How to Choose the Right Handlebar for Bikepacking & Biketouring? How to avoid NUMB hands?

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video! Long time touring cyclist, 68 years old, the Jones-H Bar is the way to go. Add a Brooks B-17 saddle with proper break-in; some very low gearing; take half of what you think you need; and you're all set for a tour. Happy trails :-)

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks, well said 🙌🏼

[@peterdelmonte9832]

That summing up is bang on correct. I got my Jones bars five years ago (74 now) and they made riding comfortable, even possible, with the arthritis in my hand that made gripping on the hoods of drops im-possible. My Brooks Pro was maybe a mistake 25 years ago (thicker leather than a B17 and has never become wholly comfy) but looks so terrific, I can’t bring myself to change it. Even typing this makes me think I might get a B17. Fickle aren’t we?!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@peterdelmonte9832 I rode a Brooks :Pro on my first bike tour across the US in 1984. Try putting a big slop of Brooks Proofide under the saddle and rub it in good. If it soaks up quickly add another big wad of Proofide and go for a ride, body heat will make it absorb. That should help soften it up to your sit bones.

[@verenacharmine6335]

After watching your video i paid special attention to the position of my wrists - no wonder my fingers got numb during my last bicycle tour! İ adjusted the saddle height back then, but it didn't cross my mind that i could also change the angle of the handle bars to take away pressure from the wrists. Thanks a lot for drawing attention to this!

[@avrilking7026]

Thanks for the video. Bars that are ergonomic are a game changer. I have been living on my bike ("91" Trek mountain track 820 , purple with titanium letters) since 2021. I put mustache bars,V brakes, and friction shifters on. Made a hibrid! It's very comfy now! I❤ my mustache bars. Ride on!

[@zeljkograovac1710]

After a few tried and tested steering wheels, I discovered Johnes H bars and was reborn in my rides. It is a steering wheel that satisfies all the needs of long rides on bad and good roads. The steering wheel makes driving pleasant and interesting. I recommend it to everyone.

[@donnyo65]

Glad I discovered this video - I've having problems with my wrists. I've wondered about trying the Jones bar and this has decided it for me - thank you.

[@smedleybutler1969]

I love your videos they are great! I recently changed my bars to the Jones 2.5 ,they give you a better angle and more rise,they are so comfortable,the extra height plus I put stop shock stem and seat post I feel like I am home sitting in my Lazy Boy chair!

[@Mark-f7o]

I have drop bars on my light road bike which I like. But like you when I'm touring flat bars are the way to go. I built myself a touring bike like the ones you suggested in a budget touring bike build from an old ridged mtb and I love it. All the best from Australia 👍

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi, Glad to hear the Budget bike video was useful, when it comes to the handlebar, indeed also it is a personal choice. but there is maybe couple of people i know who didn't like the Jones bar. Also if you know how to weld Aluminium you can build yourself a fun Handlebar. off-course also you can build it from steel like Surly Moloko bar. :)

[@Mark-f7o]

@@NomadsTrails great advice and thanks for your kind reply. Take good care. I hope you come out to Australia one day. It's a bike touring paradise. Take care my friend.👍

[@ChrisLoew]

Free bike fit tips. When pedaling you have most strain when pedals are at first 45 degrees of rotation from top center. This also usually lines up with the down tube of the frame is being passed by the pedals. When your pedals are here, your knees should be at 90 degrees where they are the strongest. Lifting your hands from the bars while pedaling and no movement forward or back is a good sign of a proper angle and distance away from the bars for your saddle. About a 5 degree nose down from the saddle nose pointing just below the handlebars. Full extension of pedal stroke with horizontal to ground or flat level should have 10 to 15 degree bend of the knee. +1 for the Jones H bar, my favorite long distance bars.

[@NomadsTrails]

Fantastic information , Thank you Chris!

[@Regantdarcy]

Flat bars all the way for me. I put bar end grips on my flat bars & they give me all the hand positions I need on a tour. I just prefer the upright seating position & control flat bars give me.

[@yanyangustian5603]

Yes i agree with u,maybe i'm not friendly biker for dropbar.. when uphill it's okay.. but when downhill noo waay.. i've got pain in my hips,neck & wrist to control the bike.. But i really appreciate person who can enjoy with drop bar.. they're tough guy 😬👍

[@rickwallace3102]

Thanks for this, I was looking at the Jones H-Bar SG 2.5 Loop., now I'm going to pull the trigger and order them for my ride 😎

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome, Let us know how u like it :)

[@juliapoelstra3624]

I put the Jones bar on my commuter bike and it's great. I totally agree with you. I have a gravel/bikepacking Salsa Fargo with drop bars that I want to convert to the Surly moloko bar. I am hopeful it's as good as the Jones.

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi, Let us know how you like the Surly Moloko bars, i really like the those 2 bull horn or bar ends on the Moloko. i think it can be very comfy and fun bar. :)

[@erikjohnson6484]

@@NomadsTrails My Surly Troll came with Moloko bars. At first I thought to convert it to drop bar. Few miles in and ended up really liking them! Defiantly keeping them.

[@Ron_Boy]

I've been debating whether to ditch the drop bars on my gravel bike. Your video helped me decide. Thanks so much for posting it!!

[@Dutcharmytent]

Have subscribed, locals burn the dung as it keeps the mosquitoes away. Just returned from Kenya , and looking at your travel links in this video, you are the go to person for really checking products out. I trust your judgement 100 percent.

[@kevindean9613]

Thanks for the video , with regards to fitting the Ortlieb bag ,If you have the Jones bar 2.5" raised version you can fit the bag with the Orlieb extension bracket , I find it works really well .

[@Tribuflorale]

Love you so much!!! I have hard painfull problems in my lowerback since i began cycling on gravelbike, and i was looking for solutions when you appeared !! thank you so much for sharing your experiences! i want to go on travelling ith my dog and i need a exceptional handlebar such as you were talking about! thanks ! again!

[@johnarnst8312]

Stem length is a crucial combining factor in comfort with handlebar, even with these touring bars. I have Butterfly, Surly Moloko, Jones Loop, VO Crazy bars, and I still prefer Butterfly bars. That said I think there is a lot of room for more touring bars to enter the market. I think the market needs a tapered H shape with just the right amount of curve and rise, with 22.2 for MTB components and reamed ends for aero brake levers. I have a design but need to find a fabricator for the idea I have in mind.

[@LVang152]

Great video, thanks for the tips on installing egro grid. I will make adjustments to my bike tomorrow. Might have a 45 degree angle on my set up.

[@richardeblantonii5893]

Nice talk about handlebars. I use the Durham bars designed by Ali at Cyclingabout. I like the special effects with the Elephant Dung.

[@jonfrance7201]

Me too. Koga Denham bars,

[@daniellarson3068]

Classy Voice - Subject was well explained. I was thinking of replacing my straight bar with a butterfly. Now, I'll think about the Jones bar due to this discussion.

[@Slowlifebythelake]

Thanks! Just what i needed. Im sure your experience is worth a lot more than any research. Stay safe man, watch out for the elephants. 👍

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome, glad to hear if it was useful 🙏

[@bruceclark5627]

You gotta be shitting me.......55 views and 3 comments? I found you looking to find a way to build a budget tour bike and you two are efing phenomenal! Subbed and following. Thank you for all you guys are doing to create fabulous content.

[@NameyNames]

Thank you so much for this, it answered a lot of questions I've had regarding handlebars for a long time! I agree with all of your points, it's the same for me, so now I now what to try next in my journey of finding the most comfortable way to do long distance rides! 👍

[@johnbodenchuk514]

I have Jones bars on two of my bikes, one being a Jones Titanium Spaceframe 29-plus. The Carbon bars have a little flex so are more comfortable on bumpy stuff.

[@tenrec]

Much better video than I expected -- lots of good information! I also love your accent.

[@johnpark8637]

great comment about the wrist! get correct angle.

[@BrasssMunky]

Thanks for the video :) I greatly appreciate you sharing your hard earned wisdom, and explanations of how you gained this understanding.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks for watching. I hope it was useful 😊

[@devondyreson]

Adding to your explanation on the natural way your hand position is: I was told ‘think about the way pick up and carry a bucket. Your hands will be more comfortable in that orientation.’

[@brokenspine66]

Few month back I replaced my MTB flat bar with 12° sweep and Ergon GP5 which I used for a long time on my touring bike for a Jones Style loop bar w/ Ergon GP1 and it is the best + most comfortable bar I ever used so far. I used a Surly Open Bar w/ Ergon GP1 as well on a single speed urban ride before for years until the bike was stolen at an break in, the Surly was OK but a Jones Style bar (not the very pricy original) is my favoured so far.

[@nickwf70]

thanks, I have been looking at these and the surlys. Good advice. Definitely don't want drops with a heavy front end or off road, too much strain on wrists and forearms.

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome, I hope you like the bar if you get it :)

[@EdgarSiscar]

I am using the Sagmit version of the Jones H Bar. Very comfortable maneuverability.

[@reeceholmes8546]

thanks Peyman, I have been looking forward to this, I might try the Jones bars some day, great stuff

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome! Glad if you find it useful, I would recommend the Jones bar. Let us know how u like it 🙌

[@mertsaylam9566]

Such good information and experience given. Thanks for the video. :)

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome :)

[@onelove8062]

Your B roll is so fire dude. Legendary, thank you

[@paulverweij6348]

rohloff hub work with dropbar shifters.... I have Sram shifters with my Rohloff hub. only minor drawback is that you cant see what gear Im in

[@curtbrown7967]

Fantastic! Very real information

[@omare_biketonature]

Cheers from Panama! I’m on tour now riding a bike that is not really suited for touring, a lot of numbness in my hands! After 2,500 I know what I need for South America! I’ll try the jones H bar next.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks, please take care of ur bike fit. You don't want to hurt your body specially knee, back and wrists. Have safe trip! 🙌😊

[@migzoili7571]

Thanks for giving us a good tips in buying a handlebar fo bike touring purpose, see you again bro.

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome!

[@ToniJokinen]

Thanks for your review. Had to order one Jones H-Bar :)

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome, Hope you enjoy it! Let us know how you like it :)

[@charlesriley23]

Been waiting for this video content since you mentioned it was in the works. You did a bang up job answering the questions I had and more. I'm guessing the Jones bar would come in handy when dodging elephant dung among other things? Matilda will be happy to hear I too had to replace my loud orange crocs as my dog ended that fashon statement. Best wishes!

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks Charles :), Crocs are the best, please take care of them 😂

[@juancommuterindavao]

I also use loopbar. cut shorter than recommended, with ergon grips.

[@ina_bauble8220]

Good to see u after long gap mr peyment (life is good ❤️)

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks, we are always here, just it takes a lots of time to record and edit the videos 😊

[@fredwells_pnwdad]

Amazing video friend! Very informative and helpful.

[@CogitoErgoSum67]

I am starting my bikepacking adventures, good video 👍

[@trickystravels]

I’m looking at the Denham bars. Had normal flat bars but the swept back angle I think would be more relaxed

[@NomadsTrails]

I don't know those bars. Definitely the swept back angle is relaxed and fun to cycle 😊

[@robinmacandrew103]

How have you got on with them? I love them

[@northdiver62]

Great video! Is it the Riverside 920 shown as example for drop bars?

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks, yes indeed :)

[@Rene-yp4iw]

Bike bar is all about a mix between speed and position... It's al a personal puzzle.... Even I am not ready with puzzeling... T less sweep in mij Surly Ogre flat bar, trying first 4 position hands changing some bull horns...the short ones wich are a little bit formed for handgrip...

[@Bunny-Power]

I already cut my handlebar three times, but it's still too short 😂😂 Maybe one day I will try the Jones bar, but it might feel too short on my fat bike. Thanks for the video

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi most welcome, let us know how u like it if u try. i guess also you might be able to test it out in some bike shop before ordering it :)

[@Bunny-Power]

@@NomadsTrails That is so wrong. I would test it out at a bike shop before I buy it AT THAT BIKE SHOP!

[@mohamedali5000]

Great keep going man 💪

[@NorthSea-xb7jk]

u could also try handelabr suspension ) but not sure how it will work with front bags

[@sunildingankar8657]

I have got Jones H loop bar. But I have my cork grips. Can I fit those on this bar or you need only the long grips provided by Jones only?

[@michaelbeiyt]

Excellent!

Hey Peyman, the drop bars presented in the video have some really weird angles (well at least for me). Can You clarify why?. As long as drop bars are aligned correctly with the upwards geometry of the bike I find them super comfy. Regards.

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi, yes you are right. Those have wide flare and the reason is because wide flare gives better control on the gravel roads. Regarding being comfy, as I mentioned in the video it is a personal choice totally so something I like someone else might not 😊

[@jsiedlecki5331]

Hi. Does using the jones bar alter the frame size that you need? I would usually have a large frame with standard bars. Best wishes for all your future adventures 🙂👍🚴

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi Definitely frame geometry have an effect on the handlebar will fit on your bike and how comfortable it is. Frame designed for dropbar has different geometry than the frame designed for flat bars. But also you can play around this a bit, with for example the steam size.Jones suggest to have a short stem with H Bar. I definatly would suggest to go for a proper bike fit. You don't want to hurt ur body, especially joints. Thank you 🙌

[@flatheadfletch]

Frame size depends primarily off of inseam and reach. Weather your choosing a bike for nimbleness or racing or touring. You won’t use one frame size fits all types. Wheel toe strikes, long or short chain stays. Your jones bar just gives you better wrist angles for long hours in the saddle, the ability to put the upper body weight in the saddle vs in the hands. It simply allows more comfort on a touring setup. If it’s a climbing bike your putting it on like for lots of single track, it’s not a good choice as you loose power or strength to hold true n straight. It takes away shoulder strength from your bars. Zero effect on frame size !

[@arasheqajar]

Great video dadash

[@SolarizeYourLife]

My next bike will have a Jones bar... It actually comes with a flat or a raised bar version...

[@todo_llano7154]

Good video. Thanks 😃🌍🙋‍♂️

[@NomadsTrails]

most welcome :)

[@brandonbrunious]

Nice video. Thank you. 🙏

[@sparkyvespa]

Great video! Thank you!

[@NomadsTrails]

Most welcome 😊

[@philiprayner1772]

would cruiser bike handle bars be good ?

[@jag1870]

Awesome video. You're funny man. "I had so much fun...This handle bar has made that fun more fun". Then you pick up two elephant turds. LOL! Great video and much appreciated!

[@MikhaelHausgeist]

This Johnson bar are kind a V2.0 of old commuter bicycles handlebar... Mean real old. Like 1940-1960's old. So it can be as orient point to search something more affordable.

[@outdoorsman1140]

Interesting to note that your most comfortable positions mean that your shoulders rotate outwards, giving you a better posture, i.e. not rounded shoulders, which would be bad, particularly if hunching over the handlebars too for hours at a time, which would put your spine in very poor alignment.

[@tiny.tinnet5075]

Could you get a little more into detail what you mean by that? Outward routating shoulders is the same as rounded shoulders from my understanding 🤔

[@outdoorsman1140]

@@tiny.tinnet5075 Riding a bike can be a bit like sitting hunched over a laptop all day. The upper back and neck are hunched forwards (resulting in a hunchback posture. Plus if the hands, arms and shoulders rotate inwards for prolonged periods of time the problems can be made much worse. Anything that will help to reduce this will help including a more upright posture and if the handlebars curve round (like the ones in the video) so that the shoulders rotate outwards instead of inwards, this can only help to prevent shoulder problems.

[@tiny.tinnet5075]

Yeah, totally get that/ know from experience. Got where the misunderstanding comes from, you're all talking about the front side of the body shoulders looping inward and outward 🤦😂 in my head I was looking at the shoulders from the backside all the time, that's what got me confused 🤗😇✌️

[@homeandtravel7235]

Interesting video, can you do one about the saddle, looks like you use a leather saddle on your bike.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks, indeed it is on my list for the future videos 🙌

[@rolandscutchings3195]

I have the Jones h-bar for several years now and love them. I have added a pair of old school dewey bars (bar ends) to the top loop of the h-bar. This helps when I want to get into a more aero position. Peyman, let me know if you are interested and I'll send you a picture. I think you could place them in a position where they shouldn't impact your handlebar bags.

[@NomadsTrails]

Glad to hear, I indeed those barends can be super useful. I think I know which bar ends u r taking about 🙌

[@puhaloglu]

Very nice video thank you

[@marksadventures3889]

I have butterfly bars and swept back bars and ape hangers, slung down and swept back bars. How do you get by in countries that are unstable politically? Big cats a d other wildlife in Africa- How do you stay off the menu? Stay safe

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi, No any plitical issue on the countries I am cycling. Well right now I am literally having lions next to my tent couple of times a week. Usually inside the tent u r safe. But there is always sone acceptions specially with young lions which can be curious. 😊

[@juliapoelstra3624]

Oh my! Yes, please stay safe.

[@gideonvaneeden2681]

Hey Peyman. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I noticed your saddle is tilted slightly forward. Any particular reason for that?

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi most welcome, i got some small injury that is the reason for the saddle :)

[@ganeshverma7111]

Keep growing

[@PRH123]

Satori have a range of swept bars, ~10 models, all light aluminum and very well made, and cost much less than Jones etal...

[@krollpeter]

Listen to the wise nomad

[@rhenalumactod120]

For all handle itry the is loop bar

[@moshpic]

Have you ever tried the Denham bar?

[@NomadsTrails]

I ever heard about it 😊

[@eliotttownsend3828]

Is there big Cats where you're at that you have to be aware of?

[@IS-xk3iq]

A Denham Bar maybe better.

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

Sending love ❤️ to you!

[@NomadsTrails]

❤

[@somethingreal5042]

😎

[@kadarebhi2696]

🌺♥️👍👍👍

[@pierrrejette9023]

Tail wind....

[@fooddeliveryboy6806]

,😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@fa7842]

He is on a wild spot alone? What is about the predators there.

[@NomadsTrails]

Hi, Big cats don't move around during day time and at night they don't come to the tent ( usually). But it is life and there is risk in life. i don't like to be worry about everything in life. :)

[@fa7842]

@@NomadsTrails Okay I understand and it's good to know that the predators don't come into the tent at night (usually..) Still, when I'm there, I'll buy a Kalashnikov from a local rebel. Just for mental support

[@hornet224]

You are the last word on this subject.

[@peterulicky6560]

👍🥃🇸🇰