[RockStarRacing]

They are the same shape, the Ti ones are a little lighter, but are the ride characteristics the same, or massively different? is the Ti version considerably more comfortable? more importantly, is the huge price difference justified?

 

[GreenLightGo]

are the ride characteristics the same, or massively different?

- There are probably some subtle differences - whether or not they would be noticeable to you is something you'd have to decide. I tend to look at it as a sum of the whole. What stem are you using, how long is it, what's your setup (rigid or suspended), etc.

is the Ti version considerably more comfortable?

- Both will be comfortable when set up properly (properly = what is most comfy for you).

is the huge price difference justified?

- That's a question for your financial advisor!

My personal setup - Thomson X4 and Titec J-bar. I don't like flexy bars personally, not SS'ing anyway.

 

[RiderInTraining]

I had the Ti version and liked it. Switched to the Titec J-bar and still like it.

The Ti version is lighter, but not $500 lighter.

Now, if I had the frame to go with the Ti verison, it would be a different story...

 

[el-cid]

I've got two sets of the "real" ti. Jones bars; have had a set of the first version of the Titec H-bar (25.4, riser) and have a Titec J-bar (non-riser, 31.8 clamp). The Jones ti. bars are lighter and more compliant. The Titec versions a little heavier and worlds cheaper. The H-bar has a little different shape; it has some rise (1" maybe?) and actually angles forward so you don't have to use a longer stem. The J-bar is a fairly close copy of the Jones bar, but that it has a 31.8 clamp area. If you're riding a rigid bike the Jones bar is the business; if you're riding a bike with a suspension fork or some huge tires (my J-bar is on my Pugsley) the J-bar is a great reasonably-priced substitute.

 

[sonoranbiker]

FWIW I believe Titec now makes an H Bar and a J Bar, with the H Bar having some rise and forward sweep. I run an H Bar on my D440 (rigid), and it rides like a champ. Personally, even if I could afford it I don't think I could justify paying $500 for a Jones handlebar. I weigh 220 w/o gear, and the Titec is plenty stiff. The sweep makes it the most comfortable bar I've ever used. If you do get one, try ESI Chunky grips as well. They seem to work great and allow multiple hand positions.

 

[Bluebeat007]

I have both a Ti H-bar and a Titec J-bar and they are both on rigid single speeds. To be honest, I don't notice a difference between the two....I can tell you that I do love these bars.

 

[RockStarRacing]

i have the J-Bars, and i used to have some Ti H-Bars a few years ago, and cant remember if they are a flexy/forgiving ride, where as the J-bar is stiff, but, looks like you all have answered for me, Thanks!

 

[GreenLightGo]

If you do get one, try ESI Chunky grips as well.

ESI's work well on the J-bar. I added a wrap of white Fizik Micro-tex tape over the top as a nod to the fashonistas.

 

[I Drink Blatz]

ESI's work well on the J-bar. I added a wrap of white Fizik Micro-tex tape over the top as a nod to the fashonistas.

I totally jacked you idea using the ESI grips and Fizik tape on the my H bars. Very nice thnks

 

[johnlh]

ESI's work well on the J-bar. I added a wrap of white Fizik Micro-tex tape over the top as a nod to the fashonistas.

Does everyone here spend 5-6 hours cleaning their bike after each ride?

 

[worrptangl]

Ok I was going to post a similar question, but I had no power all day. But I was wondering more about what the difference is between the two Titec models. I know the H-bar has fwd sweep and rise and all, but I'm leaning more towards the handling aspects. What stem length do most of you run? I am not quite sure which model to get. I'm leaning towards the H-bar but like the clean lines of the J-bar.
I'm just curious to know how much the rise and sweep actually affects the handling.
I currently have a specialized XC low rise bar and a 105mm stem.

 

[GreenLightGo]

I totally jacked you idea using the ESI grips and Fizik tape on the my H bars. Very nice thnks

Two tips:

1) don't he-man pull the Fizik tape, you'll compress the ESI's too much (I did that first go around). Just enough to 'stretch' it and make it look respectable.

2) use some old cork bar tape to build up the area at the end of the grip so you get a smooth transition, it's a small aesthetic touch.

 

[GreenLightGo]

Does everyone here spend 5-6 hours cleaning their bike after each ride?

I don't actually ride this bike, it's only for pictures. I think Fo would call that 'e-riding'.

+ garden hose + a Sham-wow every once and a while. I wash my truck on occasion too.