It’s gotten quite chilly lately. I spent this summer in a short-pants-and-Bedrock-sandals style, but it’s about time for a wardrobe change.
I experimented on my own body last summer, and it turns out that short sleeves and shorts are comfortable down to 25°C, with 20°C being the borderline. (Research by Bassi, 2022)
I really want to go on a fall foliage ride. While I was mumbling about that, it was decided that I’d go for a ride with the leader of the web shop team at the desk next to mine, Rintaro-niki. Yay!
Me: "I wonder if I should swap out some parts before the ride. How much does changing the handlebars actually change the ride feel?"
Rin-niki: "If you want to feel the difference in handling, you might as well just switch to flat bars. It’s gonna look badass, for real."
With those words, all the pieces fell into place, I understood every law of the universe, and the excitement for flat bars surged through my head.
So, based on the desire to justify this endless consumer urge by putting it into words, and using this web shop recommendation space, I’d like to introduce a certain flat bar I’ve been eyeing!
SYCIP BIKES JJJ Bar
SYCIP BIKES is the brand of Jeremy SyCip, a handmade frame builder with a workshop in Santa Rosa. The JJJ Bar, a promenade bar designed for gravel and dirt touring, is the handlebar I’m most interested in right now.
It features a width of 660mm and a subtle 20mm rise. With just the right amount of backsweep, if you grip it firmly from above, it’s a great handlebar that can handle adventure rides, too.
It’s not too wide, not too narrow—a reliable width. Installing it on a bike with thick tires... it has an elegant, rounded look, yet plenty of adventure vibes!
It’s cool, so I want to use it! Isn’t that reason enough?
It’s also a nice touch that the logo is printed on both top and bottom.
You can mount it facing up for a more relaxed, upright posture.
You can also mount it facing down for a more aggressive, forward-leaning ride.
Since the handlebars and stem on my Hog’s Back are silver, I’m planning to choose silver this time as well. (Though I have quite a few black parts, maybe black wouldn't be bad...)
It seems perfect for both commuting and hitting the trails. Actually, is such a cool commute style too luxurious...?
The more I look at the photos, the cooler it gets. By the way, as I write this, I’m literally holding a JJJ from our stock on my lap. (← Even though I haven't bought it yet.)
I’ve really fallen for the "flat bar & rack adventure bike" style lately.
Which rack should I get? The SIMWORKS Half Moon Rack or the PASS AND STOW 5 Rail Rack? No, the SURLY Nice Rack is also hard to pass up.
Alright, I'm buying it.
I made up my mind while writing this. I’m buying the JJJ Bar. Rintaro-san, please ring it up for me.
The temperature is just right, so this is truly the best riding season.
Let’s swap out those parts we've been eyeing and enjoy this riding season! Catch you later!
