Touring Bicycle Handlebars with Road Bike Drop or Straight Mountain 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. 

Nashbar Moustache Handlebar Click to purchase.

Nashbar Moustache Handlebar Add some hand positions to your favorite bike. Moustache bars are ideal for commuting, moderate length road rides, fire roads and non-paved roads, and light to moderate single track. Mount up road brake levers and bar-end shifters and soon you will discover:That the multiple hand positions offer a good place to ride in nearly any situation. They provide a wider, higher leverage stance for climbing than a drop bar (up to a 56cm width!). The long ends allow you to push behind the saddle further for steep off-road descents. Made of good ole? steel with a 25.4mm clamp area, sized to fit road levers and road bar-end shifters (of course you can use your favorite down tube shifters too). Specify Size, 52cm for commuting or road use, or 56cm for the ultimate in leverage, stability and control. Buy Nashbar Moustache Handlebar  HERE

Nashbar Easy Rider Handlebar Click to purchase.

Nashbar Easy Rider Handlebar With a full 100mm of rise and 15 degrees of rearward sweep this bar is NOT for the serious rider. We?re talking maximum upright here. Chrome plated steel with 25.4mm clamp diameter. 497g. Buy Nashbar Easy Rider Handlebar  HERE

Nashbar Oversize Road Bar Click to purchase.

Nashbar Oversize Road Bar Get more positive control, plus stiffness for climbing and sprinting by switching to an oversize handlebar. Comfortable anatomic shape with a moderate 155mm drop (C-C). Single groove. 31.8 clamp size. 6061 T6 alloy. Blast black with hidden ?N? logo and deluxe alignment hashes. 270g. Specify Size (40, 42, or 44) Buy Nashbar Oversize Road Bar  HERE

Nashbar Road Handlebar Add-ons Click to purchase.

Nashbar Road Handlebar Add-ons Bolt-on handlebar extensions for aerodynamic positioning on road bars. Features include all aluminum construction (steel bolts though), drilled extensions for lightness, end plugs on both ends, and a cable routing slot for compactness. (Does not include handlebar). Specify Color: Black or Silver. Buy Nashbar Road Handlebar Add-ons  HERE

Profile Design Century ZB Aero Bar Click to purchase.

Profile Design Century ZB Aero Bar One-piece design, engineered for touring, century and entry-level triathlon comfort. Adjustable width armrests. Now with Z-brackets. 6061 aluminum tubing. Wt: 420g. Buy Profile Design Century ZB Aero Bar  HERE

Syntace C2 Aero Bar Computer Mount Click to purchase.

Syntace C2 Aero Bar Computer Mount Computer mount for use with Syntace C2 Aero bars. Buy Syntace C2 Aero Bar Computer Mount  HERE

Lizardskins Bar End Grips Click to purchase.

Lizardskins Bar End Grips The 2mm thick Neoprene acts as a shock absorber. Lizard skins are the answer to a comfortable secure bar end Cover/grip. 4 ½ in. length. Specify Color: Black, Red or Blue. Buy Lizardskins Bar End Grips HERE

Aztec Vibewrap Ergonomic Bar Dampening System Click to purchase.

Aztec Vibewrap Ergonomic Bar Dampening System Reduce shock and absorb vibration on any road bar, the Vibe Wrap System is a set of ergonomically shaped closed cell foam pillows applied under the tape. Set includes set of 4 pillows, padded bar wrap, and end plugs. Buy Aztec Vibewrap Ergonomic Bar Dampening System  HERE

Delta Ahead Stem Riser Click to purchase.

Delta Ahead Stem Riser Allows up to 3 ½ in. of additional stem height for your Ahead system. Made of 6061 T6 anodized aluminum. 1 1/8 in. diameter only. 205g. Specify Color: black or silver. Buy Delta Ahead Stem Riser  HERE

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NASHBAR ATB COMFORT THREADLESS STEM Click to purchase.

NASHBAR ATB COMFORT THREADLESS STEM All aluminum alloy construction with a 40 degree angle for a more upright position. 1 1/8 in. threadless design that can be used on 1 in. forks with included shim. 25.4mm bar clamp diameter with removable face plate. 240g. Specify Extension: 90, 110 or 130mm.Specify Color: Anodized Black or Polished Silver. Buy NASHBAR ATB COMFORT THREADLESS STEM  HERE

Nashbar Adjustable Threadless Stem Click to purchase.

Nashbar Adjustable Threadless Stem Dial in your perfect fit. A solid stem that can hold up to off road use, simply adjust the angle using a single 5mm allen key. Attaches to 1 1/8? steer tubes only, 25.4mm clamp. Please see the chart below for extension measurements at a given angle. Buy Nashbar Adjustable Threadless Stem  HERE

Threadless Stem Adapter Click to purchase.

Threadless Stem Adapter "Use any 1 1/8? threadless stem with a threaded fork. Specify steer tube diameter: 1 or 1 1/8"". Stem Not Included. Taiwan.""" Buy Threadless Stem Adapter  HERE

Ritchey Pro Adjustable Stem

Looking for just the right angle stem, look no more; this lightweight alloy stem adjusts to meet your specific cycling needs. With over 45 degrees of adjustments in either direction you're sure to find the perfect position.

Ritchey Pro Adjustable Stem

Equipment Pages Index

Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advise About Advise
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers

START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
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
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Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping

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