Date: June 5, 2005
I hate flat bars from riser rules writes:

Flat bars suck they suck soo bad all of you flat bar users taht have never tried a riser bar shout try it and keep it that way..... all of the pros use riser bars and so shoud everyene
they should make it illegal to use flat bars because they are soo ugly and they suck so bad. The only people that you see using flat bars anymore are racers. and most racers ahve gone over to riser bars anyways

So if you want comfort go to a riser bar and if you want preformance ..... go to a riser bar they are good for both

WINNER: Riser Bar

I cant stand flat bars they are so hard to use.... they are way too low and some of them bend way to easy but not all of them. I ahve ridden with both and i find that the Riser bar is way more comfortable and useful for the way i ride

WINNER: Riser Bar

Its all whats cumpfy to you. Who cares what it looks like or what other people think. Just enjoy your sport and set your bike up the way you like it. You have a better chance of keeping your bike safe for you then worrying about what other people think of it. I have tried flats and riser but I prefer riser. I get less shoulder pain. With a flat it felt like I was going to endo when I went over logs etc.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Riser Bars definently, Give you more flexibility in how it's positoned. Makes it a lot more comfortable.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Man Flat bar is for rideing on the Road like the all the old farts do but un like me muahaha!!! we kids jump off and fly down Mtns and stuf and i mean i can some stuf on my Trek that has a flat bar but i been hurting my self lol and im geting a SP HardRock ProDisk!!!! WOOHOO!!! lol. Flat BAR IS FOR THE ROAD!! RISER bar OWNS!!!

WINNER: Riser Bar

I voted for riser because there was no "Other" choice. I ride a Burley Arc (visible in http://www.burley.com/products/commuter-bikes/), which has more sweep than the typical MTB bar (I had to special order it: $20). I chose it for ergonomic reasons: my wrists don't bother me now. If your wrists hurt during or after a ride, or you find your hands or fingers growing numb, you might want to pay attention to your wrist joint. More sweep in the bar might help you.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Vi ste svi kretencine i gonite se u tri picke materine jebem vam mater americku.

Translation: It all depends on the type of rider and bike you ride.

WINNER:

riser all the friken way

WINNER: Riser Bar

I personally go with a flat bar. Better control on climbs, turns and decents. It all depends on what type of riding you do and the type of bike you ride.

WINNER: Flat Bar

hard to find a new high quality bike that doesnt come with a riser. most flat riders probably havent even ridden a rise since the flat was probably left over from before risers really took off.

WINNER: Riser Bar

No valid arguments really

Depends on

1- type of bike
2- type of riding
3 - type of rider

But bear in mind that a flat bar is always flat and only differs in width. Risers however vary a hell of a lot.

-Width
-Sweep
-rise

So overall there will be a riser to suit every one, every style, every bike, not true for flat bars..

I use Easton E50's with stubby little bar ends,, My bike is a 99 GT Zaskar with PACE 90mm RC36's, for me the set-up is perfect, others hate it..

So I suppose for flexibility I have got to vote for the riser...

(I have tried about 5 different bar setups over the years, I ride solo endurance events (SSMM 24) and no matter what bar I have tried, always get back-ache!, but current setup seems to be the least painful)

WINNER: Riser Bar

A flat bar is the way i go!Light,spacious,racy,and as i also use barends,i go for the flat one.
At the other side i've never ridden a riser yet...

WINNER: Flat Bar

if you just need to go from point A to point B with back ache, wrist
ache, and neck ache, hold a flat bar.

bullet bikes have angled handle bars cause it makes it easier to bend
your weight side to side to turn when you're racing.
plus, the rise puts more weight on the back wheel so it's easy to
balance on one wheel when you pop a wheelie.
probably the only con with the high rise bar is wind drag. if thats a problem, swing it up forward so your torso creates less drag, still with out the joint aches.

so its common sense to use a high roller on whatever you ride

WINNER: Riser Bar

I own several flat and riser bars, and in terms of performance flat bar is the way to go. If you want a comfortable bar go for a riser.

WINNER: Flat Bar

riser=fr

WINNER: Riser Bar

Flat bars rule because risers are all swept back which places your wrists in an awkward position reducing control, whereas flat's keep 'em nice and straight increasing control & feedback, reducing fatigue.
As others have said though IT IS ALL DOWN TO PERSONAL PREFERENCE/ FIT/GEOMETRY, GET YOUR BIKE TO FEEL RIGHT FOR YOU, NOT OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS.
I have both types and if it were not for the imminent sale of the bike with risers, the bars and stem were to be ditched. No more wrestling uphill, no more vague downhill, no more achey wrists.
In response to downhiller from Bellevegas- risers have more material than flats so have to be HEAVIER, you weigh the bars, NOT the bike, fool!!
Due to bracing risers are the stronger construction, but they stink.
That's my rant for the day.
TATA.

WINNER: Flat Bar

Flat Bar:
simpler
stronger
lighter
quicker (handling)
spacious (for mounting accessories)

WINNER: Flat Bar

A flat bar makes carving through single track fast as hell. Riser bars are fun for cruisin around town and hoppin over logs, but just don't feel as fast.

WINNER: Flat Bar

Riser is more comfy.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Flat Bar - fror Rigid set up
Riser Bar - Off Road

Tabla

TIE

WINNER:

I find it appealing to the eyes if I see a mountain bike sporting riser bars.

WINNER: Riser Bar

I like and use both, but flat bars feel racy and remind me I'm on a bicycle and not on an MX motocycle when I'm going down-hill.

WINNER: Flat Bar

I just have a question. Why does everyone say u cant ride a riserbar without barends? They're the same diameter, so just screw them on.. And, well, i have a monkeyriser, so guess what i picked.

WINNER: Riser Bar

It would not look cool for people to look like grannies that need a high rise stem, so they raise the bars instead.

WINNER: Flat Bar

it is no contest riser bars are way better the flat bars are for grannies the riser bars are for thecool cats they work way better and are lighter by 350 lbs i know because ive lifted the flat bar they are heavy my riser bar is only 135 lbs it is light as dust those flat bars snap because there 350 lbs my riser bars dont snap because there as light as dust. so take that grandpa we are correct I am correct for that matter you can shove your flat bar right up your anal con i am sickened by the weight of the flat bar you might as well put a house on the front end of your bicyclette i know because i have tried putting a house on the front of my bicyclette you guys suck that like flat bars they are ridiculous you are ridicoulous for that matter and for that I conclude flat bars are not as light as dust because I know because ive lifted dust so screw you flat bar i have conquered you .

WINNER: Riser Bar

it is no contest riser bars are way better the flat bars are for grannies the riser bars are for thecool cats they work way better and are lighter by 350 lbs i know because ive lifted the flat bar they are heavy my riser bar is only 135 lbs it is light as dust those flat bars snap because there 350 lbs my riser bars dont snap because there as light as dust. so take that grandpa we are correct I am correct for that matter you can shove your flat bar right up your anal con i am sickened by the weight of the flat bar you might as well put a house on the front end of your bicyclette i know because i have tried putting a house on the front of my bicyclette you guys suck that like flat bars they are ridiculous you are ridicoulous for that matter and for that I conclude flat bars are not as light as dust because I know because ive lifted dust so screw you flat bar i have conquered you .

WINNER: Riser Bar

I think that a riser bar is better because th eflat bars are for old grannies they look gay they work gay and they sell gay gay gay gay

WINNER: Riser Bar

Risers.
Flats are supposed to be better for the cc racer as they get the body bent over far enough to get the glutes involved in the effort. But risers are nice for the average daily ride as they allow for a more relaxed body position.

WINNER: Riser Bar

riser bar is more comfortable and natural, if you dont start in marathons or xc events, don't think no more - choose a riser

WINNER: Riser Bar

I have raced 5 years with a flatbar with bar ends. My back has always been an issue, i put a s-works carbon riser and my back pain is considerably decreased, also my wrists feel much more relaxed now, much better control on downhill and in climbing i see no difference, the only thing i miss are bar ends.
many xc pros r using risers like Jeremy H K, Shonny Vanladingham, or Geoff Kabush, and winning races, so it�s just a matter of preference, but don�t come tell me that risers are not for serious xc racers.

WINNER: Riser Bar

i'm a city rider - flat bars for me .. i sit quite high, above the handlebars in lateral comparison .. no back issues ..

who cares huh?

WINNER: Flat Bar

Flat bars for 10 years, just switched to risers. Some people who posted below get it, the others...lighten up! Bars, stems, top tube, seat position, etc...all add up to make your bike "fit". If it does not fit it will not be comfortable, handle well, or let you ride to your limits. How you make it fit is up to you, just make it fit. My hardtail (Giant ATX 860 w/XTR)is light, fast, and has a 0 rise stem with flat bars. My FS (S-works FSR-XC w/XTR) is light, fast, and has a 10 degree stem and 1.5" risers. They both handle very well, climb like mountain goats, and decend great. Maybe it is just me...wait...it is just me...the rider and the ride is what riding is all about. The bikes are just tools. Enjoy riding, let others enjoy it, and don't think your way is the best way. Plenty of people who disagree with you can beat you up the hill, down the hill, on the road, in the gym, in a boxing ring, on a golf course, or where ever. Being loud, rude, and ignorant is why non-MTBers don't like us. Open your minds and shut your mouths...there are trails to ride!

WINNER:

Flat Bar for all XC situations baby!!! It gives you faster handling and better reflexes!!!

WINNER: Flat Bar

I like a med. riser bar for downhill and flat bar for XC riding. I mostly downhill.

WINNER: Riser Bar

I've raced on two wheels (i.e., BMX, road bikes, MTB, and motorcycles) for most of my life. You posers worry too much about associating your b_lls and p_ssies to your handlebars. Use whatever works for your style of riding. "Flat for cc-ers" and "risers for dh-ers",...what a bunch of crockser Bar

Risers rock...being from a Motocross background they are the best by far...Carbon fibre are good, you get a nice wide feel from them..

WINNER: Riser Bar

Because flat bars allow bar ends, they make better hill climbers, unlike risers. So in closing, I must say, unless you are a pussy footer who would rather ride a ski lift to the top of a hill and then ride down the hill, flat bars are for real men.

WINNER: Flat Bar

When I need to raise my handlebar I buy a taller stem, it does the same thing with less weight. I ride with guys who put riser bars on their bikes and wound up turning their stems upside down. What's wrong with that picture?

WINNER: Flat Bar

Hmmm, I hate how these comparisons are just comparative to each other rather than bringing up a situation to compare them to. This just leaves the XCer's and Downhillers to quabble with each other. I happen to use both. I have a flat bar on the cross country bike since it helps going uphill with more of your weight over the front tire and a lower center of gravity. It also helps being lower for a better sprinting stance when you're on flat. I also use a riser bar on my downhill rig because it's more stable when your jumping and descending since it puts more weight bias towards the rear of the bike and is more comfortable to boot. Each has it's advantages so there's no wrong or right in my eyes.

WINNER:

If you are a sissy lycra wearing leg shaver fairy and don't get much air then you probably like the feeling of having your a$$ sticking up like a poodle in heat. If you like to do a few rad table tops and some heart attack drops riser is the only way. Stand up and pull... don't be so gay!!!

WINNER: Riser Bar

too riser & flat bar!!!........ (:

WINNER: Flat Bar

My old bike had a flat bar and my new bike came with a riser bar.
It's taking a little while to get use to the riser bar since it feels wider and I'm up higher.

Positive: more comfortable (less back pain). Handling feels good especially on the downhill.

Negative: I kinda miss bar ends for climbing. Feels a bit wider. Weighs a bit more than a flat bar but no biggie.

WINNER: Riser Bar

unless you are a downhiller riser bars are for fat old people that bike a slow 2 miles in the park and think they are getting fit...or it could just be a personal preference...

WINNER: Flat Bar

riser cuz of personal preference i FR

WINNER: Riser Bar

Flat for racing

Riser for not racing--the baggy short, fat, hairy legged people

WINNER: Flat Bar

Flat bars are ugly. Riser bars are heavier. Beauty over performance.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Riser bars are better cause you don`n need so much strengh to turn and it`s more comfortable cause they`re wider Only thing is that i think they`re more heavy

WINNER: Riser Bar

flat has worked for me for years. I like low across the top tube.

WINNER: Flat Bar

Riser bar. Simply due to the fact that they are way more adjustable. more vaiations in rise and sweep. you can fine tune it simply by rotating it forward or backward until it is comfortable.

WINNER: Riser Bar

RISER BARS ARE FOR DOWNHILLERS.
FLAT BARS ARE FOR CROSS COUNTRY.

WINNER: Riser Bar

assuming some part of the ride involves going down all the bits you came up, take the riser bar.

WINNER:

get up, stand up.
riser bar all the way.

WINNER: Riser Bar

WINNER: Flat Bar

riser bar all the way!!!

WINNER: Riser Bar

this is a stupid question. risers are the favor of all downhill racers.

WINNER: Riser Bar

Riser bar for me, but this can only be decided by 1) The riders style of riding. 2) The riders comfort, some prefer riser, and some prefer straight.

WINNER: Riser Bar

well i will wote for riser. flat is better for uphill, but riser i use for downhill and street.

WINNER: Riser Bar

In reality there should be very few flat bar votes.Big swoopy bars=big control.Simple as that

WINNER: Riser Bar

Riser, simply easier on the wrist and back

WINNER: Riser Bar

You weight freaks are retarded, get real who gives a crap

WINNER: Riser Bar