General: Nitto RB-009 pursuit bars

has anyone tried these bars? I am looking for pursuit bars that have a slight drop and are comfortable on the tops unlike RB-021s. I also like the sleeve for that classic look. The 009s appear to be replicas of LA84's -- would anyone else agree? I have a Cinelli XE stem (26mm) so LA84 themselves are not an option.

how are they?

contrary to whipit, I have bars that have a very similar top to the 009 and i find them perfect. I will absolutely be buying the 009's for my new build in the spring because i think they are so much superior to the 19's and 21's.

Handlebars are the worst thing to ask for opinions on. I can't think of another component that is looked at more subjectively. I've never ridden the 009's, but I would suggest that you do before you take anyone else's advice too seriously. It's all about what is comfortable to you on your bike. There isn't much that can be done to simulate that on the internet.

I agree with SD. I've ridden drops, bullhorns and currently risers, and see advantages and disadvantages with all of them. I actually switched from bullhorns to risers on my current setup because I found myself only being comfortable on the tops. What you will like will be a combination of how your body is shaped, how your bike is set up, and your riding style. Myself, I know I could never ride track drops on the tops or super short straight bars like some people do, with their hands right next to the stem. But plenty of people do it, so its true you won't know till you try.

Posted By: bionnakivery true, but it doesnt hurt to hear others' reviews, esp with a bar that no one seems to use (perhaps they suck & that's why no one uses them). all food for thought in the absence of having the bars on hand to try out.

Oh, I totally agree. There is a lot of value in the opinions of others. But handlebars are pretty hard to review objectively or in a fashion that will apply to everyone.

It's funny to read totally opposite opinions on the same product. A lot of the time it seems like some people (present company excluded) are reviewing items not from experience, but from their opinion of their popularity.

I enjoy the Jeffrey Steingarten variety.

True, but at least there aren't four different ass positions.

Posted By: suicide_doorsTrue, but at least there aren't four different ass positions.

Apparently, some people don't move around on long rides. Would that my circulatory system was still that good...

I ordered the bars -- fuck it.