The Top Non-29″er Specific Product Of 2009
January 1st, 2010 by Guitar TedThis is something a bit new for Twenty Nine Inches, but many of you know that I have been reviewing some non-specific 29′er product here and most of that being the “alt bars” that I feel a lot of 29″er riders gravitate towards. Not only that, but I do use a lot of gear that is not 29″er specific. To that end, I thought I would give props to my favorite non-29″er specific product of 2009. No surprise here, it is a handle bar. The nod goes to Ragley Bikes “Carnegie’s Bar”
Ragley Bikes is the brain child of Brant Richards, who was also the designer of some well known “alt bars” for On One. Brant tweaked out a previous design and made something new that really hits the nail on the head for technical riders that want more sweep than a standard riser bar offers. I took to these bars straight away and never looked back. The added comfort, control, and stiffness in technical situations was noticeable for me. The sweep design was perfectly drawn out so that you don’t need an excessively long stem, nor do you cause undo stress on the stem faceplate with excess leverage due to a ton of back sweep. No, this bar really strikes a great balance between a riser and an “alt bar” that no other bar really hits.
Ragley Bikes “Carnegie’s Bar” will also be coming out in a couple new versions, and also a carbon version is being tested here now as well. So look for more on that coming soon.
Other notable Non-29″er gear would include Bontrager Race MTB shoes, Ergon GE 1 grips, Ergon BC-3 back pack, and Specialized’s Vice mtb helmet. Great stuff, but the Carnegie’s Bar takes the top spot in 2009.
Note: The reviewed products were provided to Twenty Nine Inches at no charge for review. I was not paid or bribed for this review. I will give/gave my honest opinion or thoughts through out.
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Ted,
Is the version in the picture the “standard” version or one of the “new” versions that are coming?
I’m looking forward to getting my mitts on a set of these. I’ve been running the Titec J-Bar for about a year, and like it, but I always seem to find my hands at the cross-bar/J-bar junction (’cause it feels the best). So for sh!t ‘n giggles, my son whipped out his protractor and we figured out what angle of sweep would perfectly line up with my hands while they’re in that position: 27 degrees. Giddy-up!
Tim
@Tim: This is the first version with the rise. You are correct in that a “flat” version and another version with the logo emblazoned on “upside down” so you will look “right” with the Carnegie’s flipped, are also on the way.
The proto carbon Carnegie’s are very promising as well, but will have a different character, if you will. They appear to have a degree of flex that makes them appear to be a good choice for rigid set ups. Stay tuned for more on that………
I run with Carnegie’s on my Niner Air9 race bike here in the UK, but upgrading to Carbon ones as soon as I can, my original Carnegie’s will end up on my new Rumblefish.
My Jones runs on H Bars and these Carnegie’s are just as good although not a swept back.
Once you get used to swepts bars, “normal” bars just arn’t right.
Is there any chance a 25.4 bar will be produced?
@Erik: While Brant has the final word here, my guess is that there is no way you’ll ever see thses in 25.4mm clamp diameter.
GT
CaffeLatex didn’t make the list. Thanks to you, it’s my sealant of choice. I mounted a new tire, Bonty ACX TLR, Stan’s 355 w/yellow tape, tire will hold air for about 20 hours and then flat. I’ve removed the wheel and soap tested for leaks, none, and added more sealant w/o success, valve stem is good. Any suggestions? thanks
@maheoway: Well, it’s hard to diagnose from so far away and blind, but my suggestion would be keep after it with soapy water testing. The air is coming out somewhere and until you find out where that is, you are shooting from the hip with any solutions to this issue.
It may require you to inspect the tape for damage during tire mounting too, just to be certain that hasn’t been overlooked.
Good luck.
I’m not sure if this will reach the masses or not, but Chain Reaction Cycles of the UK is processing orders for the Carnegie bars. They say they are due in store the 15th. Price is $55 USD plus shipping. Brant’s web site says they are in stock now…possibly another store? Whatever, these bars are or will be available for a bit. Got mine!
Is anyone in the USA carrying these yet? I have no problem getting them from Chain Reaction Cycles, but was just wondering.
@Chad: Not yet………..;)
Ted, I read the review on the Carnegies on your Big Mama… Have you tried them on a rigid ss? I assume those qualities would apply to that application as well?
@Jeff: I have run the carbon Carnegie’s on a rigid single speed. The shape is really nice for out of the saddle climbing, like most swept bars. Other than that, yes, the attributes cross over, albeit the carbon bar has more “give”.
I wish Brant would mention when the carbon bar would be ready. And also that GT would give us more feedback on it ASAP…
@Wish I Were Riding: Well, I would love- absolutely love- to be able to give you feedback, because that would mean our trails were open and I would have been riding on dirt!
Soon. Spring is beginning to show signs of life around these parts.
I figured you’d say that. Any idea when they might be available though?
@Wish I Were Riding: I believe they are due quite soon in the U.K. Brant was telling me sometime in April awhile ago. Unless there has been a change, I would expect that to be the case.