I've dealt with various pain related handlebar setup and have found some really nice options:
IME 11 degree bars are super nice for almost any style mountain bikin' and 17 degrees is too much for aggressive riding; I buy Salsa Salt Flats. Available in the 800mm width I like, two grades of aluminum or carbon, and available everywhere I really like these bars. I'm paranoid about broken front end stuff so I just buy the aluminum ones almost annually and cycle them down the bike collection. They've ended up on a lot of bikes and this consistency has also helped with my cockpit related body issues.
Stupid looking grips come in a wide variety of stupid looking. I like a bit more stupid for more XC/road (less dynamic) riding and less stupid for more dynamic riding. The Specialized Contour XC's are really nice for an XC option, Pro makes some that have a VERY small wing and come in two diameters, including a 30mm for folks that like "thin" grips like me.
July 19, 2021, 12:28 p.m. - tashi
I've dealt with various pain related handlebar setup and have found some really nice options: IME 11 degree bars are super nice for almost any style mountain bikin' and 17 degrees is too much for aggressive riding; I buy Salsa Salt Flats. Available in the 800mm width I like, two grades of aluminum or carbon, and available everywhere I really like these bars. I'm paranoid about broken front end stuff so I just buy the aluminum ones almost annually and cycle them down the bike collection. They've ended up on a lot of bikes and this consistency has also helped with my cockpit related body issues. Stupid looking grips come in a wide variety of stupid looking. I like a bit more stupid for more XC/road (less dynamic) riding and less stupid for more dynamic riding. The Specialized Contour XC's are really nice for an XC option, Pro makes some that have a VERY small wing and come in two diameters, including a 30mm for folks that like "thin" grips like me.