Stooge Moto Bar Review
As I have started doing longer rides, I realized that I wasn’t as happy as I should be with my cockpit on my Trek Roscoe. I have been running the PNW Range Bar for a few years, which are more comfortable than the stock bar that came with the bike. I finally realized after reading this post by Andrew Major that it was the change in sweep that made me like the Range bar. However, maybe ten degrees of backsweep just wasn’t enough for me. After more research on Reddit and MTBR, I decided to search for a bar with more backsweep. Here were the contenders, mostly taken from the post above and some of my own searching.
The Hudski was quickly eliminated due to the rating on the bar. Being a rider of larger stature, I didn’t want to risk it. That left two options, and I decided I liked the look of the Stooge bar better.
After that realization, I decided I would give the Stooge Moto Bar a try. I sent over a quick email to Andy at Stooge. I didn’t expect such a quick response. The bar also made it over the pond much quicker than I would have expected.
Bike before with the PNW Range Bar:
Bike now with the Stooge Moto Bar:
I made a lot of hasty decisions once the bar arrived. I had an MTB event planned that was a 25mi ride less than five days away. I mounted up the bar, and I cut them immediately down to 780mm. I have learned a long time ago that 780mm is roughly my max width, especially for the trails that I ride. A couple of rides around town to adjust the roll of the bar, and I was set. I rode in the 25mi event over some rough terrain, and everything went well. The bar was comfortable, and I have no complaints.
After the event and a few rides on my regular trails, I needed an adjustment to how I was positioning my upper body. I needed to start relaxing and tucking my elbows as the additional sweep required that change. After getting used to that adjustment, I felt my bike come alive. That was an eye-opener.
It has now been well over a month, and I’m still shocked by the change it has made. I feel my bike handling has improved. I feel like I have more control and confidence. The change in arm position due to the sweep and the slight increase in rise was all that was required to improve my riding.
Now I’m even more curious about adding some additional rise to see how that changes things. I have been looking at the DMR Defy35 stem. I will post back if I decide to test that out.
Overall, I am pleased with my Stooge Moto bar, and I would highly recommend them. In addition, I would definitely recommend giving an increase in sweep or rise, or both, a try to see how that changes your riding.
Thanks for reading,
Jamie
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