Gresp15C

So my Schwinn work bike has what we used to call "upright" handlebars, and my fun bike has "Origin8 Citi Classic" aluminum bars that I like a lot. I prefer upright bars because the onset of old age has made it impossible for me to ride drop bars, and flat bars pound the heck out of my wrists. I also just prefer the more upright posture for urban riding.

Now my spouse would like to try upright bars on her old but nice road bike, which she no longer rides due to the same issues.

What I'd like to know is, are there any other "upright" bars that I should consider? The Origin8 seem to be of fine quality, but I don't want to overlook anything. It may be that I'm having a hard time searching because I'm using the wrong terminology.

PennyTheDog

If you live near a bike shop that sells used bikes, you might want to just ask to see their stash of used handlebars. I just put together a bike for my dad, and I got the perfect used bars from my LBS for $10! eBay is good for that too-- it doesn't even really occur to me to buy bars new any more.

Gresp15C

I'll definitely check it out. There's a nearby shop that sells used bike parts. Why I didn't think of checking for a pair of bars, who knows. So, thanks for the tip.

Medic Zero

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Any idea how high you want to go? I started out with a 15 dollar* pair of handlebars from XLC that don't have a whole lot more rise and sweep than an aggressive pair of mountain "riser" bars. Because that didn't bring the handlebars up quite as high as I would like and because I'm hoping to shorten the stem a little too**, on my bike I'm building up to replace my current commuter I went with a pair of handlebars from Rans (crank forward bikes) that have a whopping 8" rise to them. The cheap way some folks approach this is with BMX bars, although the Rans bars are only 30 dollars with free shipping.

On my ladies converted mountain bike, she started out with a a set of Soma Sparrows, but after a few hundred miles decided the sweep was a little too much on these, so I've given her a with a pair of Wald handlebars that have a 5" rise to them to try out.


* That was a total of $15, including delivery, new bars from an Ebay seller.
** I've got a ridiculously tall stem on there right now, this another way to try and get the bars closer to you. My LBS hooked me up with a super tall quill for a nominal fee ($15?).


Amazon.com : Wald Steel Handlebar #803 5.25" 27" 1" Black : Bike Handlebars : Sports & Outdoors
Those come in silver as well.

This looks like the XLC I've been running for the past three years:
Amazon.com : XLC Mountain Bike Handlebar, 50mm, 630mm, 25.4, Black : Riser Bike Handlebars : Sports & Outdoors

Rans DEEP V HANDLEBAR
That's their bar with a whole lot of rise, I notice they also have a bar they are calling "flat" that has almost 3 inches of rise for $27. They didn't charge me anything for shipping when I ordered my bars from them (and naught else), I don't think they charge for shipping.



Here's a partial list I made of upright bars when I was trying to figure out we wanted:

Soma Sparrow
Soma Clarence
Nitto Dove handlebar
Surly Open Bar with 40mm rise?
Civia Upton? 56 degrees (looks like Mary equivalent)
Velo Orange Tourist? 60 degrees
Nitto Albatross
Nitto North Road

I think the "Carnegie" has a bit of rise to it, looks like less than the XLC riser bar though.

My list pales compared to this one though:
The Swept Handlebar Sweep Angle List thread

fietsbob

you can put a stem-raiser in your fork-stem assembly and raise the bars you have also..


Myself I Like Trekking Bars. the figure 8 bend is very versatile.. .

modernjess

I have been using and loving Nitto Albatross bars on my Cross Check for several years now. That bike plays the IGH/City/Utility/Rain bike role in my stable. They are very comfy, you can ride on the handles or in the bends and they really are a very high quality product.

here's a link, not the only place to get them though PARENT Nitto Albatross Bar 55cm - 25.4

MichaelW

On-One Mary.

NormanF

Wald 869 is an economical North Roads bar. If you like a wider, cruiser look, Wald 896 is a good choice.

Chuck16

adjustable stem and figure how far you want em up
so like maybe 5 inch rise handle bars

ebay maybe ...

fuzz2050

I've used a Wald 867, and adored that handlebar, it has about 3 inches of rise, and the grips are more or less parallel.

I've also used a Soma Oxford bar, and it's pretty fantastic as well. Same grip position as the 867, but less rise, a nicer bend, and better polish.

tds101 

I have these handlebars on 3 of my bikes now. And I personally find them perfect for my needs. I no longer have the hand/wrist numbness (I use ergonomic grips as well), I'm in a more upright riding position (a lot less strain on my lower back and rotator cuff), and I can easily ride in my city's traffic conditions (the bars are narrow enough for necessary filtering during traffic). I'm quite pleased with them,...
Amazon.com : Retrospec BMX Style Bicycle Handlebars for Fixed-Gear/Single-Speed/Mountain/Commuter and Freestyle Bikes, Black : Fixie : Sports & Outdoors

TransitBiker

Town style bars will probably fill your need. There are two types, one type has the grips roughly parallel with the frame, and the other type simply moves them up and back vs a flat bar. Both of these would probably work for you.















Good luck, keep us posted!

- Andy

mjrLV

Anyone know where Soma Clarence 31.8 are in stock?

I've looked at all the usual places, with no luck.

Thanks!

Gresp15C

Well, here's what happened. I got the Velo Orange Tourist, and my spouse thought it was too much, and put her in a riding position where the bike was hard to handle. So I pulled out a nearly straight bar that was in my bin, and she loves it.

So, I get a nice shiny new bar for one of my bikes. And thanks to everybody for the advice and links.