Touring Handlebars, Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, and Padded Grips
Sealed Cartridge Headsets

Camping
Buying Camping Equipment
Tent and Ground Cloth
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Camp Stove
Pots and Pans
Water Filter

Clothing
Bike Touring Shorts

Health and First Aide

Electrical
Short-wave Radio
Computer
Internet
mp3

Books
Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping

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