I very recently went from 30mm to 50mm rise bars and while that's not an unusual size, I was expecting obvious pros and cons. My experience on the first ride surprised me with subtlety rather than drama.
Weight balance does not seem to be significantly affected. In an unanticipated two wheel drift, the bike responded exactly how I expected it to. Conventional wisdom dictates it should be easier to lift the front wheel - but that doesn't seem to have changed for me.
My riding posture is naturally a little more upright now. Looking further down trail feels encouraged. I like the way the bike fits better, but don't find it to be revolutionary. At least, not on the blue trail I rode this weekend due to heavy rain. Can't wait to ride some steep stuff.
It feels like there's something different happening with bike-body separation in corners. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's going on there, because I have recently read/heard arguments from different people that higher bars both hinder separation _and_ encourage it. Let's talk about that!
Nov. 1, 2022, 11:21 p.m. - cheapondirt
I very recently went from 30mm to 50mm rise bars and while that's not an unusual size, I was expecting obvious pros and cons. My experience on the first ride surprised me with subtlety rather than drama. Weight balance does not seem to be significantly affected. In an unanticipated two wheel drift, the bike responded exactly how I expected it to. Conventional wisdom dictates it should be easier to lift the front wheel - but that doesn't seem to have changed for me. My riding posture is naturally a little more upright now. Looking further down trail feels encouraged. I like the way the bike fits better, but don't find it to be revolutionary. At least, not on the blue trail I rode this weekend due to heavy rain. Can't wait to ride some steep stuff. It feels like there's something different happening with bike-body separation in corners. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's going on there, because I have recently read/heard arguments from different people that higher bars both hinder separation _and_ encourage it. Let's talk about that! 