25 July, 2013

Crazy Handlebar Update

By: Casey

We just got a new prototype of the crazy bars that I talked about a little over a month ago. I've been riding around on the original prototype since their arrival and I couldn't be happier with their functionality. This new prototype is functionally the same as the original prototype, we just think that it is a little more aesthetically pleasing. What do you think?

New Prototype

Original Prototype

24 comments:

  1. The original looks more ergonomic.

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  2. They look pretty cool.

    Make 'em!

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  3. Much improved. The original prototype's joints gave it a very cobbled/frankenbike look. Not sure if it's just the way the bars where photographed, but I like the finish on the new bars better

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  4. I like the orihinal one. The parts of the bars that you're likely to tape (tops and 'hoods') are connected with a smooth curve in the original, but have a sharp angle in the new one. Those two sections, to me, want to be continuous, whereas the wide parts will have ergons or something, and so it makes more aesthetic sense for those to depart from the rest of the bar at an abrupt angle.

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  5. Hard to tell which is better based on a photo, would have to ride them to make a judgement. That said, the concept is great.

    Dan

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  6. I'd be inclined to bar tape the heck out of them, once brake lever placement was resolved. Several options there based on riding style.

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  7. If the price were pretty cheap (<$60), I'd definitely give these bars a shot.

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  8. While I appreciate the functionality and originality... isn't this like trying to put lipstick on a pig?

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  9. Does proto2 still have 22.2 at the wide swept back part and 23.8 (or an internal dia. compatible with inverse levers) out on the horns?
    What about the flats between clamp and horns? Is this middle flat part 22.2 with 25.4 clamp? And how wide from horn to horn? I might want one for my utility bike rebuild project!

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  10. aero bars on my hybrid, my hybrid

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  11. I think I would like the new proto better. I could see myself resting my palms on the welded joint, and that looks a little more comfortable on the new version

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  12. I don't know why, but the new one does look better. I'm going to be seriously thinking about these.

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  13. I'm mystified why these bars would be a good idea. A bunch of northroad type bars that have long, swept back grips and plenty of room at the bends achieves the same basic function in a much more elegant manner.

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  14. I made a sortof similar bar once with a set of shortie bar ends mounted inboard of the grips on a regular mtn bar. it was a surprisingly comfortable and versatile setup. this looks much better with the swept ends (and shiny finish)! love the innovation!

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  15. i see there is plenty of backsweep, any up-sweep?

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  16. @msrw

    This photo may be an oversimplification, but I am confused at the comparison?

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  17. Nice alternative to euro trekking bars. The new version is going to be significantly stronger. On the original the weld would receive a dangerous amount of stress in the most critical area of the bar. The bar end portion is unlikely to fail. Personally I'd sooner run Dia Compe nubbins on a tourist bar for a cleaner look, but you could always trim down the extensions.

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  18. I can almost assure you that I would buy a bar like this. I have been using a bullhorn on my 70's falcon that I run as a single speed. When I am cruising I flip it backwards and when I climb I flip it forward. This would cover everything. I am very inflexible and have a bad back and would use this for brevet.

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  19. What is the center to center on the bullhorn section, and the width of the swept-back section? Too wide a bar is just as bad as a too narrow bar (IMHO).

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  20. The bullhorn section is 400mm centre to centre and the swept back ends are 666mm wide (C-C)

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  21. I would love to buy these, but I'd need a 1" quill stem with a removeable faceplate. Is there any chance you might provide such stems?

    With much love from Germany - Carl

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  22. If you need a to use these with a threaded fork I'd suggest the VO Threadless Stem Adapter.

    We've tried to make a removable faceplate quill stem, but they just don't look good.

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  23. I've been searching for something very similar to this, only instead of the combo with horns I'd like to have a combo with drops.
    Do you guys take special requests?

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