why do we use riser bars?

[Bryce]

In theory, would it not be possible to use flat bars and taller stems that would put your hands in the exact same position? I mean, it would have to be a DH-style bar with the right bend and sweep and width

It just seems like a flat bar could be made stronger. Plus, it would help people who want their bars down lower for DH racing.

Is there any reason for the rise? Why do they use risers in motocross?

[Shmoe]

Ive been searching for a dh flatbar for years. No dice. I think they would be great providing they had enough sweep.

[TheGiggler]

these days - style? i think a flat stem and riser looks "cooler" than a stem with rise and flat bar...

until forks got so long with the current travel, people weren't always looking for a low front end.

[ianr]

Sometimes, when you get your face right down there its good to have that little dip between the bars. Y'now Tomac style...

Answer used to make a sick flatbar that was wide with good sweep...

[atari_]

The only advantage to riser bars over straight, is that you can have a super short stiff and low stem, while allowing you to get the height you need. That's why they started, then the look caught on and they made flat bars look "un-cool".

Until there's a serious cry for flat bars, I wouldn't expect people to start producing them.

[M_Dub]

Center of gravity and steering axis also plays a large role in the location and placement of bars and stems, if you look at 4x mountain cross and xc bikes with longer stems you will see this because of the steering axis required for max control in the conditions they are put in. As for freeriding and DH more and more racers are going with shorter wheel bases and more DH and freeride bike are now commonly shorter. The idea of flat bars with a rise stem will make the steering axis feel akward. with a steering axis closer to the fork the riders may feel more in control and connected with the way the bike is turning as the crown in parralel with the bars.

[Jeff M]

Originally posted by dUAL_twENTy4
Center of gravity and steering axis also plays a large role in the location and placement of bars and stems, if you look at 4x mountain cross and xc bikes with longer stems you will see this because of the steering axis required for max control in the conditions they are put in. As for freeriding and DH more and more racers are going with shorter wheel bases and more DH and freeride bike are now commonly shorter. The idea of flat bars with a rise stem will make the steering axis feel akward. with a steering axis closer to the fork the riders may feel more in control and connected with the way the bike is turning as the crown in parralel with the bars.

This is unrelated. I'm a little confused with the terms you're using but none of these things would be affected because the bar position wouldn't be changing, just the means to ahieve the position.

Flat bars probably could be made stronger but riser work better with integrated stems, something which I think will quickly take over (they already are).
This is why MX bike use riser bars, they don't have a stem per say, just a pair of clamps on the top of the fork. Riser bars are more practical than making the fork taller.

[M_Dub]

Originally posted by Jeff M
This is unrelated. I'm a little confused with the terms you're using but none of these things would be affected because the bar position wouldn't be changing, just the means to ahieve the position.

Flat bars probably could be made stronger but riser work better with integrated stems, something which I think will quickly take over (they already are).
This is why MX bike use riser bars, they don't have a stem per say, just a pair of clamps on the top of the fork. Riser bars are more practical than making the fork taller.

yes the mx point is true...but if uve stood on a xc bike with a longer stem vs a freeride bike with a short stem the turning axis in relation to ur hands changes and can affect tricks etc.

another question is BMX bars... and 20" trials bars and stems?

[IFO]

rizer bars are stronger then Flatties..

its simple psyhics.. (sp?)

:D

[M_Dub]

physics...im taking physics 12 at my skool i got a pretty good mark in it..but yes the weight pressure makes sense in a downward motion pressure is contained by tapered bars rather than a flat bar which the pressure is contained in one spot more than a tapered riser bar does,.

[Mountain Biker]

risers and short stems put you in a more upright position (therefore better control over front/back weighting). you could probably get the same effect with flat bars and a few headset spacers... but that looks nasty.

[M_Dub]

:werd:

[morley]

Various trials companies have made oversized flat bars in 31.8 for well over ten years. They have a riser like sweep on them and are usually called 'buldge bars' PX, Monty, Echo and a few other companies make them.

http://www.trialsin.com/sell/pieces/ebar.jpg

http://www.cycles-simtra.com/hires/pxprotrialsbars.jpg

[Trini-dad72]

Trials bars... That's what I was thinking when I read the first post...

[the flying moose]

i ride to riser bars to fit in with the trenders.

[Loopie]

Originally posted by Shmoe
Ive been searching for a dh flatbar for years. No dice. I think they would be great providing they had enough sweep.
Seen the thread I had in here about a mth ago regarding flat bars? Lots of links.
http://bb.nsmb.com/newforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55297&perpage=20&display=&pagenumber=1