Let’s speak about handlebars, we could? Extra particularly, Tumbleweed Bicycle Co’s new Huge Dipper Drop Bar. Let me begin by saying that I really like the Tumbleweed Persuader Bars that I’ve been utilizing. They’re large (810mm) and great. So once I noticed that Daniel over at Tumbleweed launched their new Huge Dipper drop bar handlebar, I wished to strive them out.
I’m a agency believer in the advantages of using with wider handlebars. In my expertise, they provide the rider extra consolation and management. On the subject of making an attempt large drop bars on the whole, I didn’t suppose I’d initially like them. I’m from the old-timey days, when it was believed that your street bars ought to by no means be wider than your shoulders.
Just a few years in the past I had the chance to swap my 44cm bars on my Masi Rando bike and take a look at a “wider” pair of 48cm bars. Jeez, that modified how I felt in regards to the wider bars. I actually preferred the way in which these 48cm bars felt, together with the added management and hand placement they provided me. I wished extra… I wished to go wider.
When it got here time to construct my first gravel bike, I selected the Curve Biking Walmer Bar in a 50cm. That bar felt like the right width for me. I don’t suppose it’s essentially the most comfy bar, and I don’t take care of the quantity of aptitude. However, I’ve put a whole lot of miles on it within the final 12 months, and I’m prepared for one thing completely different.
Alongside got here the Tumbleweed Huge Dipper drop bar.
The Huge Dipper Drop Bar
Daniel designed the Huge Dipper to pair completely with Tumbleweed’s drop bar journey bike, the Stargazer. Prepared for a superb time, the Huge Dipper drop bar is rated for off-road use (ISO 4210 mountain bike energy/fatigue testing). The bar has bought clamping diameter of 31.8mm and is manufactured from triple-butted 7000 collection aluminum, which is stronger than 6000 collection.
It’s large proper from the get-go with the smallest dimension being 51cm. The sizes of the Huge Dipper go up from there with the following sizes being 54cm and 57cm. In response to Tumbleweed, the width is measured from heart to heart on the hoods. It has a shallow drop (109mm), a brief attain (50mm), in addition to a pleasant 5° again sweep.
First Impressions
Once I obtained the handlebars, I used to be fairly excited to get them put in on my Masi Incanto. I had simply obtained recent rolls of Camp and Go Gradual’s Western Rattler bar tape and couldn’t wait to put in the bars. I’m sorry to say that I forgot to weigh the bars in my haste.
Tumbleweed offers a median weight of 385g throughout the out there sizes of the Huge Dipper. Mine is the smallest of the three, so I’m guessing mine (51cm) is beneath the typical weight. I don’t suppose weight is essential when utilizing a bar like this. I’ll say that it feels considerably lighter than my 50cm Curve Walmer Bar (425g)
Straightforward Set up
Getting the bars mounted was simple sufficient. It had “backward and forward” markings that helped heart the bar within the stem. As soon as I bought them mounted and taped up, I took them out for a lil’ 20 miler.
Up to now, the 5° again sweep on the Huge Dipper feels ergonomic and cozy. The Huge Dipper additionally feels extra compliant than the Walmer Bar on the little little bit of tough stuff that I’ve accomplished thus far.
One other factor I like a bit of higher in regards to the Huge Dipper is the 20° flare when in comparison with the Walmer Bar’s 29° flare. On paper, the distinction between the 2 doesn’t appear to be a lot, however when using with the Huge Dipper, I immediately observed that it was extra comfy whereas braking within the drops.
The Huge Dipper has a pleasant brief attain of 50mm. When in comparison with the Walmer Bar’s 65mm, my preliminary thought is that I’ll must up the dimensions of my stem from 90mm to 100mm. However, the jury continues to be out, because the Dipper has me using a smidge extra upright within the bike’s present configuration, and I don’t hate it.
The 109mm drop on the Huge Dipper feels the identical as my Walmer Bar whose drop is 110mm, so nothing to report there initially.
Not the Finish
Up to now the bar looks like a terrific match for the Masi Incanto and for my using type. It has loads of room for lots of hand positions, and the true property for a good-sized entrance handlebar bag.
I’ll be operating the Huge Dipper by way of its paces within the months to return. If it’s something just like the Tumbleweed Persuader Bars that I’ve come to like a lot, I anticipate a stable relationship being constructed between myself and the Huge Dipper.
