Riser or Flat bar for XC?

gcwebbyuk

Am just about to buy a Spec StumpJumper Comp.

Up until now I have been used to an X-Lite riser bar on my old bike, and was happy with the riding position, but I noticed that the Stumpy comes with a flat bar.

Should I get the shop to swap it for a riser or is a flat better for XC?

:roll:

supersonic

Try it out, see if you like it: if not change it!

You not tested it already though?

gcwebbyuk

Haven't tried it no - bit of an impulse buy really - based on reviews etc...

supersonic

Taking a big risk for that outlay, even just getting the right size! i would at least go and sit on one before you buy, as most people fall between 2 sizes. You'll also know pretty quick if the bars feel right.

gcwebbyuk

Ah in that case yes I have tried it - I thought you meant take it out on a trial.

Felt good position, plus I have the X-Lite bar I can swap over if it does feel uncomfy after a long ride.

Was after other people's opinions on what they use and why - if that makes sense :oops:

What ya reckon?

supersonic

It really is what feels best, no hard fast rules! Some like a lower position to get into a more efficient riding position, others like a slightly higher position with the weight a little further back for more control.

Remember you usually have some spacers above/below the stem to adjust height too.

gcwebbyuk

Yeah see your point.

My current bike 96 Saracen Protrax SE came with a ritchey flat bar, but I upgraded to the riser when "fashions" changed to using risers rather than flats with bar ends.

I get on pretty well with it - but have been out of the game for about 5 years with the bike sat in the garage getting old the stumpy is a nice new bit of metal to get me back out on the trails and get fit again.

I spose if I stick with the flat bar, I can swap to the X-lite riser if I dont get on with it long-term - unless the bar has de-graded over the years - is that likely?

supersonic

They say to change alu bars every two years because of fatigue. I have used them longer than this though, but at my own risk! Sometimes the fatigue cannot be seen.

gcwebbyuk

Ah ok - these were used for probably 6 years of fair use - xc with a bit of downhilling, so prob best forget that idea then!

supersonic

Hehe, i'd say so!

Most bikes come with a stack of spacers under the stem so it is in the highest position anyway. You could swap out for a low riser bar, and if you don't like it, swap the spacers to on top of the stem, then you are back to where you started! No loss. Riser bars are usually a bit wider too.

gcwebbyuk

Yeah my current bar is 24.5" and the spec one is 23.5"

Hmmm thinking I will get them to swap for a riser, then as you said I can remove the spacers if I find it is too high

thanks for the help

320DMsport

I like a riser bar on my full sus,

But i prefer the flat bar on my xc hard tail, climb better on it.

gcwebbyuk

Decision made, going for a flat bar with some of the P1 Bar Endz to start off with, if I decide I prefer the position of a riser, I will buy one and swap it. 8)

Marjory Stewart BAxtor

i think it depends on your XC ethic. if you ride for sweeping berms and weaving singletrack I'd go with the riser. Personally I ride xc for the fitness challenge and sense of acheivement of taming the Thetford forrest (lol) so I like a flat bar with a long stem which puts me in a lower down position.

Surf-Matt

Don't like riser bars - our RH disk has one and it's coming off very soon.

The Stumpy one is spot on (I have a Stumpy Comp too).

Billyounger

i agree,
Depends on your riding style, Flat for pushing hard for fitness, Riser for playing and messing, but try both everyone is different ,good luck

Happy days

gcwebbyuk

Gone against my original decision and ordered a bontranger xlite carbon riser to be put on the bike when it arrives - cost me £37 8)

apoc_reg

Just installed a ritchey carbon riser on mine and am finding it a real bonus on the comfort side of things. I think you'll be happy with your decision

..... im yet to go on a gruelling ride with it though