Handlebar - Nitto Albastache Bar (RM017)

An all-around bar good for road riding and touring, probably good for garvelling, too. It's an alternative to drop-bar that allows more uprightness and a better climbing grip. It has the curves and speedy look of a drop bar, but with a few advantages and only one disadvantage. The advantages:

• A slightly wider stance than most drop bars, really natural.

• A better grip for climbing. Drop bars are pretty good that way--you grab the hoods, and all's well. But grabbing the rear grip portion of this bar feels even better.

• A more rearward grip option. With a drop bar, it's all level with or forward of the stem clamp. With Albastache bars it's easier to sit upright.

• Less drop than a drop bar. Most drop bars drop 3 1/2 to 4 inches. Albastache bars drop only one. Less leaning, and less weight-shift to the front wheel when you brake. Better braking.

• Super comfortable "hands on the hoods" position. The hoods lie flat, so your hand lies on a wide, comfy bed.

It fits road brake levers and bar-end shifters. We recommend a stuffy stem. Try a 5cm to 8cm max. Get a long-quill Tallux or something else so you can raise it up. You don't have to buy a whole new stem.

The disadvantage:

Actually, none. It works better with Brifters than drop bars, even. The down-push is more natural than the side-push. Amazing. You might not be looking at the Albastache if you love your drops. You might not be ready to go to an Albatross or other upright, because you still (understandably) like the ergonomics of drops, and the look. The Albastache has a lot of both, and feels great. 

Use these SHIMS to fit 25.4 bars in 26mm stems

Shims to fit 25.4 bars in 31.8mm stems