Bars with backsweep

I'm still getting over a wrist and thumb injury and cannot get comfortable on my Fubar OSX bars (8 degree backsweep.)  I have Soma Dream Bars (25 degree backsweep) on another bike which feel great but would never work on my hardtail unless I source a super long stem and it's a bit much backsweep when things get technical-although maybe I can adapt.  I already run 60mm stem with the 780mm Fubars.

What are some bars with more backsweep that wouldn't require putting a longer stem on to compensate?  Also I need to figure out how much backsweep will work for me.  I guess it's something that would alleviate pain, be comfortable enough for most of the ride yet not be so swept back that I can't get elbows out aggressive in technical stuff.

The bars that come to mind:

SQ Labs either 12-degree or 16-degree (I've read Andrew Major's reviews and am curious)

Salsa Rustler 11-degree

Is a 12-degree or 11-degree backsweep noticeably different from 8-degree?  It doesn't sound like it is but I suppose this is one of those things where everyone is different and you've just got to experiment (like saddles.)

I will probably try a Salsa Rustler as they are not too expensive and if it's not the solution at least I won't be out too much $.

Any other bars you can recommend?

I can ride techy trails "normally" up to ~16 deg backsweep. The higher backsweep bars compromise my riding a bit as things get steep and more smashy. No real way to know how you will like a given bar in advance.

Where are you located? I've got a SQ Labs 12 deg bar you could try out.

Posted by: Vikb

I can ride techy trails "normally" up to ~16 deg backsweep. The higher backsweep bars compromise my riding a bit as things get steep and more smashy. No real way to know how you will like a given bar in advance.

Where are you located? I've got a SQ Labs 12 deg bar you could try out.

Thanks for the offer Vik.  I've pm'd you.

I am running PNW range bars (10 degrees), I find them more comfortable than a normal 8 degree bar. They are also pretty cheap as far as handlebars go. 

For reference I rode Fubars for about 8 years, then 2 with renthal and am happiest with the PNWs.

Ah, yes I forgot about that bar.  I'll add it to the list of possibilities.  I've been meaning to try some PNW stuff out.  Cheers.

Answer 20/20 might be a good option as the come forward and then sweep back.

I have a Salsa Rustler handlebar on one of my bikes. It’s got some backsweep but it’s subtle compared to some of the other options you have listed. 

Like if you’re backsweep-curious but don’t want to jump all the way in …

Salsa Salt Flats are my choice for my abused hands and arms.  Sweepy and comfy but normal enough for shreddin'. 

11 degrees back, 6 degrees up, 800mm wide, no rise, choose your price point.

Posted by: tashi

Salsa Salt Flats are my choice for my abused hands and arms.  Sweepy and comfy but normal enough for shreddin'. 

11 degrees back, 6 degrees up, 800mm wide, no rise, choose your price point.

I've got the same bars on my trail/xc bike and they were a pleasant change from my RF six-c bars. I'm considering going to something with more sweep tho and putting the Salsa's on the FR bike.

I bought the SQLab 12' carbon bar two years ago and love it. It's definitely noticeable. It helped with my wrist issues and I have no desire to go to the 16'. I didn't need to change stem lengths. I really like the flex of that bar. Something about the 31.8 and that bar's carbon make for just the right level of compliance.

I've been trying to find a 'decent value' equivalent of the sq labs 12°. At basically $200cdn for an aluminum bar, its hard to justify. I compare it to the 'free geometry' of a good modern hardtail.

The salsa salt flats are a good tip, if there was something in the region of a 30-40mm rise it would be perfect for me

Syntace makes 12° and 16° bars in carbon or aluminium. Pretty high-end, certainly no more budget friendly than SQlab, though.

Ergotec - 12 degree, 780 wide, about 40 bucks. 

This the 70 rise option but they have lower rise ones I think as well

https://www.bike24.com/p2373711.html

Posted by: Kenny

Ergotec - 12 degree, 780 wide, about 40 bucks. 

This the 70 rise option but they have lower rise ones I think as well

https://www.bike24.com/p2373711.html

I've got those on one of my hardtails. Nice bar.