Going UPRIGHT! - Rivendell Bosco Bar Install

[@brentallar7355]

Those bars are cool, but I have to admit that my favorite part of this video is the RJthebikeguy shout out. He is underappreciated in the bicycling KZbin community. Keep up the good work man.

[@atoreilly]

PLP interview w/ RJ would be amazing

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Pro tip for the ESI Grips: Isopropyl alcohol on the bar and inside the grip. They will slide right on easy peasy, when the alcohol evaporates off in about 1/2 hour they are locked on.

[@ttiwehde]

Living at the beach in California means no one will say s,%t about my bosco bars on any bike .Just got my first riv bike this month with bosco and its sweet riding. Can’t sleep , on chemotherapy, but watching you go through this bar swap is just what I needed. Russ your making a difference , thanks from Ed in Ventura

[@umeko204]

Congrats on discovering the basic design philosophy for your typical city bike that’s been standard since at least the 1890s. Amazing how much was understood about cycling back then, that has been lost to the industry becoming almost exclusively focused on sport/racing. Jokes aside, I deeply appreciate you taking the time to show such setups not only make sense, but can actually look good. Wether on city streets, commuting or even riding basic dirt trails. being significantly more upright with a more centred weight distribution is what makes the most sense for the vast majority of cycling we all do. I also deeply appreciate showing us a ‘transition’ of sorts, so that it’s very clear why such setups and components make sense. Easier to get over stigmatisation that way. More cyclists, no matter how casual, should take the time to learn about early bicycle design and engineering. Simple facts: the more upright you ride, the more comfortable you will be on the bicycle. The longer you’re in the saddle, the more obvious this will be. The only down side to being upright is the aerodynamic penalty. That’s a penalty that doesn’t even matter until you’re regularly travelling at 20+mph. The most comfortable bike I ever owned was a Pashley Roadster. Classic European/Dutch style city bike frame. Completely upright position. It wasn’t ‘fast’, but I could right it all day at normal speeds, could easily take it onto a dirt/gravel road. Always felt in control, stable and comfortable. It works, we’ve known that for well over a hundred years. It’s amazing that most cyclists who actually take cycling more seriously as a part of their daily lives, are only now ‘discovering’ that, when these types of bikes are still built and ridden daily by the millions all over the world. Also, unwrapping a perfect tape job, is always hertbreaking. You hate to see it, much less do it. So I really felt that.

[@650gringo]

I did this to a 1988 Trek 400 and caught a lot of criticism from people who claim to be purists. However for me, I now have the most comfortable fit I've ever found on any bike. My lower back is happy again! I did have to change to a saddle made for the upright riding position but it all worked out so well, it was surprising! Thanks for this video.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

YES. Aware of using iso alcohol to get grips on. NO ISO ALCOHOL IN THE STORES...BECAUSE PLAGUE.

[@FerventDissent]

I plan to be flying back to America soon, maybe I should first stock up on alcohol?

[@farbian]

Window cleaner works well, too. :)

[@Korina42]

Got vodka? Pour some in a spray bottle and spritz it on! A little for the bike, a little for you, a little more for the bike, a little more for you... 🥴

[@jimbo4203]

@@farbian ya man windex is the best!

[@kibbee890]

You can use a sportsball needle to direct the air under the grips better.

[@dpell3543]

RJ was my first bike Follow. I never miss a vid :)

[@denalidevo]

Been riding a Nitto high-rise dirt drop stem and Mustache bars on gravel and single track for 25 years now… all sourced from the excellent folks at Rivendell. Recently rewrapped them with fresh rolls of Newbaums, shellacked and twined of course. :)

[@earlcraig6995]

hell yeah, I'm down with this

[@coasterigh2684]

I love the Microshift tee shirt. I just installed Microshift shifters on two different bikes, one IGH and one derailleur, big improvement over my original Shimano shifters. I see this shirt is available at a couple different online retailers. Cool.

[@rchendry]

where can i find one?

[@Canimakeit603]

It ain't your bike until you wrench on it. Good job Russ.

[@noelcameron7856]

Now, that's one hell of a California ride...Grant Petersen inspired! Absolutely upright and not uptight in a very supple and 420 compliant world. Very hip, Russ!

[@Aubreykun]

In a pinch you can also reinsert the allen bolt backwards with a washer or other small piece of metal blocking the hole, tighten the bolt against it and the clamp will spread out. A penny can work and this also is usable on other components (as long as the clamp is threaded and doesn't have a nut pressed in, like on plastic pieces). Useful if something gets stuck out of alignment and won't move (in a crash or w/e) but the pliers seem faster if you do this more often.

[@LaserrSharp]

I spray a little rubbing alcohol inside the grips and gently slide/twist them on. Usually pretty easy.

[@emmitjohnstone1734]

A tip in lieu of reverse-pliers that I learned in my bmx days when putting tight stems on at the steerer tube, but could also be applied to opening a quill stem up: back the bolt out until you can fit a dime underneath the bolt’s end to block the hole it came from, then tighten the bolt so it pushes back against the coin. This is assuming both holes the bolt goes through are threaded, though!

[@karlInSanDiego]

Yes about using coin. You can thread bolt from the back.

[@55whiplash]

I love my Bosco bars on my Atlantis, I frequently use the flat part to ride into headwinds or just to change positions, and I've pointed them down a bit. Very comfortable for someone with back issues too.

[@speedikat6822]

You bought the Rivendell? Yay! Congrats!! They're really nice.

[@stewartmckay9830]

They used to call them set up and beg push bikes back in Edwardian times. I am an old guy and I am amazed at how full circle it has all gone

[@spacejamgoliath]

Lol right

[@johnhickman2033]

I think it was, sit -up and beg - like a dog...

[@theNongskiShow]

Hey bro, nice build. For effortless grip installation, try using rubbing alcohol. It just slides and eventually evaporates and dries off. You can even align the grips..🤘🏼

[@briansrcadventures1316]

Nice bars! I think my drop bar days will be behind me now, due to neck issues. Looks like I may be getting a neck fusion at some point soon due to herniated discs, so perhaps I'll need to change to a nice upright position if I want to get cycling again!

[@fredherzberger4677]

I like drop bars. I think for a straight bar conversion. These might work great upside down.

[@brendonoid6133]

A great thing you can do with those silver thumb shifters because the cable mount rotates is push them forward onto the downsloping part of the bosco. Gives you a nice hand position in front of the brake lever on the apex of the curve and the shifters are in a ergonomic place but still out of the way. Opens the bar to a wider variety of hand positions.

[@TheScottieie]

Probably already been said, but ESI Chunky Grips can be put on with hand sanitizer gel, which dries completely. Removal with the same.

[@Dustybutdigital]

For grips like that I’ve always inserted 3 or 4 zip ties inside the grip before sliding it into the bar end. Usually goes on smooth. Once I get the grip where I want, I start removing the zip ties. Sometimes I’ll use some pliers if they’re too tight in there. But it’s worked every time. In some cases Ive sprayed wd40, alcohol, or hairspray.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Tried zip ties. They ended up poking through the silicone.

[@Dustybutdigital]

Oh no! Well glad you were able to preserve them. So many ways of doing it. Wait did you say you bought the Riv??

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@Dustybutdigital Yep

[@10melah5]

The retrogrouch in me was yelling “WHERE’S THE TWINE AND SHELLAC??” 😉 😉 Handlebars are so fun to swap that I’ve started using hockey tape for the lower bits of upright handlebars - it still looks a treat once shellac’ed and doesn’t feel as sinful when you rip it off.

[@ryanwitt]

Whoa I literally just got the same reverse plier tool, but for lock ring removal. Great to know about the stem opening trick! Thanks!

[@bencollett86]

Hey Russ. Great video. I recently ran a pair of VO Montmartre Bars. They're not on the website anymore but have a lot of similarities to the boscos. I had to pitch the angle low too. Great of the flat, but tough on the wrists when climbing! The VOs were pretty narrow though. Hope they work out for you!

[@ClarkKent23823]

upright bars are the best, not sure who thought of putting every commoner in a race position. soooo stupid. Love the upright. Can't figure out where to find upright bars on which I could use the road bike all in one brake and shifters. Does anyone have ideas?

[@frantictats1676]

Pro tip: put free hand on end of grip then use the air on the inner side of grip it’ll slide one like butter.

[@edstorey4675]

Trying my Bosco on Salsa Vaya today. Thx for posting

[@bobfet1]

I use a chopstick to install ESI grips :). Keeps an air gap so they slide on.

[@ghostdog7306]

Spray soapy water in grips to slide on or off with ease. Soapy water dries within a day or put it in sunshine to speed the process. Much easier than the way you do it.

[@seanmcfarland95]

So stoked for you and your new bike!

[@javierpauloni4844]

in the parktool youtube channel is a video in wich use a tyre lever instead of those pliers

[@rickthatch3556]

Also I have use soap to get grips on... I have also seen alcohol being used for that as well

[@shawngifford]

Bet it would look cool with those Rivendell cork grips… I doubt that they’d be as comfy as the ESI’s though.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I’ve got a pair of these I’ve used on a couple of bikes but they’re on my triumph traffic master for now. But why have you got them sloping down, level is great and you can really get some purchase when you stand on the pedals. Also some bar end shifters and all wrapped would look cool, ooo and some horns like on the alto…. I’ve been inspired. TO THE SHED!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Sloping down keeps your hands from sliding off on descents as recommended by Rivendell.

[@Chrisb8s]

The Amsterdam gravel bike :)

[@Aubreykun]

Something else to try - Flip the upright bars upside down. They become weird, almost track-style drops. Some work better than others.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That sounds terrible.

[@bikenmike1024]

Bringing back some nice memories here Russ. I had these bars on both my Pugsley and my commuter bike until the VO klunker bar came out. I loved this bar but on my pugs it had a little “tiller effect” especially off road. Might put this back on my commuter?

[@MurryFBM]

use hairspray on grip install, small spray on inside of grip. down side is you will have to allow it to set for 8-12 hrs

[@atthesummitMTBskills]

For non-lockon grips a quick squirt of gt85 they slip on them stick really well. Prefer lock on grips or bar tape now though as so much easier.

[@_Schreintime]

I used Windex to install ESI grips. Works amazing !!

[@seanfellers4835]

or Isopropyl alcohol for a wicked fast install with quick drying!!! Literally a 20 sec job for both sides.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@seanfellers4835 literally no iso alcohol to be purchased in the market here in Missoula.

[@seanfellers4835]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I feel your pain. I have been there myself with grips.

[@midcenturymachine5307]

Push the air nozzle from the other end of the grip.

[@elliotsemonsky7945]

Mid Century Machine It makes it sooooo much easier and faster

[@mf7513]

+1. Put some painters tape over the nozzle (protect the bars), blow air in from the side closest to your levers. Put your palm over the other end of the grip ( trapping the air) and push the grip on.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Isopropyl Alcohol, they slide right on.

[@thunderbird3694]

I have been thinking about more upright handlebars on my bike. I get stiff neck when I ride longer distance from tilting my head back to see where I am going

[@Slappywag69]

Same. I have no trouble with an aggressive position for short periods of time, but after more than 2-3 hours I can really feel it in my neck and back. If You’re not racing, there is nothing wrong with upright position. You get to enjoy your surroundings more too.

[@paulenright]

Sweet swap out...look forward to fallow up review!

[@bradthomas3188]

Great work - thanks for the excellent content! I've been riding a Schwinn Paperboy-style bike as a town cruiser and I'm digging the upright position and swept-back bars for casual riding. Not a replacement for the road bike, but still fun.

[@jkeiffer]

Yeah you got the grips on. But did you put the fat part up? The grips are usually asymmetrical... Cause that will add install time to get it right. But yeah, many suggestions for shooting air in from the other end etc that you should try.

[@farouqomaro598]

Love these kind of handlebars.

[@coryedd3783]

Put air nozzle at other side of grip and use twisting motion while blowing air....😉

[@donbosco9789]

i ended up having the controls as far back as possible on my Bosco bars because i found myself wanting to spend most of the time in front of the brake lever going uphill or fast. Curious about your upcoming reviews of these bars!

[@wcronin7307]

Spraying a bit of silicone helps get the grips on.

[@pauldc779]

Can't wait to see the bike with drops on.

[@CryptJeeper]

I got a nitto b602 bar that seems pretty similar to this.. has anyone heard of/seen it before? I'm waiting for some parts to install it on one of my bikes. Can't wait!

[@arcoulant87]

Hair spray was the old school way to get grips on

[@davekoehnlein4575]

Awesome video Russ, those bars look juicy!!

[@Michaelgroberts]

you can use super cheap spray deodorant, and spray it inside the grip/ on the bars. and they slide right on. and the spray should just evaporate, and leave the grips nice and tight on the bars. I'm saying "should" because it worked for me, and it's worth a shot. don't shoot me if it doesn't 😅this hack was told to me by an old 24hr enduro MTB er

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

Spray clear lacquer on the bars to install the grips. They will slide right on. Then the lacquer dries right through the grips and acts as adhesive.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Isopropyl Alcohol, most people have it in the bathroom, inside grip, rub on bar, slip right on, locked in 1/2 hour.

[@felishiadarling]

They don’t seem to match that neck. Also for a comfy ride, get a fat bottom seat. My bikes, I have three Beach Cruisers, my son’s is the most dramatic with the handlebars. Looks like your flying a helicopter they are adjusted upwards and are huge . But I like the bars almost pointing straight up.

[@basiliobastardo255]

Need those bars on my Front Pedal project bike… sadly I'm on the odd side lookin in our area...

[@wooster7571]

Nice job. Great channel. Would I be able to stick similar bars onto a Giant Roam?

[@MichaelDaitzman]

nice video (about to do something similar - shout out to Grant at Rivendell for his help deciding.) I'd love to see your ride on the bike to get a sense of the geometry (gonna go look for the video with the drop bar comparison.)

[@ECsponger2]

I would move the controls closer to the grips bc I like them BMX style close

[@jceduarte5491]

Nice handlebar. I may have missed the info. But may I know whats the width of that bosco bar you bought? Looking for a little bit wider version of that handlebar. Cheers

[@sagehiker]

Looks just like the 1908 Laramie WY bike ad on the calendar from in my apartment building. We are really coming full circle. Our drive trains and tires are better though.

[@Drvudoo]

Put a make on the floor. Set to manual focus.

[@karlsaydlowski4004]

Hi Russ, what's the width of your Bosco? Any insight on how you chose that width? Now that you've had them for awhile, do you wish you could try another width? (52, 55, 58 cm, or Baby Bosco at 49?)

[@charisw]

I have this same question!

[@siriderkert2172]

I use water instead of compressed air or alcohol. It usually works fine.

[@shelleyshell9441]

Those bars are pretty cool!

[@chrislopez9156]

Great video! Im switching from Towel Racks to a more upright bar. Considering the Bosco, Soma Oxford, granola bar, etc. What brake levers and shifters are you running here? I'd love recommendations as I'll be switching from SRAM doubletap shifters on a drop bar.

[@budlamonica6531]

Air compressor nozzle from the front of the grip is the way to go

[@luispagan6621]

Colin Robinson?

[@Jessatron888]

Hi Russ, did you get a chance to recycle the bar tape or keep it? It might come in handy for later on projects. ✌️ good luck with the new bars.

[@dreamingdust7667]

9:10 With alcohol they slide like butter and they won't move when alcohol evaporates itself.

[@matthewcbates]

Next on the channel ... how to convert your bike into a gravel cruiser

[@brandonbrunious]

Klunker - Cruiser - Vintage MTB

[@Summitperry]

I mean aren’t all cruisers made for gravel?

[@ryanm.9197]

The Rivs are just made to bar swap...it's one of their features. lol. Congrats on new bike day, Russ...that SH is a killer ride. So beautiful. I switched out to albatross bars on my Riv Appaloosa and find them more comfortable with them tilted down a bit which helps with my hands wanting to slide forward. The Bosco bars are a really wide bar, very cruiser like with a lot of flex built into the bar but I found them a bit too wide for me (I was using the "boscomoose" version of the bar.)

[@daddy-jake]

All these videos have me considering throwing the Albatross bars on my Bearclaw Thunderhawk.

[@raddad8847]

Instead of using an air compressor to install, run the grip under water, slide it on supa easy and use the compressor to cpesr out the water!

[@maxredburn6610]

I know your pain when the ESI grip goes too far! After a sweaty cursing session it's the cherry on top

[@sorlik1]

Looks as if you "secretly" lengthened the brake cable on the rear brake!

[@adhunt1]

I hesitate to suggest it as I know you know much more than I do what size bike you need, but based on the stem height and exposed seatpost perhaps you could've sized up

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Riv sizes their bikes off of PBH and that is the size that supposedly fit. For drops it should be fine but is a little short with alt bars.

[@adhunt1]

Path Less Pedaled At any rate an excellent video, thanks!

[@bfinoradin]

Upright on gravel is the only way to travel

[@driftwood4458]

I like the hair bun swept back look.Your hair was driving me nuts flopping to the sides. The bar is nice, too.

[@joetorres6591]

What is the tool link? Great video!

[@wgn175]

So what was old is new agin ? Is it me or am I that old ? Seems like many of these new Alt bars are just bars restyled/copied from 50s 60's. Only using moderen processes and materials ? Maybe I should find and rebuild my Dad's trash find that he rebuilt, A steel frame with ballon tires and skip link chain with a foam rubber seat with a hand sewen canvesed seat cover. coaster brakes. and chain guard w/kick stand. He had a similar styled bar on it until he swapped it out with some Ape hangers. I can still picture him on it and riding around .

[@brandonbrunious]

12 minute video. I like where your hair is going. Just need to trim the sides. I'm so glad you have that bike. Can't wait to see your review.

[@FrankLadd]

How does the downward tilt affect wheelies? I think it would be easier.

[@josemiguelperalta3919]

Sir question, does microshift bar end shifter is compatible with shimano GRX 400 rd?

[@DrShades2011]

A little smear of dish washing soap will get the grips on, give you time to fiddle about with them, and then harden up.

[@fuerLutzi]

What is happening to your grips when riding in rain? Do they slip off?

[@DrShades2011]

@@fuerLutzi no, it was just a smear and all dried up. And all covered by the grips themselves!

[@fuerLutzi]

@@DrShades2011 ,sounds reasonable. I'll give it a try.

[@andrewash9318]

Are the bars aluminum or chromoly?

FYI - The proper tool to spread a stem is the Nitto Stem Tool. :)

[@dkessler14]

The most effective tool for a Nitto is a penny in the slot and the bolt threaded in from the back.

[@patrickrenschler]

does it bother your wrists at all having bars with such a large sweep angle?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. If anything it is much more comfortable than with flat bars.

[@patrickrenschler]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks!

[@r3woods]

Russ, what is work stand you're using inside that rotates?!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Feedback Sports Sprint stand.

[@tommyvercetti6035]

Insert the air from the inside edge n push in instead of blowing it thru the bars

[@apan5381]

Whats the width on those bars?

[@RADIOTONTA]

maybe the should use modern stems?

[@mohawkpathology]

Nice!

[@marksadventures3889]

cool.

[@salad_gold_rancher]

I guess it's too late, but you could have just swapped the whole bar with the controls as well as the stem. To preserve the wrap job.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

And buy another pair of levers and shifters? I'll just buy more Newbaums when it comes to that.

[@salad_gold_rancher]

@@PathLessPedaledTV haha, I only suggested it because you seemed pained about removing the Newbaum.

[@schlass265]

You should lock the focus of your camera

[@joshuarussell4803]

What tires are you running on that rig now?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ultradynamicos

[@joshuarussell4803]

Also, great review. Super excited about the evolution of this project. Just got a Simworks Doppo atb, and looking forward to working on that set up.

[@joshuarussell4803]

@@PathLessPedaledTV word up. Good highlight of the reverse pliers. I just scratched the hell out of some beautiful nitto bars via and equally slick 26.0 one-piece stem. I hate that feeling and should do the same as you've shown man.

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

Get a neck that is less forward, one with a 45 degree angle