Strida M Style Handlebar Review
I was fascinated by the new Strida M Style handlebar kit when it was first introduced last Fall. M stands for mustache, the bars are sharped a bit like a large mustache that droops at the ends. I have always had a mustache, I did shave it once but soon after promised my best friend I would never shave it off again. As to the Strida M style handlebars, I may never take them off my bike again. This last year I have been riding with Strida’s bent handlebar kit installed, I have enjoyed the Strida bent bars for the wider reach and the more forward position than the stock straight Strida handlebars. The M style Strida handlebars also provide a wider position, but by bringing the ends of the bars back towards ones body the ride of the Strida is considerably different. For me this difference is a good thing.
Strida m type handle bars
Strida M Type Handle Bar 1
The upright position is more comfortable with my hands closer to my body. I am also using the Strida leather saddle with springs, this saddle is wider at the back and combined with the more upright position made possible with the Strida M style bar, the ride is very comfortable. The M style handlebar kit also includes the Strida leather hand grips, these match the leather saddle for looks. I think in this angled position the round grips are better than the Strida ergo grips. The leather grips are very comfortable and have handsome brass end pieces. I loosened the leather hand grips and re-positioned the lacing to the bottom where I could feel it with my fingers, this feels very secure and comfortable. I have also discovered with this position of my hands I can put more of my weight on the pedals if needed. Standing and pedaling a Strida with standard handlebars is very difficult, I am able to stand and pedal my Strida with my hands in a position closer to my body using the Strida M style handlebar. I have only just mounted these new M style bars and have used them for only a few rides, I see no reason to switch back to the Strida bent handlebars and I look forward to testing the M bars for many more kilometers. A good test will be my favorite hill climb, this won’t come until later in the year and after I have few hundred kilometers behind me. Stay tuned!
Upright riding position of the M type handle bars.
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar compared 1
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar compared 2
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar detail
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar detail
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar detail
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- Strida M Style Handle Bar detail
Great report, Bill.
I 100% agree. I put them on (thanks to Philip, Strida Hong Kong), and cannot bear to take them off – I just LOVE the upright ‘dutch’ riding position, and a bit more knee room… Much better than the more sporty ‘bended’ bars (that was a poor Dutch > english translation that kinda stuck). I guess only 1 niggle is they have a very traditional ‘look’ which kinda goes away from the ‘contemporary’ or even futuristic a la Almost Human Strida aesthetic.
Mind you I am a BIG fan of upright >
http://issuu.com/mark77a/docs/upright_is_right-the_view_ahead
Keep up the great work Bill and all the FAB Pictures.
Mark
Thank you Mark for the comment, I have returned to my hill climb this Spring with the M-Style-Bars mounted on my trusty EVO, I was at first concerned for the loss of power with the new body position but have been pleasantly surprised. With my arms closer to my body I may be able to put more push on the pedal. I have not had the opportunity to try another bike with the “dutch riding position” so I don’t have an comparison. Interesting thought about the tradition/contemporary look. Every day because of my shop location on a main street and the fact I park my bike on the sidewalk in front of my store, I hear the comment, Wow look at this New Bike design, from people passing by. A true testament to a great design when after many years people seeing it for the first time see it as new and the futuristic, one of the many reasons that I love my Strida.
How does the new shape affect folding? Can you still put it in the trunk of a car, for example?
Folding the M-Style bars is the same as the other Strida handle bars. The M-Style-bars are larger and take up more space beside the bike when folded but would make no difference when putting in a bag or the trunk of your car. I will take a photo of the bars folded and post. Bill