Bars: Flat or riser?

[NeilM]

Inspired by some of the bikes on this site, I am contemplating a 'tarting up' exercise on my under used GT STS-2.

I have some Girvin Vector 2 forks on their way, so a lot of polishing will shortly commence, but as part and parcel of the 't-u' I am considering a change of bars and the possible addition of bar ends.

So, leave the bars alone (possibly update with carbon risers) or go the flat bar and bar ends route?

 

[merckx]

do what you prefer to ride!

if you do run risers, go something GT period like World Force or Azonic if you can find them.

GT sold the STS as an XC bike generally speaking, with flat bars, but at the time, lots of people were running risers.

personally, if we are talking aesthetics and function, i quite like the newer modern very minimal riser bars. just a smidgin of riser looks really nice.

those huge rise versions of the era i find somewhat ugly....

 

[NeilM]

Mine came as standard (new) with risers, they are comfortable enough, but so are the flat bars on my Zaskar, and I do rather like bar ends.

STS, as it currently stands.

 

[Tc]

Flats would suit the bike but dont compromise comfort for looks! We've all done and learnt from that I think!

Tc

 

[NeilM]

Good point, and one I've considered, but while I'm messing with different forks, I should be able to get a little more height on the bars, which would put flat bars in a better position.

I think when the STS came out, everything was very downhill orientated, hence the riser bars.

I also need to change the pedals, what was I thinking with GREEN pedals dhaaling :roll:

 

[jax13]

my personal opinion is that risers look at home on a full suss bike.

why not look for a tasty retro riser & brace combo to match the rest of the build?

flats & bar ends on a fs bike just don't look right to me.

 

[gdb2b]

Any interest in a flat bar with a bit of sweep? Depending on how well your bike is fitted to your measurements, you have a couple of options; riser bar, adjustable stem, fixed stem with more rise/steeper angle, and swept bar. Bar ends on a MTB setup that is primarily ridden off-road can be interesting, and possibly even introduce some risk.

My experience is that they tend to get snagged on stuff at inopportune times dumping the rider and cause folks close behind to crash as well.

I'm not an expert, but am a MTB rider, and have experimented extensively with various bars, stems, and stack heights. It's all about comfort and control....

 

[NeilM]

Interesting thought on bar ends. I have always had them fitted to pretty much every off road bike I've owned, but then I tend not to ride in woodland where I could get then snagged.

My son is a road rider, and said he can't understand what my attachment with bar ends is, and told me, as only he can, to fit the new forks and be done with it (his language was a little more colourful), so that's the plan at present.

 

[hamster]

The main thing I like about risers is the extra sweep, which puts the hands at a more natural angle.

Ritchey do some really nice 10 degree sweep flat bars, also there are a few other choices. To me they give the best of both worlds.