Question RE: Moustache handlebars

[pellegrino]

I inherited an old Trek Multi-trak 720 (early 90s from what I can tell). It's in good shape and fits me well enough to use as an alternate commuter. It has a standard straight handlebar that isn't too comfortable, especially when you're used to the variety a dropdown gives you. So, I'm thinking about trying a moustache handlebar. I've ridden a friend's bike that has one and I liked it.

My question is about the shifters. I notice that a lot of moustache bars take bar end shifters, which would be a waste on this bike. The other option is a downtube shifter, which I really don't like. Do any of you ride with a moustache bar and if so have you had any success with just mounting a simple index or below the bar shifter (which is what the bike currently has) next to the brakes?

[creekster]

I inherited an old Trek Multi-trak 720 (early 90s from what I can tell). It's in good shape and fits me well enough to use as an alternate commuter. It has a standard straight handlebar that isn't too comfortable, especially when you're used to the variety a dropdown gives you. So, I'm thinking about trying a moustache handlebar. I've ridden a friend's bike that has one and I liked it.

My question is about the shifters. I notice that a lot of moustache bars take bar end shifters, which would be a waste on this bike. The other option is a downtube shifter, which I really don't like. Do any of you ride with a moustache bar and if so have you had any success with just mounting a simple index or below the bar shifter (which is what the bike currently has) next to the brakes?

I have tried mustache bars and I think they are pretty nice, but I ma having a hard time imagining what you mean. Why do you think Bar ends would be a waste? Rivendell sells nitto moustahce bars and I would call them if you wanted some input; I suspect they would tell you what might work, etc.


http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=16-028

[pellegrino]

Why do you think Bar ends would be a waste?

I think bar ends would be a waste for this bike because I don't want to invest that much in it. I have nothing against bar ends, just that for this bike I don't want to spend the money. A set of mustache bars would set me back no more than 40-50, bar end shifters doubles that at the least. If I end up liking the bike enough I might invest in a new drive train, but for now I'd just like a "quick" fix to make the ride more comfortable with minimal expense.

I'd like to be able to just swap out the current handlebars with a mustache bar and not have to buy anything else new. I would think that depending on how much room there is I could just reinstall the same brakes and shifters (they're thumb shifters).

Thanks for the response, I'll think I'll give Rivendell a call and see what they think.

[creekster]

My office is very near Rivendell and I wander over there every now and then. If you need me to do anythign for you on the ground, let me know. Maybe some oold friction thumb shifters would be good. Se whta Rivendell says.

[SteelBlue]

If you go with the moustache bars then I think you should refer to the bike as a moustache ride.

[pellegrino]

If you go with the moustache bars then I think you should refer to the bike as a moustache ride.

how about "the 'stache?"

[FMCoug]

Also, make sure you grow a handlebar moustache to go with your moustache handlebars.