| Handlebars |
Long hours riding in the same position can cause
stiffness and cramping in the neck, shoulders, arms,
wrists and lower back. Cycle tourists solve this
problem by installing handlebars that offer a wide
variety of hand positions, allowing the stiff, cramping
muscles to rest while others stiffen and cramp in their
place.
While traditionalists insist that the drop bar style is the
best, a newer style of touring bar has come on the
market in the last few years that allow the wrists (think
carpel-tunnel) to rest in almost any position while
maintaining a firm control of the bike. These bars can
be adjusted higher for a more upright position or lower
for a bit more aerodynamic posture.
Of course, there are drawbacks. Trekker bars, as they
are known, look unusual. Bolting a pair to your touring
bike instantly lumps you in the with a group of cycle-
nerds, recumbent freaks, unicyclists, and Pee-Wee
Hermans who are a happy bunch – but, let’s face
it – are not the coolest cats. But heck, if you worried
much about what others thought you probable wouldnâ
€™t even consider a big cycle journey.
stiffness and cramping in the neck, shoulders, arms,
wrists and lower back. Cycle tourists solve this
problem by installing handlebars that offer a wide
variety of hand positions, allowing the stiff, cramping
muscles to rest while others stiffen and cramp in their
place.
While traditionalists insist that the drop bar style is the
best, a newer style of touring bar has come on the
market in the last few years that allow the wrists (think
carpel-tunnel) to rest in almost any position while
maintaining a firm control of the bike. These bars can
be adjusted higher for a more upright position or lower
for a bit more aerodynamic posture.
Of course, there are drawbacks. Trekker bars, as they
are known, look unusual. Bolting a pair to your touring
bike instantly lumps you in the with a group of cycle-
nerds, recumbent freaks, unicyclists, and Pee-Wee
Hermans who are a happy bunch – but, let’s face
it – are not the coolest cats. But heck, if you worried
much about what others thought you probable wouldnâ
€™t even consider a big cycle journey.
| We have not been sponsored by any company. If a product stinks, we'll tell you. |
| We purchased much of our gear second-hand through ebay |