IMPORTANT: These handlebars have a 31.8 clamp diameter with shims epoxy-glued on. If you want these bars with a 26.0 mm clamp, please search elsewhere on ebay. They cost $5.00 less.
If you are a commuter or triathlete or just someone who wants a more comfortable handlebar, here is a novel designed handlebar that will easily fit 31.8 mm clamp diameter stems. I have gorilla-glued a 31.8 mm shim so they can be easily mounted to 31.8mm stems without hassling (see photos). These "JT" handlebars are the first truly new design for road bikes since the old drop bars came into existence over 60 years ago. They are specialized for ergonomics and are designed to work with the combined brake/shift levers manufactured by many companies, such as STI by Shimano. This JT handlebar is a US patented design that is a simple ergonomic bar, which should appeal to a wide range of cyclists, including commuters, triathletes, casual riders, and advanced cyclists. Please do not confuse these with other bullhorn bars or so-called "ergonomic" bars that are anything but. These are unique.
In addition to the ergonomic benefits, the JT bar is also very lightweight, at only 270 grams (9.5 ounces). These are high-quality handlebars are made of 6061 aluminum alloy by a company (Satori) that is the leading manufacturer of bike handlebars in the world.
This bar has improved riding comfort in three positions: hands mounted most forward on the sides of the brake/shift levers, hands mounted less-forward on the bullhorn section of the handlebars, and hands mounted closest to the rider on the handlebar section next to the stem (see photos). Both of the forward grip positions (on the brake/shift levers and the bullhorn section of the handlebars) avoid the feeling of holding on with your thumbs as with brake/shift levers mounted on standard drop road bars. The lack of a drop section lets your hands wrap comfortably and naturally around the brake/shift lever grips.
If you are an aero bar fan, they work great on JT bars! In fact, with aero bars mounted, the bullhorn shape of the JT bars form a comfortable resting "pocket" for your forearms near your elbows and do not require the cumbersome cups mounted on standard drop bars. Plus, with your elbows further apart, this gives you a bit more leverage for controlling the bike. However, the standard cups can also be mounted on these bars if you prefer them.
If you actually grip the levers mounted on these bars, the combination of brake/shift levers mounted almost sideways, the bullhorn-like angle of the bars, and the lack of the drop section at the end of the bars all contribute to a really comfortable grip on the brake/shift levers. Also, when applying the brakes and shifting the gear levers, this arrangement actually give more power than the standard upright alignment of brake/shift levers on traditional drop bars.
Because the brake/shift levers are mounted to face inward at an angle of about 30 degrees, with our hands resting on the levers, the effective width of these bars is about 42-44 cm. Riders who want a more upright riding position could easily tilt the bars up. While this is a very awkward position for standard drop handlebars, this tilt works very naturally with the JT handlebars.
WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS: Width at inner curve (center to center): 46 cm; Width at outer curve (center to center): 49 cm; Extension (center of rear bar section attached to stem to end of handlebar): about 13 cm; Weight: 9.5 ounces (270 grams); Color: anodized black with laser etched "JT" logo. These bars come with my own instructions for mounting and wrapping with handlebar tape.
NOTE: These handlebars work great with the usual brake and shift levers, like Shimano. While I have not tried the latest electronic shifters, these handlebars should work splendidly with them. If you do not want to keep these bars, please email me first and if I cannot help you, I will accept returns but you must pay for return shipping and the bars must be in new condition.
Calculate your shipping: These bars come in a box 24 inches long, 4 inches high, and 8 inches wide and weigh 1 pound 10 ounces. ebay will automatically calculate theshipping cost, which has gotten high. I wish it were not so.