First off, this is not, I say again, NOT a slam on Ape hanger bars..... now that I've said that...

Just curious here.. I see that the popularity of ape hanger bars is huge to say the least... everybody's got them it seems and I've been wondering why would anybody actually be that comfortable with their arms in the air? it doesn't seem like that would be comfortable at all? I had something like that on my first bicycle.. a schwinn sting ray. It was green with sparkles and it had a sweet banana seat to boot.. those bars were a fashion statement back then. Every kid who was anything had a schwinn sting ray in those days and the kids who really had it going on had tassels hanging from the bars and a playing card in the spokes to let you know he was coming down the street. But now, it seems the big boys are after something just like that? I guess I'd just like to know what it is that "makes" these bars so appealing? me? well, I'm a stock nut when it comes to handlebars... stock bars just simply had the look and feel I wanted and have always wanted. This year I discovered risers (yes, I'm a very late bloomer) and paired with a good set of stock bars, oh ya... this year looks like the year I get to learn about a lot of things Jeff

I had the stock bars with risers, and after about 45 minutes my neck and shoulders are hurting. I felt like I was scrunched up and reaching down for the bars. With the 16 inch apes I no longer hurt on the longer rides. Most comfortable I have ever been on a bike.

I know it comes down to what works best for each of us.. I see guys all the time that change bars like they change socks.. I'm grateful that the stock bars just work for me, saves me a bunch of hassle swapping and looking for a doable situation. Seats on the other hand is where my wife and I are going to make changes this winter... ED seats... Hopefully get all the wrinkles out of it before next riding season starts

6hrtbt3 wrote:
I had the stock bars with risers, and after about 45 minutes my neck and shoulders are hurting. I felt like I was scrunched up and reaching down for the bars. With the 16 inch apes I no longer hurt on the longer rides. Most comfortable I have ever been on a bike.

+1 I had the same problem with stock bars 45 minutes to an hour and I would want to quit riding. 16 inch apes and my hands are at most 1/2 - 1 inch below shoulder level and it's great. Did 3000 miles over 5 days this summer and never had pain once.

Lots of people think they look cool. They suck in cold weather with the cold wind blowing on your armpits.

I've had 12" apes with 4" risers for 2 yrs now & find it the most comfortable position for me being 6'3" but saying that riding 8hrs into a head wind is very tiring as you act as a sail with your hands up high.As for handling ect you get use to what ever you like & "ride it like you stole it"

I love mine, BUTTTTTT....I do alot of small city riding, not alot of highway cruising but when I do it sucks cause my body becomes a sail. Overall I loe the look of it and around the city its nice and comfortable .

Would not have anything else very comfortable .

I've never really had a problem with my stock handlebars. I tried a set of apes on a friend's bike (Fat Boy: really nice power, but I still prefer my R*), and I have to say that I can appreciate the look, but I found I was tensing my arms too much when turning.

Still, R* look as nice with a set of apes as they do with the stock handlebars.

Just put a set of 14" apes a few weeks ago. Only done about 500 miles with them but really like them. Rode my chopper today and it now feels small. might have to change my riser to lower ones. My knuckles are just above my shoulders when I'm comfortable in the seat. I do slouch in my seat when I'm solo.