Hi All,
I’ve recently (maybe too soon) added some Kris Holm handlebars to my 36er as I heard they made the ride more controllable etc. After a couple of short rides getting use to the 36er I introduced the handlebar.
If anything I’m finding i’m finding they get in the way when trying to mount but once onboard they seem ok. I only say ‘seem’ because I’m not fully comfortable putting both hands on just yet. I’m using the curved Kris Holm bar but have considered switching it over to the flat bar to see if there’s any difference.
I’m sure this is a debate where its based on personal preference but is there any common position people decide to put their bars to suit road riding?
I’ve attached a picture of where I have mine presently.
They get in my way too when I mount so I set them low so they don’t stick up above the seat.
As to 2 hands on the bar, just ride more and you’ll get it. If you have a 26, 27.5 or 29er, you can also practice putting 2 hands at the handle too on that uni.
For the handlebar, i just suggest if you reliably dismount off the back, then having the attached handlebars are fine. Your next challenge would be to figure out where to put the brake cause having it out the front may or may not be comfortable in situations when you want to use it. So that’s trial and error.
I know your saddle is different but I belive the position of the handlebar relative to the saddle is comparable.
Looking at your current setup the raised handles looks fairly uncomfortable to be. But again it’s personal preference. There is no right or wrong.
I have my curved bar positioned lower than yours so that I can still use the saddle handle for mounting, but the curved bar makes the bar ends still high enough up to be in a comfortable cruising position.
I personally do not like the curved bar. I use the kh straight bar with mountain bike extenders. I don’t like the plastic handles it comes with.
Mounting with the bar is phycological thing, It really is not in the way in most cases. Keep practicing , I use my seat handle to mount. you will get over it.
My setup is similar to what you show. My bars are about 8" above my seat and a little further forward than yours. I prefer an upright riding stance.
I also do not ride much paved road. This is my ride for cross country trails and logging roads.
I swapped out those handles for regular bar ends. (those handles didn’t work well for me no matter which way I put them on)
I also removed the seat handle as it’s dead weight now. (with it removed you have more range with either of the handlebar setups)
Why not? Once it’s in position surely it just gives you more room for the seat handle, but has almost zero other impact? I suppose if you run a lower handlebar setup (to still have access to the handle) then it might be a bit weird going down before going back up again.
I just have mine extended a little further out. I’ve never cut anything off the end of it.
I tried it on my 32. I guess I’m Just used to the straight bar. I have a set up I have mimicked over several unicycles with the same bar extenders, brake lever position and my GPS speedo mount that I like. Free mounting with the raised bar threw me off psychologically and I really had trouble following through once I landed my pedals. The good news is I have two of them if I ever want to change things up.
For me this was another blockage in my head. My KH touring bar seemed like more of a hindrance than a help, but as with all things unicycling, as I persisted it got easier and now I couldn’t imagine riding my 36er or 29er without a handlebar. As for hands on, tend just to use my left (dominant) hand on it and my right tends to be behind me for balance. Occasionally on a decent straight I’ll use two hands.
As ever the key is practice, practice & practice.
All the best.
If it’s getting in the way of your mounting then it may be too high. I mainly use the nimbus shadow now but I also used the KH t-bar and both are great but I really like the stand on the nimbus.
Here is mine. This is how I alway rode with a handlebar.
I dont think it’s too early. You can still ride just gripping the saddlehandle. Maybe, it’s important to remember to ignore the handle when circumnavigating difficulties. And never try to steer by pulling the handlebar.
I don’t agree with that.
Learn to push and pull on the handlebars for another level of control.
This is why I have my handlebars higher and closer so I’m able to react to sudden weight changes or to assist in a desired direction change.
Most people have their handlebars so far out that their body is in a completely different position for the road touring compared to a muni body position. This also changes the centre of gravity of your body position by moving it forward away from your body’s centreline.
I’m trying to accomplish a “oneness” with my wheel and think that using the handlebars is like swinging your arms while walking or running… it assists you in keeping your balance.
For a beginner it is a disservice to try and “steer” the cycle with the handlebars. You steer with the hips and by leaning. The bars does absolutely nothing. Also, I have noticed (with myself) a dangerously habit to learn forward in a turn. Too much will result in a “superman”, but staying upright through the whole turn is way safer and easier.
I think pulling and pushing the handlebars to the sides mainly unbalance the cycle under you.
The bars are for stabilizing sideways movement coming from the pedalsstrucks and pushing yourself out of the seat - straight up. My reasoning comes from idling - you steer with your lower body and lean with your upper body.
I agree with your thoughts as I control my cycles the same. I do pull and push the handlebars at times but more for comfort, stability or scaling hills and never for steering.
