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?
Morgan Long’s new signature frame lives up to it’s tall and steep billing with a 9.5” stand-over and a 5” head tube (that’s .375” taller than normal).
In fact, the Hoodbird with a 75.75 degree head angle is the tallest and steepest frame Fit Bikes has made to date.
It’s also built strong (in America) with a Supertherm front end, double gussets and 6mm dropouts…so it can take beating regardless of what hood you’re in (or what terrain you’re riding).
All of which adds up to a great frame if you’re looking for a tall, fast steering and strong ride.
Take a peek at Morgan Long putting it through its paces.
It looks like its ready for anything.
Check out the Fitbikeco site for all the specs.
It seems like forever ago, when S&M released the “Perfect 10” handlebar.
Many thought it was a joke (at first), but sure enough, the 10″ handlebar developed a following.
Granted, despite it burgeoning popularity, there were still plenty of detractors.
I distinctly recall a bike shop employee in California telling me the bars were “overkill” when I inquired if they had any in stock.
But, just when I thought Perfect 10s would be the absolute tallest BMX bars I would see…S&M brought out the “Elevenz“.
Now that’s tall.
Is there a market for them?
Well, considering that they’re sold out on the S&M site…signs point to yes.
That’s got to be the tallest, right?
Maybe not.
Today, S&M Bikes’ owner Chris Moeller dropped this picture on Instagram with the caption:
Custom @sandmbmx bars going to paint today – 5″ and 12″ rise. #shieldbmx
WTF?
Is this the next step in handlebars?
(And wouldn’t be great if they dubbed these “12 step” handlebars?)
Dang.
I don’t know…but I was surprised at how the other iterations of “big bars” took off …so it’s anyone’s guess.
12″ bars…who woulda thunk it?
We got a first look of the 2018 We The People (WTP) Audio being put to the test a few weeks back by WTP pro, Felix Prangenberg.
Felix took the 22″ Audio out to the park and proceeded to shred with a combination of street and park moves.
Now, thanks to the wonders of Instagram, WTP has followed up with a post of Felix roasting the trails.
Dang, is there nothing this bike can’t do?
Seems to look pretty good just standing still too.
Watch for the new 22″Audio, along with a full range of 22″ parts, to hit WTP dealers in the latter part of the Summer.
big and tall bmx 