Origin 8 Gary Sweep OS Bar: A New Alt Drop Bar

The off-road drop bar market has been a small, micro-niche of cycling for years. In the earlier days you had Charlie Cunningham bending Cinelli bars to his will, and then WTB and Nitto played along for awhile. With a gap of several years with no new off road drops available, On One kicked things off again with the Midge Bar, heavily influenced by the previous WTB offering. Then things got a little crazy. WTB released a revised, but not much-loved Dirt Drop, Origin 8 came out with a Midge-like knock off dubbed the Gary Bar, and Salsa Cycles introduced the Woodchipper. Finally, a briefly available but now coveted bar, dubbed the Luxy Bar, made its appearance. So, at one time there were five off road drop bar models out there recently.

That's contracted down to three until recently. Origin 8 quietly introduced another offering in their Winter catalog to dealers. It is dubbed the "Gary Sweep OS" bar. Of all of Origin 8's Gary Bar variants over the years, this bar, in my opinion, is by far their best effort. That said, let's take a closer look at it and then I'll make some observations.......

This, by my count, is the third of the Gary Bar variants- the Gary Sweep OS.

The "sweep" in the name of this bar refers to the 15 degree swept out extensions.

Nice length to the extensions and the hooks aren't too deep.

Specs: Origin 8 doesn't give too much here in the way of spec on the packaging, saying only that the bar is made from 6060 T6 alloy, has a "flared out" grip area, is 610mm wide, and has a 31.8mm clamp diameter. Here are the measurements I took from the bar using a tape measure and an angle finder app on my iPhone:

• Tip-to-Tip across the ends of the swept portion of the bar, the Gary Sweep measures 636mm/25".
• Tops measure 433mm/17" between the drops.
• Flare: The hooks are flared out at 58° to the outside.
• Sweep: The extensions are swept outwards at 15° from a typical road bar position.
• Reach: Approximately 85mm
• Drop: Approximately 105mm
• Weight: 320 grams.

Observations: My initial impressions were that the Gary Sweep OS is like a cross between a Woodchipper and a Luxy Bar. The tops are wide, the bend to the ramps is about 90° to the top, and the radius of the hook is similar to a Woodchipper. The reach, drop, and flare are more akin to the Luxy though. Sweep of the extensions is not as radical, nor is the flare as radical as the Luxy Bar.

If you have to ride the hoods primarily and love a road bike's position, do not get this bar. The ramps and flare of the hooks will cant the hoods inward and you will not get the levers to set in anywhere near the same position as a road bike's. The Woodchipper is a much better bar to choose if you want the hoods like that. While the sweep and flare are not as radical as a Luxy Bar's were, the levers will "lean in" when properly mounted on the Gary Sweep OS. If the Luxy seemed just too radical to you, these may be your bar.

I like the drop and reach, which is reminiscent of the Luxy Bar's measurements, however, the radius is slightly more "open" than the Luxy Bar's was, and the ramps are slightly different as well. We'll see how that plays out once I set these up with some levers. I do miss the tops being 31.8mm across the entire length, which I thought was a brilliant idea that Brant Richards used when he designed the Luxy Bar. The Gary Sweep OS is bar end compatible and sells for about $50.00-$70.00, give or take. (As seen quoted on Amazon.com)

I'll be mounting these up on a bike here real soon and after a ride or two I hope to come back with some impressions. Stay tuned......

Note: The Gary Sweep OS Bars were purchased with my own moolah and these opinions and viewpoints are mine alone. I am not being compensated for any of this. So there......

Origin 8 Gary Sweep OS Bar: A New Alt Drop Bar

The off-road drop bar market has been a small, micro-niche of cycling for years. In the earlier days you had Charlie Cunningham bending Cinelli bars to his will, and then WTB and Nitto played along for awhile. With a gap of several years with no new off road drops available, On One kicked things off again with the Midge Bar, heavily influenced by the previous WTB offering. Then things got a little crazy. WTB released a revised, but not much-loved Dirt Drop, Origin 8 came out with a Midge-like knock off dubbed the Gary Bar, and Salsa Cycles introduced the Woodchipper. Finally, a briefly available but now coveted bar, dubbed the Luxy Bar, made its appearance. So, at one time there were five off road drop bar models out there recently.

That's contracted down to three until recently. Origin 8 quietly introduced another offering in their Winter catalog to dealers. It is dubbed the "Gary Sweep OS" bar. Of all of Origin 8's Gary Bar variants over the years, this bar, in my opinion, is by far their best effort. That said, let's take a closer look at it and then I'll make some observations.......

This, by my count, is the third of the Gary Bar variants- the Gary Sweep OS.

The "sweep" in the name of this bar refers to the 15 degree swept out extensions.

Nice length to the extensions and the hooks aren't too deep.

Specs: Origin 8 doesn't give too much here in the way of spec on the packaging, saying only that the bar is made from 6060 T6 alloy, has a "flared out" grip area, is 610mm wide, and has a 31.8mm clamp diameter. Here are the measurements I took from the bar using a tape measure and an angle finder app on my iPhone:

• Tip-to-Tip across the ends of the swept portion of the bar, the Gary Sweep measures 636mm/25".
• Tops measure 433mm/17" between the drops.
• Flare: The hooks are flared out at 58° to the outside.
• Sweep: The extensions are swept outwards at 15° from a typical road bar position.
• Reach: Approximately 85mm
• Drop: Approximately 105mm
• Weight: 320 grams.

Observations: My initial impressions were that the Gary Sweep OS is like a cross between a Woodchipper and a Luxy Bar. The tops are wide, the bend to the ramps is about 90° to the top, and the radius of the hook is similar to a Woodchipper. The reach, drop, and flare are more akin to the Luxy though. Sweep of the extensions is not as radical, nor is the flare as radical as the Luxy Bar.

If you have to ride the hoods primarily and love a road bike's position, do not get this bar. The ramps and flare of the hooks will cant the hoods inward and you will not get the levers to set in anywhere near the same position as a road bike's. The Woodchipper is a much better bar to choose if you want the hoods like that. While the sweep and flare are not as radical as a Luxy Bar's were, the levers will "lean in" when properly mounted on the Gary Sweep OS. If the Luxy seemed just too radical to you, these may be your bar.

I like the drop and reach, which is reminiscent of the Luxy Bar's measurements, however, the radius is slightly more "open" than the Luxy Bar's was, and the ramps are slightly different as well. We'll see how that plays out once I set these up with some levers. I do miss the tops being 31.8mm across the entire length, which I thought was a brilliant idea that Brant Richards used when he designed the Luxy Bar. The Gary Sweep OS is bar end compatible and sells for about $50.00-$70.00, give or take. (As seen quoted on Amazon.com)

I'll be mounting these up on a bike here real soon and after a ride or two I hope to come back with some impressions. Stay tuned......

Note: The Gary Sweep OS Bars were purchased with my own moolah and these opinions and viewpoints are mine alone. I am not being compensated for any of this. So there......

Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated

Back in 2007, (egads!  Has it been that long ago?), I wrote a post entitled "Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips", which has become a very popular target for searches on the subject of drop bars for off road bikes. I have decide it is high time to update this popular post with new information. I am going to re-post the article here, and newer information will appear in blue text. (Updated 1/14/21)

Singular Gryphon with Woodchipper Bars

Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips

I've seen a lot of questions lately on the subject of drop bars for mountain bikes. I think that there are a lot of misconceptions out there on just what to do and how to do it, so here's a few tips. These concepts were gathered through reading material on the subject by Charlie Cunningham, an early adopter of drops for off roading, and from an excellent piece done on the subject by Don Person, better known as "Shiggy" on mtbr.com's forums.

1. Probably the biggest misconception out there has to do with the height and reach of drop bar set up. Here is something that will help clear it up for you. Always, always, always ride off road in the drops. Off road drop bars were not meant to be ridden "on the hoods" as so many roadies are doing. The reason for this is control. Off road the bumps and jarring will make riding on the hoods a dangerous proposition. Riding in the drops actually lets you relax your grip, since the bumps force the handle bar into your hands. Plus, the round cross section of the bar is far easier to hang on to than the hoods.  

Note: You can use all portions of an off road, mountain biking drop bar set up. However; your primary position for operating the controls will be from the drops, since this will be where you will be most of the time with your hands while actually riding mountain bike trails. Sure, there will be times you can grasp the tops, cruise in the hoods, or put your hands elsewhere on the bars, but these times will be fewer and father between than they would be on a road bike. For the "Why Would You Use Drop Bars Off Road" question, see my next post on the subject coming soon.

2. Taking #1 into consideration, it becomes clear that your off road drop bars are to be at a height where the drop section would be level with the height where your grips would be on a flat bar set up. This generally requires a high rise stem for your drop bar. You also could get a "drop bar specific" frame such as the Salsa Cycles Fargo, or a Cutthroat, amongst other choices in custom built bikes.

3. Also taking #1 into consideration for reach, you may run into trouble if you are already running a very short stem, say less than a 90mm reach. Your stem choices will be limited and your reach may be compromised. It might be better to use a slightly shorter top tube on a different frame for a drop bar set up. (Or go custom, or see #2 additional info above)

4. Drop bars good for off road include many options too numerous to mention now.

5. Stems that have high rise that work with threadless steer tubes are available from Salsa, Dimension, and a host of custom builders. Velo Orange makes a good one called the Cigne stem. They also have a high-rise option.

6. Drop bars can be used with single speed drivetrains or multi geared. STI shifters work great off road even with flared bars like many current offerings for gravel bikes. Bar end shifters can also be used, but because of the flared drop ends, they can sometimes be damaged in crashes.

7. Brake lever tips should be easily reached from the drops. This means you will run the levers lower down on the bars than a road set up. Much lower! Mechanical disc brakes can be set up for use with drop bars if you use Avids excellent BB-7 for road levers, and there are Tektro road disc brake as well.  Or you can invest in Tektro Hylex levers and go SS or with another bar end shifters. many good 11speed levers are htdraulic now.

Okay, that should help, but if there are any questions, let me know. I'll be glad to answer in the comments section.

Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips: Updated

Back in 2007, (egads!  Has it been that long ago?), I wrote a post entitled "Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips", which has become a very popular target for searches on the subject of drop bars for off road bikes. I have decide it is high time to update this popular post with new information. I am going to re-post the article here, and newer information will appear in blue text. (Updated 1/14/21)

Singular Gryphon with Woodchipper Bars

Drop Bar Mountain Bike Tips

I've seen a lot of questions lately on the subject of drop bars for mountain bikes. I think that there are a lot of misconceptions out there on just what to do and how to do it, so here's a few tips. These concepts were gathered through reading material on the subject by Charlie Cunningham, an early adopter of drops for off roading, and from an excellent piece done on the subject by Don Person, better known as "Shiggy" on mtbr.com's forums.

1. Probably the biggest misconception out there has to do with the height and reach of drop bar set up. Here is something that will help clear it up for you. Always, always, always ride off road in the drops. Off road drop bars were not meant to be ridden "on the hoods" as so many roadies are doing. The reason for this is control. Off road the bumps and jarring will make riding on the hoods a dangerous proposition. Riding in the drops actually lets you relax your grip, since the bumps force the handle bar into your hands. Plus, the round cross section of the bar is far easier to hang on to than the hoods.  

Note: You can use all portions of an off road, mountain biking drop bar set up. However; your primary position for operating the controls will be from the drops, since this will be where you will be most of the time with your hands while actually riding mountain bike trails. Sure, there will be times you can grasp the tops, cruise in the hoods, or put your hands elsewhere on the bars, but these times will be fewer and father between than they would be on a road bike. For the "Why Would You Use Drop Bars Off Road" question, see my next post on the subject coming soon.

2. Taking #1 into consideration, it becomes clear that your off road drop bars are to be at a height where the drop section would be level with the height where your grips would be on a flat bar set up. This generally requires a high rise stem for your drop bar. You also could get a "drop bar specific" frame such as the Salsa Cycles Fargo, or a Cutthroat, amongst other choices in custom built bikes.

3. Also taking #1 into consideration for reach, you may run into trouble if you are already running a very short stem, say less than a 90mm reach. Your stem choices will be limited and your reach may be compromised. It might be better to use a slightly shorter top tube on a different frame for a drop bar set up. (Or go custom, or see #2 additional info above)

4. Drop bars good for off road include many options too numerous to mention now.

5. Stems that have high rise that work with threadless steer tubes are available from Salsa, Dimension, and a host of custom builders. Velo Orange makes a good one called the Cigne stem. They also have a high-rise option.

6. Drop bars can be used with single speed drivetrains or multi geared. STI shifters work great off road even with flared bars like many current offerings for gravel bikes. Bar end shifters can also be used, but because of the flared drop ends, they can sometimes be damaged in crashes.

7. Brake lever tips should be easily reached from the drops. This means you will run the levers lower down on the bars than a road set up. Much lower! Mechanical disc brakes can be set up for use with drop bars if you use Avids excellent BB-7 for road levers, and there are Tektro road disc brake as well.  Or you can invest in Tektro Hylex levers and go SS or with another bar end shifters. many good 11speed levers are htdraulic now.

Okay, that should help, but if there are any questions, let me know. I'll be glad to answer in the comments section.

Drop Bars: Catching Up With The Testing

I've been doing some drop bar research over the course of the year in between all the other stuff I do around here. I thought it was high time I get a round up together of where I am at so far with regards to checking out all the various choices I have been able to get around to. (What a problem to have, by the way! Four years ago, there was the Midge and Gary I bar, and that was it!)

So, here is a bit of a snap shot as to where I am at so far with an eye towards maybe getting some of this wrapped up soon so I can move on to some other bars....

Origin 8 Gary II Bar

The Gary Bar, Take Two: 

I've been using the Gary Bar, version II since early in the year. This one is about done as far as testing is concerned.

Essentially, this is a rendition of a deep drop road bar with minimal flare. It is so radically different from the original Gary Bar as to be something that really deserves its own name.

It is comfortable enough, sure, and I've put down some long miles with it. This bar reminds me of the older touring bars with deep drops we used to use 15-20 years ago. I don't particularly care for it off road though. The drops are just too deep, and the sweep and flare is too minimal for my liking.

The Ragley Luxy Bar

And Now For Something Completely Different: 

The Ragley Luxy Bar is so far to the other extreme from the Gary II that I can't imagine how a drop bar meant for off road could be anymore different. Shallow, really flared, and really swept, this bar is either a "like it or hate it" proposition.

I've tried it with gears, (STI shifters, to be exact), but my favorite way to use these is with a single speed set up. The Luxy is so wide and swept that it just lends itself to single speeding. I think it offers more leverage out of the saddle. However; the width can be an issue in tighter trees and in fast single track where clipping those swept ends is a definite possibility.

The Cowbell 2

Ding! Dong! Is This One A Winner?

The Salsa Cycles Cowbell 2 came along this summer and I have put hundreds of gravel road miles on it so far.

I wouldn't really like it for off roading though, because much like the Gary II Bar above, the Cowbell just doesn't flare or sweep quite enough for my tastes. If it did, it would probably be my "go to" off road bar, since it is tantalizingly close to what I would want in a single trackin' off road drop bar.

However; for gravel travel, or rough roads, or heck......just plain road ridin', the Cowbell is the best handle bar I can imagine for use with today's "brifters". (Soon we'll all be just pushin' buttons and none of this will matter. In fact, I bet someone will figure out pretty soon that Shimano's levers are unnecessary for Di2 to work, and will run whatever old, lighter aero levers they are used to.) Anyway, these are to die for if you need a slightly swept, variable radius drop bar. I just wish Salsa would come out with silver ones!

Salsa Cycles Woodchipper Bar

Old Reliable:

I continue to use a Salsa Cycles Woodchipper as well. It does seem to cut a good middle ground between bars like the Luxy and Gary I Bars and the bars like the Gary II Bars and the Cowbell.

It works great with STI levers and it works great with a single speed set up. It seems to be pretty decent off road too.

The only issue is like with the Luxy Bar- The sweep may cause you to clip a tree now and again, so this may not work best for tighter, woodsy trails.

I really like the Woodchipper though, and it has a great balance of comfort and ergonomics. I don't like the bend coming off the drops to the extensions though- or I should say, the radius of that bend, which I feel isn't tight enough, but it isn't terrible.

Other Bars: I've ridden Midge Bars a ton, and have two sitting around here still. I also still occasionally use the Gary I bars, and have two sets of those yet. (No wait! Three!)

I would still like to get a WTB drop bar, and that Nitto bar I mentioned a while back, but those will have to wait until fall.

Once I get rides on all of these, look for a detailed ride report on one page. Stay tuned!

Drop Bars: Catching Up With The Testing

I've been doing some drop bar research over the course of the year in between all the other stuff I do around here. I thought it was high time I get a round up together of where I am at so far with regards to checking out all the various choices I have been able to get around to. (What a problem to have, by the way! Four years ago, there was the Midge and Gary I bar, and that was it!)

So, here is a bit of a snap shot as to where I am at so far with an eye towards maybe getting some of this wrapped up soon so I can move on to some other bars....

Origin 8 Gary II Bar

The Gary Bar, Take Two: 

I've been using the Gary Bar, version II since early in the year. This one is about done as far as testing is concerned.

Essentially, this is a rendition of a deep drop road bar with minimal flare. It is so radically different from the original Gary Bar as to be something that really deserves its own name.

It is comfortable enough, sure, and I've put down some long miles with it. This bar reminds me of the older touring bars with deep drops we used to use 15-20 years ago. I don't particularly care for it off road though. The drops are just too deep, and the sweep and flare is too minimal for my liking.

The Ragley Luxy Bar

And Now For Something Completely Different: 

The Ragley Luxy Bar is so far to the other extreme from the Gary II that I can't imagine how a drop bar meant for off road could be anymore different. Shallow, really flared, and really swept, this bar is either a "like it or hate it" proposition.

I've tried it with gears, (STI shifters, to be exact), but my favorite way to use these is with a single speed set up. The Luxy is so wide and swept that it just lends itself to single speeding. I think it offers more leverage out of the saddle. However; the width can be an issue in tighter trees and in fast single track where clipping those swept ends is a definite possibility.

The Cowbell 2

Ding! Dong! Is This One A Winner?

The Salsa Cycles Cowbell 2 came along this summer and I have put hundreds of gravel road miles on it so far.

I wouldn't really like it for off roading though, because much like the Gary II Bar above, the Cowbell just doesn't flare or sweep quite enough for my tastes. If it did, it would probably be my "go to" off road bar, since it is tantalizingly close to what I would want in a single trackin' off road drop bar.

However; for gravel travel, or rough roads, or heck......just plain road ridin', the Cowbell is the best handle bar I can imagine for use with today's "brifters". (Soon we'll all be just pushin' buttons and none of this will matter. In fact, I bet someone will figure out pretty soon that Shimano's levers are unnecessary for Di2 to work, and will run whatever old, lighter aero levers they are used to.) Anyway, these are to die for if you need a slightly swept, variable radius drop bar. I just wish Salsa would come out with silver ones!

Salsa Cycles Woodchipper Bar

Old Reliable:

I continue to use a Salsa Cycles Woodchipper as well. It does seem to cut a good middle ground between bars like the Luxy and Gary I Bars and the bars like the Gary II Bars and the Cowbell.

It works great with STI levers and it works great with a single speed set up. It seems to be pretty decent off road too.

The only issue is like with the Luxy Bar- The sweep may cause you to clip a tree now and again, so this may not work best for tighter, woodsy trails.

I really like the Woodchipper though, and it has a great balance of comfort and ergonomics. I don't like the bend coming off the drops to the extensions though- or I should say, the radius of that bend, which I feel isn't tight enough, but it isn't terrible.

Other Bars: I've ridden Midge Bars a ton, and have two sitting around here still. I also still occasionally use the Gary I bars, and have two sets of those yet. (No wait! Three!)

I would still like to get a WTB drop bar, and that Nitto bar I mentioned a while back, but those will have to wait until fall.

Once I get rides on all of these, look for a detailed ride report on one page. Stay tuned!

Origin 8 Gary II Bars: Update

As mentioned last week, I did finally get the Origin 8 Gary II Bar mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Fargo.

The previous bar on this bike was the On One Midge Bar, which is the bar that is closest in shape and flare to the Gary II Bar. The biggest changes from the Midge are the deeper drop, slightly longer reach, and longer extensions. I should also mention that now the Gary II is bar end compatible, where the older Gary Bar was not so. Installation was a breeze, but I did have to use a "pop can" shim to get the clamp tight enough on the Gary Bar II to keep it from spinning downward while riding.

Here are some pertinent features of the Gary II Bar from Origin 8's site:


* 6061-T6 tubular alloy construction
* Accepts bar-end shifters
* Reach: 135mm Drop: 80mm
* Bar flares out at grip area 15 degrees
* EN Mountain safety certified

 In terms of how the drops slope outwards, these are very similar to a Midge Bar, it's just that the drop is deeper. I found that the brake levers set up well, and only slightly canted outwards. With such a slight slope, the tops are a generous width for your seated climbs and cruising. (More on that in a minute.) This also allows for an array of accessories to be mounted, as you can see on my bar here. These bars also come in a silver finish, and you can also choose from a 31.8mm or 25.4mm, (shown), stem clamp diameter.

From the top, you can see more significant differences from a Midge Bar. The reach is longer, and the extensions are longer.

In terms of reach, I found that the Gary II was very much like a traditional road bar, like a Nitto for instance, and with those hoods "out there" you really can get stretched out over the bike. The extensions lend even more road bike bar sensations with the length and the minimal flare. Continuing on with the road theme, the tops blend into the drops in a very familiar way, which folks coming off road bikes should find quite familiar. The "ramps", (the part of the drop bar from the tops to where the brake levers mount), is much like a classic road bar, (read: "Pre-STI/Lance-lever" type bars), and will be familiar territory for those who remember shifting their skinny tired steeds from the down tube.

Here you can see better what I mean about the ramps and how deep the drop really is on the Gary II. Once again, I like longer extensions, but as you can see, one could easily dispense with some of that spare length, if so desired, by wielding a hack saw with care.

Note that like the Woodchipper, the tops/ramps are definitely not parallel with the extensions. Also like the Woodchipper, your extensions will point severely downward if you try to set your levers up with ramps more parallel to the ground. I do not prefer to ride on the ramps off road, so I base my set up off the extensions on all my off-road drop bar bikes.

The Ride: The way the Gary II is shaped and the way it sets up for off-road/gravel bikes greatly affects the way it feels. It is the most road-like of any off-road drop bar I have yet tried. I was reminded by someone of Salsa's Bell Lap Bar and in many ways, the Gary II feels like a Bell Lap Bar. (Thankfully, the Gary II doesn't have that anatomic bend in the extensions!) At any rate, the Gary II rides smoothly and comfortably, as long as you like less sweep and flare in your off-road drop bars.

The reach to the brake levers is excellent, and the longer extensions can be used as an alternative grip position, if you choose to keep the length. The drop is greater than any other off-road drop, save maybe the WTB Drop Bar, so be prepared for either a lower position, or to get a taller stem. I used the exact same stem and spacer set up as with the Midge and it resulted in about a 25mm drop in hand position from the previous set up. The reach is also greater, so using this as a bar to convert a mountain bike frame to drops may become problematic due to the reach figure the Gary II has.

Finally, I found that transitioning from the drops to the tops for climbs or cruising was not as nice as I would have wished for. The tops are so far from the drops that the dramatic position change may put you in a "sit-up-and-beg" position if you have set you drops as the primary grip position. If you use these as a bar where your primary position is the hoods, the drops may be too deep for you. This coupled with the longer reach may prove to be unsatisfactory for some mountain bike-centric drop bar set ups.

So far, I am okay with this bar. It is narrower than my 46cm Woodchippers and my Luxy Bar set ups, but for gravel grinding, this may be an advantage. I also could see cyclo-cross bikes with this bar, since it is "road-like with some tweaks".  I'll have more on this bar after some miles have been logged.

Bonus Post: Ibis Trial Comp:

Last week I also mentioned my Ibis Trials Comp and that I would  share some images. Well, here they are.

Again, this bike has a history around here and many older local mtb dudes might recall seeing this one being thrashed over pic-nic tables, rocks, and what not in the fall and winter.

This would have been an '88-'89 Japanese made Ibis frame and fork. Some Trials Comps had 24" front/ 20" rear wheels, but this one is a 20/20 model from the factory.

 
It is hard to say with any accuracy what is original equipment on this bike or not, but I believe the front brake and tires are about all that "doesn't belong" here.

The crank is a shaved Shimano one, the rear brake is a period correct XT U-II-Brake, and the bike sports the original magnesium skid plate.

This old girl has been beaten and battered, but is still in good working order. The tires are good, with the rear looking to be a brand new Pirelli M-14 trials tire. (The front matches, but shows some wear.)

If I can find a good home for this, I will be sending it on down the line. (I have two guys in mind for this). I just do not find myself being drawn to this bike, and it is too cool to be gathering dust in the Guitar Ted Laboratories.

Origin 8 Gary II Bars: Update

As mentioned last week, I did finally get the Origin 8 Gary II Bar mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Fargo.

The previous bar on this bike was the On One Midge Bar, which is the bar that is closest in shape and flare to the Gary II Bar. The biggest changes from the Midge are the deeper drop, slightly longer reach, and longer extensions. I should also mention that now the Gary II is bar end compatible, where the older Gary Bar was not so. Installation was a breeze, but I did have to use a "pop can" shim to get the clamp tight enough on the Gary Bar II to keep it from spinning downward while riding.

Here are some pertinent features of the Gary II Bar from Origin 8's site:


* 6061-T6 tubular alloy construction
* Accepts bar-end shifters
* Reach: 135mm Drop: 80mm
* Bar flares out at grip area 15 degrees
* EN Mountain safety certified

 In terms of how the drops slope outwards, these are very similar to a Midge Bar, it's just that the drop is deeper. I found that the brake levers set up well, and only slightly canted outwards. With such a slight slope, the tops are a generous width for your seated climbs and cruising. (More on that in a minute.) This also allows for an array of accessories to be mounted, as you can see on my bar here. These bars also come in a silver finish, and you can also choose from a 31.8mm or 25.4mm, (shown), stem clamp diameter.

From the top, you can see more significant differences from a Midge Bar. The reach is longer, and the extensions are longer.

In terms of reach, I found that the Gary II was very much like a traditional road bar, like a Nitto for instance, and with those hoods "out there" you really can get stretched out over the bike. The extensions lend even more road bike bar sensations with the length and the minimal flare. Continuing on with the road theme, the tops blend into the drops in a very familiar way, which folks coming off road bikes should find quite familiar. The "ramps", (the part of the drop bar from the tops to where the brake levers mount), is much like a classic road bar, (read: "Pre-STI/Lance-lever" type bars), and will be familiar territory for those who remember shifting their skinny tired steeds from the down tube.

Here you can see better what I mean about the ramps and how deep the drop really is on the Gary II. Once again, I like longer extensions, but as you can see, one could easily dispense with some of that spare length, if so desired, by wielding a hack saw with care.

Note that like the Woodchipper, the tops/ramps are definitely not parallel with the extensions. Also like the Woodchipper, your extensions will point severely downward if you try to set your levers up with ramps more parallel to the ground. I do not prefer to ride on the ramps off road, so I base my set up off the extensions on all my off-road drop bar bikes.

The Ride: The way the Gary II is shaped and the way it sets up for off-road/gravel bikes greatly affects the way it feels. It is the most road-like of any off-road drop bar I have yet tried. I was reminded by someone of Salsa's Bell Lap Bar and in many ways, the Gary II feels like a Bell Lap Bar. (Thankfully, the Gary II doesn't have that anatomic bend in the extensions!) At any rate, the Gary II rides smoothly and comfortably, as long as you like less sweep and flare in your off-road drop bars.

The reach to the brake levers is excellent, and the longer extensions can be used as an alternative grip position, if you choose to keep the length. The drop is greater than any other off-road drop, save maybe the WTB Drop Bar, so be prepared for either a lower position, or to get a taller stem. I used the exact same stem and spacer set up as with the Midge and it resulted in about a 25mm drop in hand position from the previous set up. The reach is also greater, so using this as a bar to convert a mountain bike frame to drops may become problematic due to the reach figure the Gary II has.

Finally, I found that transitioning from the drops to the tops for climbs or cruising was not as nice as I would have wished for. The tops are so far from the drops that the dramatic position change may put you in a "sit-up-and-beg" position if you have set you drops as the primary grip position. If you use these as a bar where your primary position is the hoods, the drops may be too deep for you. This coupled with the longer reach may prove to be unsatisfactory for some mountain bike-centric drop bar set ups.

So far, I am okay with this bar. It is narrower than my 46cm Woodchippers and my Luxy Bar set ups, but for gravel grinding, this may be an advantage. I also could see cyclo-cross bikes with this bar, since it is "road-like with some tweaks".  I'll have more on this bar after some miles have been logged.

Bonus Post: Ibis Trial Comp:

Last week I also mentioned my Ibis Trials Comp and that I would  share some images. Well, here they are.

Again, this bike has a history around here and many older local mtb dudes might recall seeing this one being thrashed over pic-nic tables, rocks, and what not in the fall and winter.

This would have been an '88-'89 Japanese made Ibis frame and fork. Some Trials Comps had 24" front/ 20" rear wheels, but this one is a 20/20 model from the factory.

 
It is hard to say with any accuracy what is original equipment on this bike or not, but I believe the front brake and tires are about all that "doesn't belong" here.

The crank is a shaved Shimano one, the rear brake is a period correct XT U-II-Brake, and the bike sports the original magnesium skid plate.

This old girl has been beaten and battered, but is still in good working order. The tires are good, with the rear looking to be a brand new Pirelli M-14 trials tire. (The front matches, but shows some wear.)

If I can find a good home for this, I will be sending it on down the line. (I have two guys in mind for this). I just do not find myself being drawn to this bike, and it is too cool to be gathering dust in the Guitar Ted Laboratories.