Better than a Drop Bar?

[@maxredburn6610]

Thanks for always doing reviews as a "you don't need this if it doesn't fit your style" type of way. Love the videos, keep em coming, Russ and Laura ❤️

[@richardthrust1126]

It's surprising to me that the default handlebar options for commuter bikes tend to be either fast (as in a racing-style bike) or casual (as in a Dutch-style bike). I don't like some of the specifics of this handlebar. But I love the fact that it gives you both fast and casual/comfortable positions.

[@bstr3000]

personally i love the bar ends from the 90s mountain bikes, they provide a wide ergonomic platform for control when i'm climbing out of the saddle and many different positions to hold on flats, plus they're super affordable

[@MediumHalf]

Same. I added them to my Frankenstein MTB and they made long rides so much more comfortable.

[@willemjohannes9007]

It seems like they were trying to address some of Alee Denham's complaints with the original that led to the genesis of the KOGA Denham Bars. I increasingly think this design is the best option on gravel and touring bikes, so I'm glad for there to be many options of bars of this ilk.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Denham bar horns are so narrow though.

[@gridises]

@@PathLessPedaledTV How is this even possible? Bikefitters position the drop bars shoulder-width apart or less. I am 190 cm tall and I used to ride a drop bar around 38 cm wide. Alee Denham is tall too, being about 2 meters tall.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@gridises Bikefitters and bike fit systems fit for bike racing and their decisions are biased as such. Also all bodies are different. I'm short but broad. Look at tour riders, their tall and narrow. Height has little to do with shoulder width.

[@willemjohannes9007]

@@PathLessPedaledTV yeah I noticed that as I was looking at the specs, but some of it feels pointedly aligned with his critiques. Like they reduced the sweep angle to be almost identical to that of the Denham bars. Shortening the horns was something he mentioned as well. Maybe I'm not giving VO enough credit though and they were gonna make these changes anyway. As an aside, do you think one could, if one were so inclined, mount aero bars on these?

[@davidcummings5826]

Alee refined the Crazy bars to his current design. Now VO is answering. Given that the Koga Denham bars aren't available in the US, I'd say VO is adapting and filling a hole. The Seine bar is a really cool alternative as well. Kudos to them. I look forward to trying them on my gravel bike. Thanks again for a "crazy" review, Russ! ;)

[@YoSpiff]

Thanks for a useful review. I am generally a hood rider on drop bars and don't care for uprights (similar reasons to your own), but recently bought an E-bike (a Charge City) for commuting which has upright bars and controls. I considered Crazy Bars, but being unavailable, I used a pair of Surly Open bars with a set of bar ends added at the forward bend. It works pretty well and the Open Bars have more sweep than the Crazies, which is good for my hands. Not sure if I'm going to want the Crazy Bars any longer, as this setup really feels right for me.

[@StayZero556]

I run bar ends between my grips and controls for the same type of feeling and I absolutely love it. I can get the feeling of riding hoods on a drop bar and I can use the brakes with my ring and pinky fingers. I can even shift up a gear.

[@mojojojo6852]

You're an absolutely sympathetic dude! I really enjoy how you're presenting stuff and your laid back nature. Thanks!

[@brattenj57]

Thank you for this. i use a Jones H-Bar Loop, and i love love love it, but it's cool to have your perspective on this particular bar. Who would have ever guessed that a handlebar would make such a huge difference? Handlebars are a big deal, really. They have a great influence on how a bike feels to the rider. So thanks for your careful and detailed review!

[@cujomtb250]

I have the Velo Orange Seine bars on my adventure bike and love it. I wrapped the flat spot next to where the horns would attach and that position is very comfortable and let's you stretch out a little and duck the wind.

[@fastandcurious]

Get a handle bar without horns and place bar ends towards center is the way to go. More flexible, great choice of bars like the Ritchey Kyote or Ergotec Riser 50 comfort. The latter two are very affordable as well.

[@paulcallaway71]

Exactly what I did.

[@Mosely2007]

I'm liking my RednShift Kitchen Sink bars. Several thousand miles on gravel a big plus for me . Six hand surgeries , like the different positions

[@arminhess1512]

I really enjoy the SQlab inner bar ends for years! Never without it on a flat bar.

[@krussek]

+1 Also tried ergon GP3 and a totally different feeling. I found them much better for climbing while SQlabs are super of flat or low-grade descents.

[@JakeLuke308]

Someone will like them and it will make their riding experience better.

[@doriankelly101]

I've been riding with this style bar (Surely Moloko), and I love the versatility. Mountain bike controls and components with the option to ride on the "hoods". Though, I think the horns on this bar are wider than the Moloko, which is definitely intriguing. I'll have to try them when they become available.

[@klarkolofsson]

The horns are also longer, Moloko's are very short.

[@marta150]

I also did my homemade version of similar bars by using swept bike bars and pushing in bar ends to create the on the hoods position.

[@tmayberry7559]

With those type of bars a stem length of 60-90 would be best. I tried this setup and found it okay at best. It was very useful when climbing

[@ukestjohn]

I saw this video and took your suggestion to look at the Seine bar, for my wife. We added our own bar ends to the middle, at 38 cm. She has tried them and loves them. Great suggestion. Thanks Russ.

[@ResilienceOnPurpose]

I was able to somehow order a pair of the Koga Denham bars (2nd gen) from Denmark sometime around Sep/Oct I think and love them. I've been riding them around for farting around the island here, doing some mountain biking, and will be biking touring Costa Rica for a few weeks with them in Feb. The things I thought I'd dislike about them (the swept back grips) are actually maybe my favorite thing because I didn't realize how much they would quicken my steering on trails by placing the grips where they would have been on a zero length stem. I like the width of the horns and would almost consider narrowing them. I played around with putting bar ends on older bar, but they angles never worked out right. Worth a try if you have some hanging around though.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

After many years of trials and tribulations of everything from all the types of drops trough many types of flat style bars, bullhorns to chopper like bars. I have to say that "Scott at2 " bars /or similar models/ or standard not too width mtb flat + bar ends is prefect for me/retro mtb style/ with 7-10° back sweep . The 30-45° back sweep bars has give me wrist pain on many occasions.

[@glennpettersson9002]

"Honking on the bars", since subscribing to PLP the size of my vocabulary has exploded. There will have to be a dictionary published one day. :)

[@RottenMechGaming]

You sold me! My day tripping touring bike now has a set fitted. Thanks

[@toddfauntleroy9279]

can you use bar end brakes on the horns of this handlebar???

[@apaul9776]

I also did the same thing on my Salsa Mukluk fat bike about seven (?) years ago. I put bar ends in that middle position on the straight handlebars. They worked well. Have wondered about doing the sam on another of my bikes. It is a good arrangement.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I basically copied a Denham Koga bar by buying a 620mm flat bar with 35 degree sweep, machining 2 solid 30mm aluminium ends to widen them to 680mm, and fitting some high quality alloy single bolt Uno clamp on horns. I'm tall, old, and overweight, my horns are at 400mm centres, and i have a lot of real estate. Best most comfortable bars i've ever owned and ridden. Bike is a 29er mtb with a rigid fork conversion.

[@PurlCat]

I got the original crazy bars 6 months before pandemic and mid summer last year some guy pulled up next to me while I was riding and he literally offered to buy them off my bike right then and there.

[@autumnsanders9937]

Y'all are supa RAD!!! Thank you soo for much for all your great reviews/videos:)!!

[@jeffreywinsor350]

I'm riding a LHT with original drop bars. I'd really like to change out the bar because I'm only ever in the top position or on the brake hoods. I'm thinking bull horn bars. I believe the LHT original drop bar has a 26mm diameter.

[@Nicoya]

I'm not sure I understand putting rise on these bars. It seems like it would just mess up the 'tops' hand position between the horns, and for what benefit? Saving you from buying a higher rise stem or running more spacers?

[@Boss-dr2zk]

One benefit actually is that you can flip them around to get some more/ different positions. But I totally get your point, a wide "tops" section is definetely great to have

[@outbackwack368]

I really like that concept, especially for bikepacking... you can still stick a bag in the middle and have plenty of hand real estate left. Thanks!

[@richardedward123]

Thanks much. Very detailed. Useful review. Looking for a new handlebar setup. Not sure what will work for me. Take care all. Saludos from Texas.

[@donnyo65]

A colleague of mines has just fitted a set of these to hi Ogre - he loves them. Another good video Russ.

[@CT37BN]

Was going for a Corner from Surly although Moloko gives added hand placement and other function but I don't really need that extra front horizontal bar. This Crazy bar seems the perfect alternative for me. Also suffer from carpal tunnel so my flat bar gives me numbness after an hour or so.

[@zer0kelvin212]

I heard that the Ergon grips can also help with hand pain/numbness. Especially the cork version, which is a natural fiber with absorbing properties

[@CT37BN]

@@zer0kelvin212 It's finally good that the newer 35 degree crazy bar is more readily available here in Oz ( before it was only the older/steeper 45 degree ). Just got it in ( noir/black ), nearly was going to order Koga Denham. Can't wait.

[@GuyInnagorillasuit]

They're so crazy they just might work!

[@mckennaschumacher9087]

Hey Russ!! Do you think you could put hood style drop bar levers on the crazy bars?!

[@IsraelMagalit]

I do believe Seine is pronounced "sane" because, you know, opposite of Crazy 😉

[@jimmansi9046]

Nice bars, I'd buy them. I have an old set of On One Mary Bars which are a little narrow but very comfortable

[@singletrackmania1]

Thank you! you're always an inspiration to try new things and push the envelope.

[@czechnolike]

Yes! Been waiting for a review on these!

[@robmdq]

I've tried a similar setup using normal horns, it was "meh", at the end i've preferred the horn at the ends of the bar better. As i see on the video, these ones are wielded onto the main bar, that would not leave room to customize their angle to fit the rider's comfort position

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

As I mentioned in this video not being able to customize horn placement is the downside to bars like this.

[@conbeaute]

I like the Soma Eagle bar because I have access to the brakes from the "hood" position.

[@GoldryBluszco]

try the surly moloko my fav alt bar, really nice for bike packing

[@JasonGrace1]

I love flat/risers/swept bars, I'm not racing anyone but myself. For me I like flats.

[@3of11]

Origin8 Compe Lite Bar End... $14 on amazon add to existing bars. Poor mans Koga Denham.

[@crbj23]

I didn't even watch the whole video but the 1st 30 seconds I gave 👍. It removed a bunch if stress... I think you should add some type of soundscape.... the handlebars are cool.

[@RedBeardedRabbit]

Is it possible to get those "bullhorns" separately to attach to "any" handlebar ? A quick search online yields like just a few results that are not complete handlebars and not only bar-end.

[@noopynnus]

Really like the bar tape you got! Do you have a link to get these?

[@skulluxe1]

I made similar set up using Ritchey Kyote bar with stubby bar ends… wider and more customizable…

[@robenglish416]

That bar tape was too much!

[@agunlogisteam]

More like Koga Denham with rise now 🤔 Or Ritchey Kyote with horns... Im using Kyote with inner barend now, looks pretty similar

[@brucedryer-zm3cx]

What are the grips that you have on the Crazy Bars? I like the length of those that you have installed. Thanks

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Thinking I may like these on my mountain bike

[@elachichai]

A connecting bar between horns could have served as a handlebar extender for gadgets... Like Surley Moloko

[@scrooge1913]

The way you showed us the partypace patch reminded me of the "it's morphing time" transition in Power Rangers. If you ever wanted to do an It's party time and transform from a roadie to a party pace rider I'd love to see it. I mean you used to do the He-Man intro for BikesXBourbon, so I feel like it's not too far off brand.

[@markowsley4954]

I like the looks of these bars. It seems that there is enough room to add clip on aero bars.

[@alessandrouk2]

butterfly handlebar or Flat Handlebars with Clip Bars (TT). Thais Handlebar BullHorn with Normal HandleBars.

[@dpell3543]

Took me aback. I have the Koga Denham bars with the exact same tape. These look more comfortable

[@26realmc]

how comfortable is the sweep and are the horns too narrow at 40cm apart? Most reviews are glowingly positive.

[@rwirtz77]

Whats the one piece stem spacer on the bottom and the top spacer called, thats pretty slick

[@michaelfromaustin]

You do original watercolors!?1?!? I'm a big fan of watercolor paintings so this is a must for me:)

[@leonwrede9213]

Regarding horn length - it's just a difference in reach, right? I don't feel like on aero bars with the old CBs, as the horns are still pretty far apart and there is nothing to rest your forearms on unless you pad the bars a lot. If anything the new horns may mimic the hoods on short reach compact drop bars vs more traditional reach on the old version

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

On the old ones I felt too stretched out on the horns and it was hard to find a stem length where both the horns and sweep were comfortable. The new ones narrow the distance and make it easier (for me atleast) to find a stem length where both positions are comfortable.

[@brotherofthewheel8894]

Too crazy for me. I think you’d need gibbon length arms for the width and tiny hands to fit the very short extensions. It’s a real palaver to get them through door ways too. I chopped them down in the end

[@fanyjulian2267]

how to determine the correct stem size for the crazy bar, the bike that comes with the new factory when installing the crazy bar feels aggressive when riding

[@adnansteady1259]

When will this be release? Cant wait to get it asap

[@dangcongminh7042]

if I use a flat bar with a width of 600mm should I change to a Crazy handlebar?

[@y1d2d3a4m5]

Great bars...you just can't find them in stock anywhere, old or new version. Prob even less so now. ✌

[@adamyelle4901]

Definitely dreamed something like this up in the past. Nice to see that someone has come up with it. Thanks for showing them off!

[@philiptaylor6506]

If I got the Seine bars you mentioned and placed bar ends at 46 cm which is where I too prefer would there still be room for shifters and grips? If not centered at the bends wouldn't they be angling out?

[@robbchastain3036]

Okay, as an ombudsman, I question the reference to "high-speed descents" on this channel for those who seemingly embrace only the leisurely party pace. And I grin and say cool, Russ, these bars and anything from Velo-Orange, really. And I'd call those horns 'aero bar ends' and call it even.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

High speed for me. High speed as in World Record probably not. Also we address "How Fast is Party Pace" in this video and it has nothing to do with speed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKiti5SqiZdjfMk VO calls it horns so I am using their nomenclature.

[@robbchastain3036]

@@PathLessPedaledTV It's all good, Russ, and I like the grins and cheers along the way. And I like to get rowdy with the party people in the fast lane.

[@krussek]

Is the brake lever accessible from the horns? I really like SQLab innerbarends because they give me two hand positions with proper braking.

[@FrankLadd]

Why not get the old mountain bike bar ends and put them just where you want them? I like that option better and might try some crazy on my bars. Thanks!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I mention that specifically as an option.

[@slowwerthensnot]

Ha already set up a co worker with the sine bar and some barends!

[@dougfromsoanierana]

Those would be sweet with Ergon grips.

[@gilerd77]

These look wayyy better than the original. Mine is still in the handlebar pile.

[@geeheeber]

finally for sale

[@neildaintree]

What do you think of these compared to Surly moloko? Difficult to figure out what would work best but I do like the hood style position on these. Love the channel and work that you do for those of us who enjoy party pace riding 👍🏻😁🚴

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Haven't tried the Moloko yet. One big plus for these however is going to be the weight. Surly bars are never light.

[@slippinjimmothy]

I've ridden with my Moloko for around 500 miles. I have the entire loop wrapped with cork tape, Ergon GA3 grips, and use padded gloves. I like the horns position the most, plus the horizontal tubes provide a lot of wrist support in this area. I don't really care for riding on any of the horizontal tubes, but keep them wrapped for padding when on the horns.

[@doriankelly101]

I'm at about 300 miles on my Moloko bars, and absolutely love them. Plus, they do come in carbon if weight is an issue...and you have the coin.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@doriankelly101 where are these magical carbon versions you speak of?

[@doriankelly101]

At a consignment shop, they had a pair for $200. But looking online, (just now), I can't seem to find anything. Now I'm thinking I was mistaken, and maybe they were something similar. Weird. I was super sure they were Moloko. Idk.

[@caesarrizky]

is there minimum recommended stem length for this bar? because the back sweep is 35 degree. how long is your stem in this videoa?

[@michaelbeiyt]

I always wonder how you manage to brake in time.

[@NickNiemiec]

Ritchey Kyote Bars plus the bar ends of my choice? It might just happen on my Surly Ogre.

[@fastandcurious]

I did exactly that. Works absolutely fine on my Kyote. Bought several older bar ends from one seller to test which ones I prefer. It looks much nicer r the crazy bars and the Jones bar. The bar ends are exactly where I like them at an angle i can always adjust. The whole system is much lighter than the Jones bar and far more flexible than the crazy bars. And much cheaper than either of them.

[@mattiasandersson2315]

I've got the kyote bar too. I have put bar ends on it, both inner and intergrated bar ends on the grips.

[@NickNiemiec]

@@fastandcurious Awesome! Do they mount well on the curvy part in the middle?

[@NickNiemiec]

@@mattiasandersson2315 by inner do you mean at the curvy part of the bar? Hoping it can grip well there and be adjusted slightly in either direction to get the perfect angle. and then taped up.

[@fastandcurious]

@@NickNiemiec mine do, of my sample of old bar ends 3 out of 4 are fine. One old pair has a relatively wide clamp. I did not even try that one. Of course I scratched some of the black coating... If you care about looks, maybe go for the bare aluminium version that for a weird reason usually is slightly more expensive.

[@bikebudha01]

They really should offer the 'horns' at diff widths....

[@kalleniemi6316]

Can you use the brakes while your hands are on the horns? I'm using sqlabs innerbardends and I can use the brakes quite nicely while riding in the "hoods position". I have the matching ergo grips too and the combination is awesome.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. Can’t use brakes in the horns.

[@MrGanxtawanxta]

Cant find this bar tape. What is it called?

[@israeladams6439]

could you recomend a site to order those grips, and bar ends? thx, have fun..

[@jfspurlin1]

Are your grips the XL version?

[@darrinschwarz7446]

Yes, they are.

[@84marlowe]

Would you recommend this for a hardtail over the surly corner bar? Thanks!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah. Honestly not a fan of the corner bar.

[@SuperJohnfoster]

How hard can it be to make a handle bar? These have been sold out for ages

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

There’s only a global pandemic and supply chain breakdown going on.

[@peterbedford2610]

I am getting these

[@billyboy8534]

Would you say these are better than the surly molokos? I'm trying to decide between these and some molokos.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends where you want the placement of the extensions.

[@ЮрийХуднцкий]

what the innerbarends?

[@freddyromo7954]

They’re built in on the handle bar. Velo Orange Crazy Bar.

[@milesochsner8883]

Bar ends moved in. Bar ins?

[@cynon767]

Haha... Seine... "sane", as opposed to crazy... hmm...

[@Volkmannx]

Drop bars are crazy enough for me! 😁

[@RoloSolis81]

Not crazy enough! I would really like handlebars like a livestrong spin bike.

[@landonashby2029]

So do you prefer the 90's "In Living Color" Party Bar Wrap or the Barbie Blue Moon Glow Bar Wrap? 😆

[@fpeter01]

Regular bar with Innerbarends makes more sense.

[@erikbogner9096]

Which bar tape do you find best?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I don't have a preference for bar tape. But, I do really like the ESI grips for bars like these.

[@billsomerset238]

I don't there weird all,,,,ok, there weird but I can see where they'd be good moving your hands around.

[@RichardDeLaurell]

"better than a drop bar?" don't think I heard the answer to that question, or did I miss it?

[@AkiraJesoro]

For comfortability but not for aero dynamics

[@aldoramonz]

I made this using bar ends putting them in. Extremely comfortable feels like I’m on hoods like a road bike. RAV X bars ends.

[@Red-ju4mi]

Why no one talking about drop bars with bar ends

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

What does that even mean?

[@szurketaltos2693]

Most bar ends have too small of a clamp diameter to fit on the vast majority of drop bars (I think soma gator is an exception with 22.2 ends).

[@TheLelol]

What is this bartape?

[@mmmbass6068]

Ali Express