Why Do Moutain Bikes Have Such Stupid Handlebars?

[curling]

The ONLY think I can think of is less wind resistence. But look at the handling you are giving compared to motorcross type bars(or the type bars that extreme bikes have). Anyway is the less wind resistence the only reason the bars are like they are.

I mean I like all the gears on my moutain bike and the big wheels but my wrist start to hurt from the weight from my body leaning across them the whole time. I mean that is another reason I like Harleys better than crotch rockets because crotch rockets are so dang uncomfortable to ride on after just a little while.

Anyway does anybody know why moutains bikes have them funky unconfortable handle bars?

 

[frorider6]

You need to be in that position for climbing efficiency. Mountain bikes (cross country types) are more designed for climbing efficiency than cruising comfort. On a typical XC trail, you're either climbing a hill in a seated position, elbows bent, trying to maintain traction or you're decending. When decending, you better be standing up on the pedals, keeping your weight centered or slightly back on the bike, and your arms should be relaxed. Your legs should be supporting you at all times.

If you want a more comfortable mountain bike, look into the "free ride" style bike. They have a more comfortable seating position and depending on price, are usually fully suspended. They are usually more stable in a fast downhill descent. The drawback is added weight, loss of power to the suspension and less efficient climbing.

 

[Bullit]

Hardcore XC mountain bikes have bars like that for windresistence, as well as optimum pedal power.

You can change your position easily.

1. Buy riser bars - these are like moto-x bars, but made for mountain bikes. I have em, they rule. They are also swept back a bit which is nice.
2. buy a stem with some rise to it

Good brands to check for are Raceface, Azonic or Titec.


Both of these will striaghten your back, putting you in a more upright (and comfy) position.

 

[curling]

Thanks dudes. I will look into those more upright comfy bars ... Hey if I am going to do cardio might as well do it confortably, right?

 

[Biscuit]

I put ape hangers on mine. people on the trail can not understand.

Biscuit...

 

[Zebo]

I also put a new seat on my bike. I got rid of that little steel fucking peg of a seat. I bought a seat that has a hole in the middle of it.
Very comfortable. I don't care what it looks like. I'm not a purist.

Now, the ole dick nerve doesn't take a beating and go numb......

 

[toga22]

I agree with you 100%....in the summer I do a ton of biking....and it seems after the first hour, when on a Mountain Bike, my hands and wrists are numb and tingling. Couldn't handle it anymore and went out and got a road bike from Fuji last summer for when I am riding strictly on the road....It is an ultra-light bike, plus a fast and smooth ride. And no more tingling hands and fingers...which was well worth the added expense to me.

Good luck on your search.....

~toga

 

[studcj]

Another thing...if you were leaned over the handle bars, like you would be on a road bike, you are more likely to hit big bumps so the handle bars can pop you in the face. just a thought..

wish I had my bike here in AZ. Weathers beautiful.

 

[frorider6]

Another thing...if you were leaned over the handle bars, like you would be on a road bike, you are more likely to hit big bumps so the handle bars can pop you in the face. just a thought..

wish I had my bike here in AZ. Weathers beautiful.

Maybe I misunderstood you but...

If you're on a mountain bike and you hit a bump big enough to cause the handlebars to hit you in the face, you have much larger problems than that my friend. First, your rate of speed would have to be quite high and the "bump" would have to be aking to a boulder. Major wipeout.

When you're climbing a hill, depending on the pitch, your face can get very close to your handlebars. But you're also going so slow that the snail's start honking. I've climbed many a hill that way. When descending, you should be standing up on the pedals, arms mostly straight but relaxed and head up. Support 95-99% of your weight on your legs, not your arms.

I rode for many years, been through MANY MANY wrecks, even did a race and I've never had the handlebars pop me in the face.

 

[frorider6]

Hey toga. It's funny you mention your hands going numb and tingling on a mountain bike. That's the exact reason I hated road bikes. I felt there so much vibration being transmitted through the rock hard tire and rigid fork. That is what made my hands go numb. However, I could ride my mountain bike all day. The larger tires and front suspension got rid of all the hign frequency vibrations that I hated.