The Case for Alt Bars

Drop bars and risers are the standard handlebars, but they're not great for everyone. That's where alt bars come in. Alt bars exist because they solve problems with bike fit, are better for different riding styles that aren't strictly road or mountain biking, and are just plain fun. If you're not a competitive cyclist, alt bars can reinvigorate your love of cycling. Here's the case for alt bars.

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[ItsBunCha]

Zachary I purchased a wabi last week, waiting for it to arrive. Thanks for brainwashing me into buying it

[maxmaldonado]

We need a “how to build a cheap fixie bike in 2024” video 🐐

[junka]

I haven't got drops on any of my bikes but I do have ape hangers on my chopper bicycle and my beach cruiser bike has nice sweeping bars that curve around and are super comfortable. My fixed gear has straight bars. My BMX's are all standard BMX bars and my mountain bikes only have a 10mm rise. They all feel different but once you set your bike up for you, they all feel great. I would say, spend a few days on a new bike to feel it out, if you can't quite get the set up you want then get the upgraded parts. Or if you just feel like a change up on an old bike you love then go for it. Cool video Zach. 😎👍

[brianmccallum]

Dude, totally right about the granola moose. I ride drops and bullhorns but been wanting something a bit different with more of a chill ride but with a range of hand positions. This is fantastic. Ordered the day after your initial comments from the previous video . These are so much fun to ride . I thank you and Velo Orange.

[Conformist]

A short reach bullhorn is still my favorite style bar by far.

[bakerniner]

nothing more fun than passing roadies with your Wald "Touring" (north road style) bars. they don't hurt speed (gearing might, but not the bars) I have a low stem that positions the body forward, about where the top of race bars would locate. For more aero, center your grip in the center around the stem. I've tried the Nittos and others. The "French style" are too much like tillers on a boat (too swept - straight - back). Most others are too wide or the grip angle too "flat" (like MTB, which hurts me on distance rides). I've found grip angle of the north road style perfect. You're new bars look fine, but a too wide for me.

[jacoblavinder]

So I haven’t been watching much of your vids lately 😢 I know I’m sorry but to come back and see you enjoy these alt bars soooo much I love it so so much it’s great cu I also have been experimenting with different bars on my fixed gears an it’s so lovely

[CTBN]

Have an Orange Crazy Bar, best aftermarket kit I bought for my bike besides a suspension seat post and top fitting saddle.

[protocolsoftheridersofdurian]

5:07 things get kind of squirrelly when you're sleeping in the park

[mikerossi]

Nitto Jitensha, bullmoose, and albatross are my faves. I tried to like the albastache, but gave up on it. And looking forward to a really cool looking bosco bullmoose, but it’s going on a geared build that hasn’t been built, yet.

[joelogjam]

I believe that the top sections of a drop bar where the brake hoods normally attach are called the ramps.

[mohongzhi]

drop bar only for racing, and for GROUP fast pace riding. That's litterialy all... And all other bars are just free choice for daily use. Even if do solo long distance, TT bar will be better than Drop bar. And actually bull horn bar are also perfect for daily commuting from short to extra long range.

[nyohaku]

Noodly drop bars or cyclocross drop bars check all the boxes for me. Swept back and fat at the tops, shallow drop and nice flair for extra width.

[mysticwolf]

I really dig my redshift kitchen sink bars

[event]

To me drop bars are alt as I normally use moustache/gullwing bars.

[TroubleshootGamingMeds]

Love ur vids fam. Personally unless I'm riding drops, I'm riding risers. To each their own though!

[HenriksenDolf]

I live in Europe and want a Wabi, too.

[RedBeardedRabbit]

As someone with wrist and elbow issues on both arms (computer job), I am baffled that so many bikes come standard with flat bars without any sweep. I can instantly feel the pressure points/pain/etc. compared to more swept-back bars. It must be a cultural thing here in North America because ergonomically it definitely makes no sense to me.

[Johann-]

So apehangers are frowned on with the racers crowd? Also; these bars are for yuppies that dont know better.

[christopherwebb]

I have bullhorn handlebars positioned more up than out, with bar-end break levers. I find them more comfortable than they were when they were more forward.