H-Bars^®

These bars may look unconventional but the bottom line is that they flat out provide better handling and more comfort over a traditional bar. Better hand and body positions ensures more power, comfort and control. Now available in both titanium and aluminum versions.



Loop H-Bar^®  $380 Titanium, $120 Aluminum
The new “Loop” H-Bar has the same hand, stem and brake lever position as the original H-Bar but the cross bar sweeps forward to allow the levers to go behind the cross bar instead of in front. This gives longer uninterrupted hand positions and will allow trigger and grip-type shifters to fit on the rearward extensions (unlike the original H-bar). The continuous front loop of the bar enhances stiffness and is good for additional aero hand positions and mounting lights, GPS devices etc. Comfort and power and an impressive weight. With the levers in the optimum position the rider is superbly placed for fast riding while still enjoying all the hand positions available. The rearward extensions allow extra leverage and a wider hand position - be it for comfort or power. All H-bars are for a 31.8 stem - the required shim is included.

Compatible with; Singlespeeds, Trigger shifters, Gripshift, Rohloff and Thumb-shifters

Cut H-Bar^® $380 Titanium, $120 Aluminum
The “Cut” H-Bar is a cut-down version of the Loop bar. It is narrower and more compact than the Loop H-Bar. The levers and controls fit on to the front extensions of the bar. You will need to use a stem that is approximately 30mm shorter than what you would use with the original H-Bar or Loop bar to keep the reach of the main hand positions the same between both bars.

Compatible with; Singlespeeds, Shimano dual controls, Thumb-shifters fit on the front extensions and can easily be removed if converting the bike to a single speed.

Note: trigger shifters can be used on the front extensions of the Cut H-bar but aren’t really easy to reach – it’s ok. Gripshift can fit but it will be difficult to reach the brake lever and the shifter will be in the way of one of the main hand positions. A Rohloff shifter can be installed on the front extension but it only goes on half-way and is not as easy to reach and shift with as when fitted to the rear extension of the Loop H-bar. For trigger and twist shifters I'd suggest you opt for the Loop version.

Further down the page are a couple of Loop / Cut comparison photographs...

Original H-Bar^® $500
I still have a few original H-bars in stock. Both the curved and straight extension versions. These come with a shim. They differ slightly from the newer H-bars above with the position of the horizontal section in relation to the extensions. They might suit your needs. Contact me if you would like more information.

Better handling and power output
The shape of the bar really allows you to throw the bike around in technical situations. With your hands in the wide and rearward grip position you can keep your weight back and your arm stance wide for stable and controlled technical or steep downhill riding. This position is just like having a wide bar with a short stem, similar to a downhill or dirt jumping bike, but with more sweep. This additional sweep brings your arms in closer to your side to allow more comfortable and natural use of your arm and back muscles. The sweep also allows you to push and swing the bike side to side with more control and power. It's especially beneficial when climbing.

These bars allow you to really get up on top of the pedals and grind out low cadence standing power for climbing in hard gears which is why the bar is so popular with single speeders. Your hands pull more towards your shoulders, a more natural 'pull' with stronger muscles. This allows you to push down with more force at the pedal. In extremely tight turns with the bar close to 90 degrees your outside arm and wrist is not taken to the edge of their flexible range as with traditional bars. This provides more control and stability on switch backs.

More comfortable and ergonomic
The sweep matches your natural hand and wrist positions creating a stronger hand and body position. With an H-Bar, your weight is evenly distributed across the width of your hand instead of being focused at the out side edge of your hand, the main cause of finger numbness. This 'even grip pressure' on the bar allows a better, more secure grip on the bar. This is especially nice if you chose to ride a fully rigid bike. The many and varied hand positions greatly reduce hand numbness and wrist pain. The H-Bar also reduces back pain since it has a range of hand positions from rear to front. This range allows you to move around and stretch your back. This is a bar you can ride all day.

Get further back or further forward.
With up to five inches of 'rear to front' hand position range you can really shift your weight back for steep downs or move to the front to keep the front wheel down for steep seated climbs.

Titanium H-bar^® construction
TIG welded, 3AL-2.5V Seamless Titanium with a 1" main tube which is round in the center and tapers to a 7/8" oval where it meets and is welded to the 7/8" grip tubes. The tubes have different wall thickness to optimize strength and weight.

Aluminum H-bar^® construction
TIG Welded 6066 Aluminum with 1" main tube which is round in the center and tapers to a 7/8" oval where it meets and is welded to the 7/8" grip tube. Both tubes are butted, to optimize strength and weight.

Stem clamp size
31.8mm with included shim. The shim is designed specifically for the H-bar and the Thomson X4 stem but will work with other 31.8 stems. The shim reduces the possibility/chance of crimping or gouging the bar from a crash, slip or over-tightening. It is also a recommended upgrade for all previous H-bars.

		Loop H-bar		Cut H-bar
Widths...
Center to center at rear without grips:		667mm / 26.25"		590mm / 23.25"
Widest point without grips:		680mm / 26.75"		610mm / 24"
Overall (with Cork grips and Wrap):		692mm / 27.25"		645mm / 25"
Finish		Bright hand-brushed		Bead blasted and anodized black
Sweep:		45 degrees
Rise / Drop		0.5" / 13mm
Weight (with bar plugs and shim):		Ti 502 g. Alum. 490g.		Ti 425 g. Alum. 420g.

Options

Cork Grips combined with Cork Tape, installed and wrapped: $40
Not an option for Loop bars since the levers must go on first.
With these grips and wrap, it's easier and more comfortable to use the different hand positions the H-Bar offers. I use light and durable cork grips and glue them on with adhesive so they won't move even in very wet weather. Then I use Cinelli self adhesive cork road bar tape to complete the grip, building up the tape a little to make a seamless transition from the grips to the tape and back. I highly recommend this option. It is much nicer than a pair of normal grips.

Paul's Thumbies with Shimano Dura Ace 9 speed shifters : $175 Complete
These work great with H-bars. They are light and provide simple, reliable and positive shifting. These shifters also have a friction mode. 134 grams. I will also have hinged mounts available soon (at the same price) that will fit on loop bars, for instance, or either side of a stem on H-bars – so more shifting options.

Replacement Cork grips: $10
Very light at 26 grams a pair and firm yet shock absorbing. Covered on the ends to keep water out. Best when used in combination with bar tape. 130mm long and 35.5mm thick in the middle.

25.4 to 31.8 shim $20
This shim is designed specifically for the Thomson X4 stem but will work with other 31.8 stems. This shim reduces the chance of crimping or gouging the bar from a crash or over tightening and will spread out the stress at the edge of the stem clamp. For use with all H-bars (and a recommended upgrade for early H-bars).

Thomson X4 stem $75 (when purchased with an H-Bar)
If you need a new stem or a different size with your new H-bar, the Thomson X4 is a very good choice.

To buy in or near the UK
Contact (Outcast) Biff... This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
December 19th... Biff currently has some of everything, Loops and Cuts in aluminum and titanium (and one Titec J-bar).