Custom made handlebar manufacturer required

[barge]

Hi - I'm a newbie.
I think I want some custom made handle bars for my hybrid bike.
Can anyone suggest an an organization that a) can manufacture custom handle bars and b) knows a bit about cycling and bicycle design.
I'm from Melbourne so pref something local if possible, but happy to get in contact with anyone.

Thanks for any advice,
Cheers.
Barge

[Colin_T]

any engineering place will be able to make you some handlebars. Alternatively if you know a plumber or fitter & machinist, they can make stuff up. All you need is a length of aluminium that is suitably sized (diameter wise)to fit the headset. Then an oxy-cetaline to heat it up and bend it to shape. Most good mechanics can probably make something up as well.

[Bentnose]

Why do you think you need custom handlebars?

[MichaelB]

.... Then an oxy-cetaline to heat it up and bend it to shape. ....

I think that the ONLY way to bend bars (thin wall tubing) is to mandrel bend them.

I wouldn't trust anything bent with heat and no former.

As per the last poster - why do you need custom ?

[hartleymartin]

What sort of shape are you looking for in a handle-bar that you cannot get commercially?

[herzog]

Try GripSport in Melbourne.

Good reputation with the cycling community.

http://gripsport.com.au/bike_main.php

[Mulger bill]

Try to bend thinwall without a mandrel and it WILL buckle, with or without heat.

+1 for Gripsport, nice bloke who loves bike and he's an engineer.

Shaun

[barge]

Thanks for the responses guys.

The reason I want custom made handles is as follows:
a. I'm 196cm (6'6""). I was getting sore neck & shoulders from anything more than a short ride (2hrs+).
(also has to do with other no bike related issues).
b. Didn't ride for about 10-12 months.
c. As a 'proof of concept', added the hi-rise handle bars. Less pressure on neck by not having the lift head to see where I going. Also weight is not largely on arms /hands thereby reducing shoulder & upper back strain. It worked quite well. ANyway, it got me to start riding again.
See photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31031251@N04/4243991673/

d. As I got a bit of fitness, and started to ride a bit more whenever I'd get up to around 30kph + I find myself resting my elbows(!) on top of the bars (wedged next to the brake levers/gears). I rest on the elbows with hands meeting way out in front - a bit like using imaginary tri bars). While it's not very safe, it felt good. I'd mainly used this position riding solo around the local velodrome.
e. After 30 years of riding, I'd have to say this is the most confortable position I have ever found. Also lower back and legs do not get tired/sore (previously I would start to 'feel' getting fatigued if I rode 20km at 35kph, but I don't in this new position).
f. I really like resting my elbows in this position which is about 43cm above the top of the front fork.


OK. it all seems strange etc, but I want to try it out with something better than two sweaty elbows slipping around on the top of hi-rise bars without quick access to brake levers or gears.

Ideally think of flat bar with elbow pads where you would normally have hand grips. Then bend each end of the handle bars so they meet somewhere over the front wheel. Then add brake levers / gears somewhere at the point of the triangle.

Over all it's a bit like tri-bars. However, tri-bars normally want you to tuck elbows inwards. This hurts my neck and shoulders. Hence the need for this triangle shape.
See diagram: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31031251@N04/4244868920/

Hope this all makes some sense.
Happy for more advice or comments.

Barge

[Colin_T]

Interesting and bizarre at the same time
I think you'll need to visit an engineering firm or someone who knows about engineering and working with aluminium.

[Lark2004]

I think you could find some of these lurking in someone's garage if your lucky


Old Profile Aero bars..... There must be some still around somewhere....

[Lots of steel bikes]

I think you could find some of these lurking in someone's garage if your lucky


Old Profile Aero bars..... There must be some still around somewhere....

I know its a very old thread but just bought a bike with the same aero bars as pictured above.

[MattyK]

[P!N20]

I know its a very old thread but just bought a bike with the same aero bars as pictured above.

That's the Kenevans, yeah? Is it legit? Bargain if it is.

[Lots of steel bikes]

I know its a very old thread but just bought a bike with the same aero bars as pictured above.

That's the Kenevans, yeah? Is it legit? Bargain if it is.

I hope it’s legit. No K pantographs but has the same cinelli bottom bracket shell and brake bridge as another Ken I owned. Seat stay cluster is the same as others when I do an image search.

[P!N20]

I hope it’s legit. No K pantographs but has the same cinelli bottom bracket shell and brake bridge as another Ken I owned. Seat stay cluster is the same as others when I do an image search.

Four digit serial?

[Lots of steel bikes]

I hope it’s legit. No K pantographs but has the same cinelli bottom bracket shell and brake bridge as another Ken I owned. Seat stay cluster is the same as others when I do an image search.

Four digit serial?

Yep, 1649

[P!N20]

Yep, 1649

Sounds like the real deal.