BMX bars

[E-HP]

I'm looking to raise my handlebar by about 1 1/2", so looking at options. I don't want to lengthen or shorten the cockpit, since the distance from my seat to the bars/grips feels pretty good. My current bars are mounted on a regular MTB stem (about 100mm). I'm looking at BMX bars because they would allow my to eliminate the accessory bar I'm using currently since the regular bars don't have ample space to mount my stuff on (CA, switches, lights, GoPro, etc.), but BMX bars have the additional cross member to provide more mounting options.

My questions are,
Is anyone else using BMX bars on their build?
Does mounting BMX bars on the current MTB stem present any problems, or does the stem need to be beefier or have a stronger clamping mechanism? I noticed most BMX stems are super short.
BMX bars seem to be a fair amount more expensive than MTB bars, but there are some pretty cheap ones as well. Is there something I need to look out for to ensure the bars are strong enough?
Anything else to look at or better options out there?

Something like these Surly bars but with a little more sweep might work.

 

[Joules]

Howdy E

Surley makes two riser bars such as the example you posted. Those look like the "Sunrise" mode. The other riser bar of note is Surlys "Sunset" bar that has more sweep. The Sunset Bar seems suited for Jumpbike, with the added sweep for leg clearance. Just my opinion (of 8 billion peeps), but I ride the Sunrise Bars. Riser Bars are Essential Moto. Have some Fun.

Joules

 

[maiz]

I'm looking to raise my handlebar by about 1 1/2", so looking at options. I don't want to lengthen or shorten the cockpit, since the distance from my seat to the bars/grips feels pretty good. My current bars are mounted on a regular MTB stem (about 100mm). I'm looking at BMX bars because they would allow my to eliminate the accessory bar I'm using currently since the regular bars don't have ample space to mount my stuff on (CA, switches, lights, GoPro, etc.), but BMX bars have the additional cross member to provide more mounting options.

My questions are,
Is anyone else using BMX bars on their build?
Does mounting BMX bars on the current MTB stem present any problems, or does the stem need to be beefier or have a stronger clamping mechanism? I noticed most BMX stems are super short.
BMX bars seem to be a fair amount more expensive than MTB bars, but there are some pretty cheap ones as well. Is there something I need to look out for to ensure the bars are strong enough?
Anything else to look at or better options out there?

Something like these Surly bars but with a little more sweep might work.
View attachment 392557

Klunker BarVelo orange klunkers may work for you

 

[lnanek]

I've noticed that if you get a trapezoid shaped bar like that in carbon it's really tough to both 1) stay under the recommended clamping force for the stem and 2) prevent rotation.

I guess they act like a big lever trying to force the bar to rotate around the stem clamp or something. Fortunately I bought one with the same size tubing throughout, so was able to just clamp the straight portion instead. Then the segment that's usually clamped just becomes an extra accessory bar.

Then I used a Satori EasyUp Lite riser stem for a while until I could get a new fork with an uncut steerer instead. The Satori is a knock off of some tank like German Schultz Speedlifter or something like that, but even the Satori had an extension bar that nests inside the steerer with the thickest tube walls I'd ever seen. So I wasn't worried about it breaking easy. Installation videos on YouTube from cargo bike sellers even, so seems considered heavy duty.

 

[E-HP]

This is great info, and thanks all for the suggestions! I see the Surly bars are sold at REI, and there’s one near me, so I’ll see if I can check them out. With normal MTB bars, I could afford to be wrong, but these bars are more of an investment, so handling a few will give me a feel for the rise and sweep to compare against other options. The rotation and clamping issue was a concern, so thanks for the additional info.

 

[Balmorhea]

If you get a BMX bar with 31.8mm clamp section, an MTB stem in the same diameter should be plenty secure. BMX cruiser bars are lower rise and usually have more sweep than BMX bars for 20" bikes.

Trying to fit a 22.2mm BMX bar to a 25.4mm or 31.8mm stem with shims is usually a strong invitation to slipping bars, but that's not necessary anymore.

There are now plenty of high rise "ebike" bars that are like tall BMX bars but with 31.8mm clamp diameter and more sweep than regular BMX bars. One of those might be just the thing, if it's not too high.

JBI - Product Details

www.jbi.bike

 

[E-HP]

If you get a BMX bar with 31.8mm clamp section, an MTB stem in the same diameter should be plenty secure. BMX cruiser bars are lower rise and usually have more sweep than BMX bars for 20" bikes.

Trying to fit a 22.2mm BMX bar to a 25.4mm or 31.8mm stem with shims is usually a strong invitation to slipping bars, but that's not necessary anymore.

There are now plenty of high rise "ebike" bars that are like tall BMX bars but with 31.8mm clamp diameter and more sweep than regular BMX bars. One of those might be just the thing, if it's not too high.

JBI - Product Details

www.jbi.bike

Got it, 31.8mm clamp. Thanks! I remember doing jumps on my stingray as a kid, and the hand grips ending up by my knees after landing. Of course it wouldn’t get that abuse on my ebike, and the clamps now are probably better than the cheap clamps on kids bikes back then as well as having the beefier, larger diameter, bars they have today.

 

[glennb]

Don't spose you considered butterfly bars,. Ugly as sin, but the ergonomics can be good, and you get many hand positions, which is beneficial for long rides. I've bent up similar shapes for touring bikes and done long days on them (14 hours in the saddle on one occasion, which would be near impossible on flat bars.)

 

[Zambam]

Straight bar has the most real estate to mount accessories. Would an adjustable stem riser + straight bar put you into desired riding position?

I have such a setup. With my straight bar cut to 22.5" (to fit between tighter space), from L-R (not counting brake levers):

1. rear view mirror
2. thumb throttle
3. 3-way switch (mid drive)
4. phone mount
5. Wahoo bike computer
5.5 rechargeable headlight (bottom of bar)
6. LCD 3 display (mid drive)
7. Go pro
8. Grip shifter