Think the big handlebar trend is strictly a new school thing?

Not exactly.

Back in the 80s, there were a few tall bar options…if you knew where to seek them out (and if you could find them!)

Case in point, the GT XT handlebars

Clocking in at a 10-3/4″ rise, these were tall before tall was cool.

The XT in the name stood for extra tall and, according to the ad, were “for tall pro’s.”

I don’t think Nelson Chanady (in the ad) was that tall…but he sure looks like he means business though, don’t he?