butterfly handlebars

[mjt]

I wondered if anyone has ever used (or heard of) butterfly handlebars.  I think I saw an ad for them in an  adventure cycling magazine but I can't find it.  I usually ride straight handlebars but on long trips that is hard on my wrists.  I have trouble with drop handlebars because of back problems.   The bars I think I saw looked like they had many positions, plus had a lot of adjustment possibilities.   Thanks.

[DaveB]

You may be thinking of what are usually referred to as "mustache" handlebars.  These sweep back somewhat like a drop bar but do it horizontally so they provide a lot of hand positions while maintaining a more upright position.  

Grant Petersen of Rivendell Bicycle Works ( www.rivendellbicycles.com ) is a strong advocate of them and the Rivendell web site has pictures and descriptions.  Check it out and see if they are what you are looking for.

[JimF]

I recently acquired a mustache bar-equipped bike. I like it. It's equipped with bar end shifters, which I also like. I've ridden both drop- and mtb-type bars. Advantage? A more upright position (stem length dependent), with a variety of hand positions; with bar ends, easier shifting. Hope this helps.

[dano]

I believe what youre after is from R.E.I..They use them on the novara safari bike and used to be available on the web for about $ 20.00.Adventure cycling magazine did a review on the safari last year but I cant remember the issue.Am thinking of getting a set myself becauseyou can use them like drop bars,straight,or aero bar style

[dano]

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/page/?o=as&page_id=8128&v=3      p.s. this is a site of someone who actually has one.

[biker_james]

Mustache bars are not the same as butterfly. As well as the REI ones, ITM makes a very nice setup, wwith more options thatn the REI ones, but at a price. Online, check out www.detour.us or www.wallbike.com for butterfly bars. I've seen some Euor tourers using them, but no one here seems to know much about them. I think they look great, and may try a set on my MTB.

[mjt]

Thanks!  The ITM bar is what I recall seeing in an ad.  I am going to try them - I think I'll go all out and try the $55 ones because the adjustability is a big part of what I'm looking for.  Thanks for the link!

[bktourer1]

Nashbar had them for $13 and I got a set.  They only thing I had to getwas a new adj. stem to get the correct angle.  My brakes and grip shifters went on with no problem.  You will need to get new padding for the bars as standard grips won't work.  Tyr the Specialized bar tape and if you use a mirror standard bar mirrors won't work either.  Try the Zefal "SPY" mirror.  You will need to adapt a bar bag if you go this route.  The Perf. and Topeak bags work ok

[Gregw]

I got the same ones from Nashbar, here is what they look like and how I modified them a bit.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/page/?o=as&page_id=17715&v=28
Greg

[mjt]

Thanks.  Could you show some pictures of how you arrange the shifters and brakes.  There don't seem to be a lot of choices but I'm having trouble visualizing this.

[easyrider]

im buying the Novara Safari on 08/12/05. I currently own the Novara Viaggio. They both have the Nashbar Trekking bar equipped. I believe that is what you all are talking about. I swear by it. www.nashbar.com