The Redshift Sports Top Shelf Bar has been ridden in several areas and on several surfaces. I've even gotten a handlebar bag on it to see how that worked out. Now it is time to give my final say on this handlebar and whether it is doing what it was intended for or not.
My last update on the Top Shelf Bar was in April which you can go back and read HERE. The update there was that I was still prety impressed with the Top Shelf Bar and that hasn't changed since April until now either.
The Top Shelf has a smart flare and the drop section is shaped really well. I like riding in the drops, so this suits me and with the rise in the Top Shelf Bar making that easier on me to do, I ride in the drops more often. This is one of the design intentions for the Top Shelf Bar, and I would say that they nailed that.
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| This hand position is not impeded by the rise design. A good thing! |
One of the things I've noted with some of the other riser drop bars is that traditional hand positions can be compromised. This is another area where Redshift got things right. I can find no compromises from their Kitchen Sink Bar, which the Top Shelf is based upon, in terms of hand positions. The Top Shelf has all of that.
Interestingly, I saw in a social media post where Redshift says that you can use a 25.4mm clamp diameter stem and clamp to the top secton of the Top Shelf Bar. This would result in the "U" shaped section below the tops becoming an accessory mounting point or it could be utilized as a stabilizer for bags. I did not try this, but it might be an interesting option for some users.
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| The Top Shelf Bar works very well with handlebar bags. |
I did attach a Velo Orange Burrito Supreme handlebar bag to the Top Shelf Bar and it worked like peanut butter and jelly. That riser section does help support this bag, at any rate, and the set up is solid and secure enough that I wouldn't be afraid to use this over really rough roads. (Note: I talked a bit about this handlebar bag HERE)
The Good:
The Top Shelf Bar does the thing where you get rise/height in the front end without goofy stems and without shelling out the bucks for a new bike with tall stack height. You get a decent looking, very functional handlebar that has some unexpected versatility and is designed smartly.
The Not-So-Good:
There isn't much to say here. The Top Shelf Bar is aluminum, and while not a zinger on bumps, it is still a stiff bar. Pair this with the excellent ShockStop stem and you'd have a very comfortable set up. Additionally, Redshift Sports makes the Cruise Control grips which could be added to this handlebar increasing comfort even more. So, there are options to overcome the stiffness of the bar.
I tested this "full rigid" and even with my hand issues it wasn't bad as far as comfort goes. Ultimately you would have to be the one to decide here, but in my opinion the Top Shelf Bar has no real faults in design or use in the field.
Conclusions:
Again, the Top Shelf Bar is designed well with great ergonomics in the drops and with not too much flare. You get a taller front end without resorting to unsightly stems and without getting a different bike.
I should mention that Redshift is coming out with a bag specifically designed for the Top Shelf Bar, but any handle bar bag probably will work fine. The Burrito Supreme Bag, shown to the left here on the Top Shelf Bar, is well supported and the straps worked out well to safely and securely mount this bag. The design of the riser section allows for this and does not impede accessory mounting of other things like computers or lights as well.
So, if you've got a bike that you think might be a touch too low in the front, or an old favorite that your body isn't getting along with so well anymore, the Top Shelf Bar could prove to be a great solution fopr those issues and more.
3 comments:
Thank you for this series of posts. I have a Canyon Grizl and being 6ft7 I went for the XXL. I guess I’m not as flexible as I once was and the bike feels like it has a huge reach and with my long legs there is a significant saddle to bar drop… I see for a lot of riders these are usually level with each other. This bar could be a nice solution to stop back strain and hip impingement… either that or a flat bar conversion
@Reevo 17 - Thanks for checking these posts out! Yeah, it is tough to deal with a big saddle to bar drop sometimes. Not everyone can manage staying in that position for very long - or at all - and like you say, the Top Shelf Bar is a nice, inexpensive solution.
At you height I wonder, have you had a look at the Dirty Sixer 32" diameter wheel gravel bike? It might be a good fit for someone of your stature. https://www.dirtysixer.com/products/dirtysixer-gravel-crowdfunding-campaign-coming-soon
Oh wow that’s a monster!! Not sure we can get that in the UK.
The Grizl sizing is very large (maybe too large/ long top tube?) and I use it with both gravel and road wheelsets - the 12 speed 1by is brilliant. Perhaps I’m just stiffening up and my height isn’t helping.
My other bike is a Genesis flyer single speed. I swapped the drops out for a 720mm flat bar and swapped to Shimano MT400 hydraulics (easy as everything is external) - it’s my favourite bike even after an exhausting hilly 45mile ride!
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