XC Riser bars V flat bars

[Anthony]

bar ends with risers are definitely a socks/sandals thing, however risers don't get rid of the need for them at all.

I think it's the now almost universal upright position that has obviated the need for bar ends. Risers are just a small part of the upright position - forks are longer, stems are shorter, stems have rise, and despite all that people still use stackers. That's why I would argue that you don't actually need riser bars at all any more. The main argument for risers previously was that it was the only way to get a properly wide bar, but now that flat bars are being made in up to 700mm width, you don't need risers to get a good dynamic position.

the idea behind bar ends is all about the muscle groups being used, on a straight or riser bar without bar ends when you pull on the bar to aid acceleration or climbing, you are pulling with your smaller arm muscles due to the position of your arms, when you move to a bar end it brings your biceps into play, which are more designed for the job.

I find that interesting. Each to his own, but I climb with my legs. Do you really feel that your arms make the bike go up a hill? Surely the conventional argument for bar ends is the opposite of yours - that by placing the weight further forward, they help prevent front wheel lift which in my experience you really don't want.

 

[mountainloz]

Putting the power down on the pedals does require an amour of pulling on the bars.

Different area of cycling I know but as an example, the guys in the tour de France, in a sprint, they're on the sides of the bars for more power,

Try it, think about what muscles are moving, it works

 

[beepbeep]

I recently went back to flat bars for my commuter for a proper retro/low-profile look and feel. I'd changed to risers sometime in the mid-late 90's. It lasted about two weeks before I remembered why I'd made the swap all those years ago (apart from the downhill coolness factor! )
As soon as the risers were on I felt like a kid again I started carving cyclepaths and looking for jump opportunities on my way to work. Together with a slightly shorter stem it's amazing what a difference they made.

 

[KJD MK1]

After a 3 hr ride tonight I'm happy to report that the riding is much improved with the saddle and stem adjustments I made yesterday. I've also bought a set of low xc risers which I'll try along with the new stem. Had another try of my mates rockhopper and liked the feel of the more relaxed position it's something I want to try and replecate on mine.

Again thanks for the input.

 

[highlandsflyer]

I feel you are also safer in the traffic in the upright position.


Whatever set up you have, bar ends always add another option and are a benefit when climbing, allowing much more flexibility in position.

However, one other huge advantage is the protection they afford, they often save your ass by sliding off nasty surfaces that would have otherwise resulted in catastrophe.

 

[silverclaws]

I particularly like my bar ends for crash protection, better them getting scuffed than my fingers getting crushed when I hit a tree or something.

 

[Neil]

the idea behind bar ends is all about the muscle groups being used, on a straight or riser bar without bar ends when you pull on the bar to aid acceleration or climbing, you are pulling with your smaller arm muscles due to the position of your arms, when you move to a bar end it brings your biceps into play, which are more designed for the job.

I find that interesting. Each to his own, but I climb with my legs. Do you really feel that your arms make the bike go up a hill? Surely the conventional argument for bar ends is the opposite of yours - that by placing the weight further forward, they help prevent front wheel lift which in my experience you really don't want.

Personally, when I've used bar ends it's been more about a more comfortable hand position / orientation than purely about the effectiveness when climbing. That said, I've never used them with risers, and I only ever ran risers on one bike, now departed - it lost it's fight against crime.

It's a more neutral hand position, which is definitely more natural - consider the natural position of your hands when at your sides.

As to the muscle groups involved - nothing much really changes - if you're pulling with your arms it doesn't significantly change - hand position may well make it more comfortable and maybe more effective for people, but doesn't have a huge significance for which muscle groups are used.

 

[Andy R]

they often save your ass by sliding off nasty surfaces that would have otherwise resulted in catastrophe.

Or, as I seem to remember, cause you to end up on your ass when they hook onto branches and bushes that would otherwise have just been pushed aside......

 

[brocklanders023]

I did wonder as to why so few bar ends are used these days...

For me they're essential when climbing out of the saddle, my wrists don't feel right unless my hands are turned to palms in. This is how all road cyclists climb, with their hands on the brake hoods.

I find that the way my modern bike is designed means I do not climb out of the saddle. It feels more effective to stay on the saddle so I never feel the need for bar ends.

I try to ride in the same way on my retro bikes but find as the climb gets tougher I tend to get forward and out of the saddle. Bar ends make this more comfy.

 

[hamster]

I think that's a good point. The moment that bikes moved to front suspension then climbing out of the saddle became less effective, and so the usefulness of bar-ends decreased. At the same time the fashion swapped to risers and the rest is history.

Yes I know about lockouts etc.

Just looking at that discussion about Ragleys :shock: on the modern board suggests that there is little point in getting out of the saddle to bully a 29lb brute with 160mm of travel uphill. After about 10 mins of climbing I'd be pooped and sit back down. Winching the thing up in 22-34 seems much more sense for that kind of machine. So no bar ends then.

Just for the record, I'm too middle-aged, have too many bills to pay and scare too easily to want one of those monsters, but they do look rather fun to have a go on...