[RBW] Re: Albatross Bars and stem size

On my 64cm Toyo Atlantis I went with a 13cm stem when I replaced my Noodles on a 10cm stem with Albas. It works great. Regarding shifters, I recently swapped out the Albas for Billy Bars and went with indexed Shimano trigger shifters instead of barends for the rear and really like that setup i

[RBW] Re: Albatross Bars and stem size

I have used Albatross as follows -- 110mm Tallux on a XL Crust Lightning Bolt with bar end shifter. 85mm FacePlater on a 59 Atlantis with shifter mounted to the stem. Both stems felt right for the specific bike. You may end up having to buy twice. Keep the other stem around for future projects!

[RBW] Re: Albatross Bars

Bars are sold! On Jun 20, 2021, at 12:52 PM, Matthew Williams wrote: > RBW CroMo Albatross bars: Nitto B352 W550. > > Very gently used, but they're clean, strong, and yours for $75. > > Free shipping anywhere in the US, or pickup locally in the San Francisco East > Bay. > > Get at me off-l

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars: 25.4mm vs 31.8mm???

Hi Garth, I had thought about writing the vendors, but I have a bit more confidence in the opinions and feedback of the members of the RBW Bunch. After following the group for several years, one gets a good feeling about where everyone is coming from when they give their take on something.

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars: 25.4mm vs 31.8mm???

You could always email any vendor John, or even Nitto. Unless someone has experience with both bars they may not be able to tell the difference. Other than Nitto, I'd try the Southerndistributors.uk as I've "heard" Soma isn't so the best at return emails. On Wednesday, September 23, 202

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars: 25.4mm vs 31.8mm???

Thanks Garth, I agree, the older 56cm Alba's are perfect, especially for me with wider shoulders for my height. The 56cm bars are much wider up near the curves than the 55cm bars and so much more comfortable, at least for me. The 31.8mm Albatross bars are listed as 56cm's wide in both onli

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars: 25.4mm vs 31.8mm???

John, I would certainly think the curve of a 31.8/56 Albatross would be the same as the 25.4 version. I have the 25.4/56 also which I too love, whereas the 55 was a real downer as the curve radius was indeed notably smaller in-hand. Nitto should have never stopped making the 56 steel Alba.

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

Moustache or New Moustache (AKA Albastache)? I shifted from Albatross to Moustache (too narrow and low/forward) to New Moustache (just right for years) to Bullmoose a few months ago. The Albatross is higher and farther back that either Moustache, and it’s default position is upright vs (for me)

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

Ron and Patrick, I'm well-experienced with bars like the MAP and Surly Open. Looking for feedback on the Albatross from folks who don't like 'staches. Chris, your Rambler with Albatrosses is perfection. I'm looking to attain the same, for me. Chris -- You received this message because you are

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

I have had excellent results with the albatross bar. I use the ergon grips for more upright crusing, and the most forward part of the curve (with cloth tape) for climbing, wind, or faster moments. I'm using downtube shifters to maximize the hand positions between the bar end and the forward c

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

The Choco Norm really splits the diff between albastache and albatross IME. The forward grip is much more comfortable and natural than both of those bar. I don't find a huge difference in the swept out section. Thoughtful stem selection is key with the Choco (and the Albastache for that matte

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

I also confess to be a moustache inamorato -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

oh yeah, Riv eqivalent is Wavie Bar -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, sen

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars for a Moustache antagonist

Map bars may be your compromise. My upright built with Map bar is my easiest bike to set up on a winter trainer, but I didn't like only the upright riding position. I added a core muscle position using a Nitto double lamp bar and MB bar ends. Was able to spend a winter dialing it in.

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

Nice stem! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

Very snazzy. You had a $200 lugged Nitto stem "just laying around"? First world problems!! Is that Grant's old bike? Bill Lindsay El Cerrito, CA On Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 2:52:44 PM UTC-7, Alex Zeibot wrote: > > Hi! > Wanted to thank you guys who pitched in the tips, expertise and wisdo

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I have a couple of long neck stems I could trade for a 42 noodle bar for Eljays Rambouillet. Or comparable. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I have a couple of long neck stems I could trade for a 42 noodle bar for Eljays Rambouillet. Or comparable. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

One more thing,like you I wasn't sure what length I wpuld need so I bought the 11 in a Nitto Young from Ben's Cyclery on the web. Something like 20 bucks and nothing at all wrong with it. Used stems are easy to buy and sell here. So you won't lose much if you guess wrong or want to experiment.

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

Adding another data point. I changed from an 8 cm stem with Noodles to 11 cm with Albas on my Sam. If anything I could have gone shorter with the drops and maybe a bit longer with the Albas. I have the bars a litle loser now to sort of compensate. Like others have said, it matters much less with

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I agree with Bill. I've had albatross bars on several bikes with varying top tubes and various stems. Never really noticed much of a difference in comfort. I'd be inclined to go for a longish stem, but they put you in a forgiving position. -- You received this message because you are subscribe

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

Hi Alex, This is a great question. I am considering the same thing on my AHH. My wife has a bosco bar on her betty foy and she has the longest stem I have ever seen and the cockpit is still a bit cramped. The Albatross has the section of the bar that extends forward to make room for the grip

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

So there you go. As with most fit questions, a clear-cut case of YMMV. Makes sense to start with what you have on hand, give it a whirl for a week or two unless it is immediately completely obvious it will not be workable. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Gr

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I'm another one that is using the same stem I used for my drop bars. I went from fairly stretched out with drop bars to closer (and lower) with my albatross bars. If I were going to raise the bars above saddle height, personally, I'd want a longer (but only slightly) stem. Dialing in the fit

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I started with a 10 cm stem and this didn't work at all with Albatross bars. I then went 120 and could have easily gone to a 130 and still been good. As JB has mentioned you will be surprised on how far back the bars will go. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Goog

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

Try your existing stem first, it may be fine. Mine was. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To pos

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars ???

I'd say 110mm is a good guess. Maybe even 120mm. I find that as you go more upright, that's kind of rolling your weight back onto the rear wheel of the bike, so sliding the saddle a bit forward at the same time might be something you decide to experiment with. Not everyone feels this way. M

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I'm also curious about the steel vs. the Al version, ie. is there a discernable difference in rigidity between the two? Is the reason for the two models simply a weight-saving one? Not sure if anyone has ever had both, and compared. If so, do tell! KJ On Apr 6, 3:42 pm, Duplomacette wrote: > I'

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Thanks guys! Are most of you using the aluminum? On Apr 9, 7:26 pm, Smitty <54ca...@gmail.com> wrote: > Alba bars... I use them... I love them. I'll second the statement about > using the front curves for a more forward/aggressive/climbing position. I > use it nearly as much as the "normal" positi

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

+1 for the Albatross bar. I have both the CrMo and the Al. On mine, the widths are different (they are from a different era, perhaps not even (gasp!) from RBW). Al is either 54cm or 55cm and CrMo is 56cm. Switching directly from one to the other, I can tell the width difference. But I can't tel

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Besides weight, the CrMo steel and aluminum have slightly different finishes. CrMo steel seems to be slightly shinier. I'm comparing the CrMo steel setup (albatross+technomic standard) on my wife's Betty Foyand the aluminum

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Alba bars... I use them... I love them. I'll second the statement about using the front curves for a more forward/aggressive/climbing position. I use it nearly as much as the "normal" position. The alba is on my Big Dummy which sees daily use but it's all relatively short distances (sub 20-mil

RE: [RBW] Re: Albatross bars

bunch@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Peter Pesce Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 5:46 PM To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com Subject: [RBW] Re: Albatross bars I love the alba bars on my Quickbeam. They really change my mindset about riding compared to drops, from a sporty "must go faster" to a

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I love the alba bars on my Quickbeam. They really change my mindset about riding compared to drops, from a sporty "must go faster" to a pure fun "wheee!" If you tape the front curves (or, even if you don't) they offer a few different hand positions to relieve fatigue and enable you to get down

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I swapped out my Noodles for Albatross bars on my Hillborne last year, and never looked back. Wrist neuropathy: gone! View: awesome! Bike looks great, handles great, and I get twice as much mileage out of box of cork tape. Love 'em. I keep the Noodle's around just in case, but I don't foresee going

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars on a Rambouillet?

A guy locally does. When I talked to him, that was one of the things he raved about. He thinks it's a great combination. Marc On Dec 28, 9:11 am, Jay LePree wrote: > I have been using my Rambouillet mostly as a commuter and for rides > less than 1 to 2 hours long.  I have been thinking about t

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars on a Rambouillet?

I saw an Albatross bar on a Pegoretti. It looked awesome. Ryan On Dec 28, 6:11 am, Jay LePree wrote: > I have been using my Rambouillet mostly as a commuter and for rides > less than 1 to 2 hours long.  I have been thinking about trying out > some upright bars on it for better visibility.  Anyo

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars on a Rambouillet?

Albatross bars are good on any bike ! The field of view is great. You'll likely want a longer stem though. If you want to maximize the usable hand space of the bar, try bar end brake levers and thumbshifters. This frees the entire bar around the curve for your hands. I ride 3+ hours with them

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars on a Rambouillet?

My wife rides her Rambouillet with an Albatross bar and bar end shifters. She loves it for general riding around town and easy rides. Greg -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https:

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

Pondero, While setups are limitless, in general, the higher the bars, the less stress on the hands. Most use them at saddle height or higher. You really have to play with the angles to find out what's best for you. I've had mine angled slightly down, but now they're more level. This took away a

Re: [RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

hotos/8581...@n03/sets/72157623799483763/ From: Pondero To: RBW Owners Bunch Sent: Fri, July 9, 2010 7:26:25 AM Subject: [RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes I wanted to like them. I still want to like them. I just couldn't find the right position to prev

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

I use a non traditional approach for brake levers with Albatross bars, as I prefer the grips to be clear of obstructions. This gives me 12-13 inches of usable bar, and I use it all. The levers are Tektro RX 4.1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/11316...@n04/3645057344/in/set-72157624156809417/ -- Yo

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

I wanted to like them. I still want to like them. I just couldn't find the right position to prevent pain in the lower palm (opposite thumb). Hints on bar positioning (height, angle, etc.) would be appreciated. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

Thanks, maybe later for more photos (it's a pretty stock Hillborne) I forgot to give Rich at Riv credit for the brake setup suggestions; I wanted a more athletic riding position and a more secure grip while riding on trails. I agree Ryan - Wow - Albatross bars are the best! Tony On Jul 8, 9:55 p

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

Them bars look good. Nice bike too--more photos! Ryan On Jul 8, 9:53 pm, Tony wrote: > I have my brake levers a little ahead of the grips. I adjusted the > reach on the lever to bring it closer to the bar. This allows me to > have my last 2 fingers on the lever and the other 2 fingers gripping

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars and brakes

I have my brake levers a little ahead of the grips. I adjusted the reach on the lever to bring it closer to the bar. This allows me to have my last 2 fingers on the lever and the other 2 fingers gripping both sides of the brake lever body, thumb on top of the bar. This gives a very secure feeling t

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Maybe its because the albatross bars allow me to look around a little bit more when I'm fully upright. With so much more to see, why hurry? On Mar 21, 10:53 am, charlie wrote: > Its interesting to read that you have never felt slower on your bike. > I had the opposite experience on a street co

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Its interesting to read that you have never felt slower on your bike. I had the opposite experience on a street converted mountain bike using albatross bars and cork grips. I have not ridden a bike as fast and as good on hills as this combo and I never had sore hands or a sore backside. I use a B6

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

+1 on wrapping the curved part of the bars to give another hand position. I also installed some interrupter brakes. http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2008/cc181r2-clivestandley0808.html On Mar 8, 12:02 am, "Bill M." wrote: > I wrapped the area forward of the brake levers on mine. That's a nice > a

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Cool, Angus. Sprung saddle is essential, unless you have the stem inserted nearly all the way. Wider saddles work well - B66, etc. I've done some harder, faster riding on my albatross bike, and I usually wish I had drops in those instances. That's how I felt this weekend on the So Cal Riv ride

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Thanks to "the bunch" for the advice. I've commuted to work twice with these bars and like them a lot. I've tilted the bars a bit more and changed the saddle from a B-17 to a Flyer. The springs help on a bumpy grass strip I ride through. Having the sprung saddle on the "upright bike" seems to w

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

On Mar 8, 7:29 pm, Chris Halasz wrote: > How *much* longer? Two cm? One? When I switched from drops to the North Road bars I found that swapping a stem that was 3cm longer really made a difference. Beth --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you a

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

How *much* longer? Two cm? One? Thanks, Chris On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 7:28 PM, Chris Halasz wrote: > > > On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 7:11 PM, Angus wrote: > >> >> Beth, >> >> I changed from Noodle bars. I've ridden drops on everything this side >> of my MTB for a long as I can remember. A brief e

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 7:11 PM, Angus wrote: > > Beth, > > I changed from Noodle bars. I've ridden drops on everything this side > of my MTB for a long as I can remember. A brief experiment with > moustache bars last year didn't work out. > > My concern is that I already had a 12cm stem on the

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Beth, I changed from Noodle bars. I've ridden drops on everything this side of my MTB for a long as I can remember. A brief experiment with moustache bars last year didn't work out. My concern is that I already had a 12cm stem on the bike. The All- Rounder is my commuter, I'll see how this we

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 2:07 PM, Chris Halasz wrote: > Anyone ever find their back was less comfortable with Albatross type bars? > I did for a while. I found that if I was in an upright state where my back didn't quite form the right shape then my lower back was taking all the impact and not in

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

Anyone ever find their back was less comfortable with Albatross type bars? I like the look of them, and tried them a few years ago, with different stem lengths (10cm to 14cm) and heights, but couldn't find an adjustment that worked. Chris Tucson, AZ --~--~-~--~~~---~-

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I do the same thing with angling the bars slightly downward to give myself a more natural wrist position. I've never felt slower on my upright, but I also haven't felt more comfortable, either. On Mar 8, 10:14 am, beth h wrote: > You don't say what you switched from (I'll assume drops). When I >

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

You don't say what you switched from (I'll assume drops). When I converted back to uprights from drops on my LongLow I took a friend's advice to swap in a longer stem. Albatross and NorthRoad style bars put the hand position farther back than expected so this turned out to be good advice. My LongL

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I wrapped the area forward of the brake levers on mine. That's a nice alternate hand position. Bill Angus wrote: > This weekend I changed to Albatross handlebars on my All-Rounder. If > anyone has any suggestions/hints/advice I would welcome the input. > Many thanks to Keven & Grant at RBW for

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

looks like you have the tallest/longest technomic (non -dlx) stem on there. that's what i used and it made quite a difference. love the bike! On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 5:40 PM, JoelMatthews wrote: > > I angle mine down a little bit for longer trips. Maybe it is just me, > but it seems you get a b

[RBW] Re: Albatross bars

I angle mine down a little bit for longer trips. Maybe it is just me, but it seems you get a bit more grip variety that way. Around town I leave them straight back for most upright position to get maximum sight lines in traffic ridings. On Mar 7, 5:42 pm, Angus wrote: > This weekend I changed