Outfitting a drop-bar ebike for recreational use

[Jeremy McCreary]

Thinking about a drop-bar gravel ebike for recreational riding — no commuting, little or no shopping, no touring. And now I'm thinking ahead to the practicalities involved.

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

I could switch to a helmet mirror — DaBrim sun visor permitting — or a bar-end mirror, handlebars permitting. But that still leaves a headlight, phone, and bell to mount, and I just don't see space for all three.

Also wondering about the pros and cons of handlebar vs. top-tube bags for essentials, including a lightweight shell. Plan A is to hold off on a rear rack and trunk bag for now.

I'm sure EBR members have solved all these problems in various ways. TIA for any experience you can share.

 

[WattsUpDude]

You can get some inspiration from the cockpit thread.

 

[Catalyzt]

Thinking about a drop-bar gravel ebike for recreational riding — no commuting, little or no shopping, no touring. And now I'm thinking ahead to the practicalities involved.

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

I could switch to a helmet mirror — DaBrim sun visor permitting — or a bar-end mirror, handlebars permitting. But that still leaves a headlight, phone, and bell to mount, and I just don't see space for all three.

Also wondering about the pros and cons of handlebar vs. top-tube bags for essentials, including a lightweight shell. Plan A is to hold off on a rear rack and trunk bag for now.

I'm sure EBR members have solved all these problems in various ways. TIA for any experience you can share.

Feel your pain. Having a similar issue (though different) with the Raleigh Competition acoustic bike in NYC. I use it about 10 or 20 times a year at most, and it's $180 to swap out the bars-- and the brakes, cables, etc. Those are full-on drop bars, which I can only stand for a 30-minute fitness ride, and even that isn't wise given how bad my arthritis is AND the fact that I play a lot of guitar on the east coast.

For me, I like under-seat bags best and top-tube bags second gest. Weight is lower, will swing around less. I can stuff a synthetic fabric jacket, a set of wrenches, a little tin for meds, and maybe one other small tool under the seat. The top tube bag is my micro-pump and tubeless fix-a-flat kit.

I would NOT add extra weight to the handlebars under any circumstances. Though I did acoustic bike touring as a kid-- I had a RADIO with two "C" batteries on the handlebars; it was huge, about four inches square and five inches deep, probably weighed four pounds. I loved that thing, though there were few rock music stations on the back roads of Florida in the mid-70s. But I was 17 years old or whatever, this was right before I got sick for the first time, and didn't notice a lot of stuff that I would find uncomfortable, etc.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

You can get some inspiration from the cockpit thread.

Thanks for reminding me of that thread. Mostly flat-bar solutions there, but some good drop-bar leads from you, @Prairie Dog , @mschwett , @JRA , and @StevenC56. The short accessory bar (aka handlebar extender) I saw may be a good place to start.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

There are a lot of ways to solve this problem.

You can consider some of the more exotic drop handlebars like the Redshift Kitchen Sink handlebars that have additional gadget space.

If you look around there are some handlebar bags with light mounts and if they have a top map pocket you can improvise a way to carry your phone, a GPS, or a bell with a belt clip, a case, and some epoxy:

You can do the same thing with a front rando rack and front rando bag. Most rando racks have light mounts. You can use the same hacks to mount your phone and a bell to the lid of the rando rack. I like rando bags because they are enormous and roomy (you can usually fit a small bag of groceries in one).

 

[Roamers]

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

Can you un-tape, add accessories, re-tape?

When I rode an anolog touring bike withbdrop bars (Fuji Saratoga). I carried everthing you described except headlight.

 

[EMGX]

Handlebar extenders like this are inexpensive ($8 for this one) and you can cut down the tube if you find it to be too long.


For a little more $ and heavier weight you can get one with an internal battery to charge your phone or GPS in a pinch.

Frame bags are nice for carrying lunch or jacket or whatever, also inexpensive.

Last week on John Wayne (Palouse to Cascades) trail in WA.


Used the handlebar extender to mount a couple headlights which were needed when riding through the 2.2 mile long Snoqualmie tunnel.

 

[mschwett]

Thinking about a drop-bar gravel ebike for recreational riding — no commuting, little or no shopping, no touring. And now I'm thinking ahead to the practicalities involved.

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

I could switch to a helmet mirror — DaBrim sun visor permitting — or a bar-end mirror, handlebars permitting. But that still leaves a headlight, phone, and bell to mount, and I just don't see space for all three.

Also wondering about the pros and cons of handlebar vs. top-tube bags for essentials, including a lightweight shell. Plan A is to hold off on a rear rack and trunk bag for now.

I'm sure EBR members have solved all these problems in various ways. TIA for any experience you can share.

you can wrap the bars a little short on the bar tops - it’s just tape - and you can also clamp many/most lights around bar tape. I’ve attached mine like that. cleanest solution would be a phone or computer holder that has a mount beneath it for the light, and then a bar end mirror, and put the bell over the tape. this keeps the light centered and out of your way, easily removable in daytime (they usually use a GoPro or garmin computer mount) and the computer or phone slightly forward where it’s easy to see without taking your eyes off the road.

at the front of the stem to bar attachment on your future creo are four bolts, there are a bunch of types of mounts which attach very sturdily to those four points, replacing the front faceplate and easily capable of supporting a computer/phone and light.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thinking about a drop-bar gravel ebike for recreational riding — no commuting, little or no shopping, no touring. And now I'm thinking ahead to the practicalities involved.

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

I could switch to a helmet mirror — DaBrim sun visor permitting — or a bar-end mirror, handlebars permitting. But that still leaves a headlight, phone, and bell to mount, and I just don't see space for all three.

Also wondering about the pros and cons of handlebar vs. top-tube bags for essentials, including a lightweight shell. Plan A is to hold off on a rear rack and trunk bag for now.

I'm sure EBR members have solved all these problems in various ways. TIA for any experience you can share.

For stowing small items, top tube and frame bags might be ideal for your needs. My road bike will take on the role of a fast-tourer for an upcoming excursion in the fall and this 2.3L half-frame and 1.1L top mounted bag should work well for longer day trips. Multi-day trips will see the addition of a rear rack (thru axle mount) and roll top trunk bag.



I prefer less bar clutter and use the out front mount on the bike bar to accommodate a Garmin HU along with a GoPro mounted beneath it. I can also swap out the camera with a light and have the option of placing my phone on another adapter attached to the head set cap. Good to know there are now more options for mounting such devices on the Creo 2.



If you require a bit more storage you can choose from a plethora of handlebar bags. We really appreciate the versatility of the Routewerks handlebar bag and find its relatively compact size to be perfect for our needs as we like to travel fast, light and appreciate a clean cockpit. It might not be for everyone though if a larger bag is required for longer trips. I have fitted them to a Creo as well as other bikes without a problem as the bar mounting system only requires four bolts to for attachment. It’s rock solid and unlike other designs that rely on cables to pull taut it won’t droop down over time. The mount design with its flip lever makes the bags super easy to install and remove and I love the fact that the lid can be opened on the fly to access contents. It does weigh more than most soft sided versions due to its metal framework and rigid polymer lid but I believe those are two of its best assets. Downside is that it only fits round bars and is rather pricey.

Route Werks Handlebar Bag long-term review

Route Werks have made a splash on Kickstarter with the Handlebar Bag. Can the bag deliver what its hype promises? You can find out everything in our test.

granfondo-cycling.com

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

For stowing small items, top tube and frame bags might be ideal for your needs. My road bike will take on the role of a fast-tourer for an upcoming excursion in the fall and this 2.3L half-frame and 1.1L top mounted bag should work well for longer day trips. Multi-day trips will see the addition of a rear rack (thru axle mount) and roll top trunk bag.

View attachment 179730

I prefer less bar clutter and use the out front mount on the bike bar to accommodate a Garmin HU along with a GoPro mounted beneath it. I can also swap out the camera with a light and have the option of placing my phone on another adapter attached to the head set cap. Good to know there are now more options for mounting such devices on the Creo 2.

View attachment 179733

If you require a bit more storage you can choose from a plethora of handlebar bags. We really appreciate the versatility of the Routewerks handlebar bag and find its relatively compact size to be perfect for our needs as we like to travel fast, light and appreciate a clean cockpit. It might not be for everyone though if a larger bag is required for longer trips. I have fitted them to a Creo as well as other bikes without a problem as the bar mounting system only requires four bolts to for attachment. It’s rock solid and unlike other designs that rely on cables to pull taut it won’t droop down over time. The mount design with its flip lever makes the bags super easy to install and remove and I love the fact that the lid can be opened on the fly to access contents. It does weigh more than most soft sided versions due to its metal framework and rigid polymer lid but I believe those are two of its best assets. Downside is that it only fits round bars and is rather pricey.

Route Werks Handlebar Bag long-term review

Route Werks have made a splash on Kickstarter with the Handlebar Bag. Can the bag deliver what its hype promises? You can find out everything in our test.

granfondo-cycling.com

View attachment 179734View attachment 179735

Slick cockpit, great info from personal experience!

EBR is like having your own panel of bike experts on retainer. Without that, my ongoing return to cycling via ebike would be far behind its present state.

Thanks to all who contribute here.

 

[Aushiker]

Problem is, the bar tape covers most of the handlebar with little left for a headlight or phone holder or bell or mirror — all of which are must-haves where I'll be riding.

I have had numerous drop bar bikes and never had any issues mounting a headlight, phone holder, bell or mirror. There are numerous well-established manufacturers, including K-Edge and Garmin, that make mounts for headlights and GPS units. I have never removed any bar tape to mount these items. Everything I have mounts has had sufficient 'give' to allow for a bit of bar tape.

All my bikes have mirrors on them, including my remaining drop bar bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

As to phone mounts, I am planning to use a Peak Designs mount, but that suits my phone ecosystem. There are plenty of alternatives around, but.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I have had numerous drop bar bikes and never had any issues mounting a headlight, phone holder, bell or mirror. There are numerous well-established manufacturers, including K-Edge and Garmin, that make mounts for headlights and GPS units. I have never removed any bar tape to mount these items. Everything I have mounts has had sufficient 'give' to allow for a bit of bar tape.

All my bikes have mirrors on them, including my remaining drop bar bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

As to phone mounts, I am planning to use a Peak Designs mount, but that suits my phone ecosystem. There are plenty of alternatives around, but.

Thanks! The last time I owned a drop-bar bike, cell phones hadn't even been invented. Heck, the wheel hadn't been around all that long.
;^}

Good to know that some things can be safely mounted on top of tape. That pretty much solves my problem.

Peak Designs has a lot of fans on EBR, but they don't make the necessary case for my phone. Ditto for Mous and, last I checked, Quad Lock. Have a cheap and bulky but sturdy Lamicall on my current ebike. Works fine, but there's probably a law against mounting a Lamicall on a Creo.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Peak Designs has a lot of fans on EBR, but they don't make the necessary case for my phone.

I have a Peak Designs out front mount that I reverse mount to accommodate the handlebar bag when it’s installed on the bar as seen in the images above. I use their universal adapter attached to a rigid third-party case and it works quite well. I’ve never had it release prematurely, ever.

 

[gromike]

Can you make use of the drop? For me that would be a no! At 72 and with three fused cervical vertebrae I can ride on the drop and I see the road just fine, but that's the road beneath my front tire! I'd suggest you borrow a regular bike with drop handlebars and see how you like it before you spend the time and money modifying your ebike with drop bars.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Can you make use of the drop? For me that would be a no! At 72 and with three fused cervical vertebrae I can ride on the drop and I see the road just fine, but that's the road beneath my front tire! I'd suggest you borrow a regular bike with drop handlebars and see how you like it before you spend the time and money modifying your ebike with drop bars.

Exactly my thought, so I borrowed this Italian beauty — my neighbor's all-Campy Toricelli — for first-round testing.

The first 5 mi at his low seat height felt promising. Drops were uncomfortable, but the hoods and tops weren't bad.

Then another 5 mi with the seat raised to my height, and every hand position became a no-go. My 76 yo neck went after 3 mi, could see almost nothing ahead. And low back's still sore hours later. Like you, couldn't tolerate the drops at all.

Will retest tomorrow on a Diverge rental with geometry close to that of the drop-bar Creo 2 I was perhaps foolishly hoping to buy. LBS manager said he'd raise and shorten the rental's stem to give it the best possible chance. But the odds aren't looking good.

Plan A was to ease into the Creo 2's drop bars to get the rest of its unique package, but that looks very unlikely now. Alas, nothing quite like the Creo 2 in a flat-bar bike, and conversion would put the Creo far out of budget.

 

[Aushiker]

Have a cheap and bulky but sturdy Lamicall on my current ebike. Works fine, but there's probably a law against mounting a Lamicall on a Creo.

Sorry, I cannot help much with the phone mount as I haven't bothered with one until now. That said, a quick Google search brought up this article at Gear Lab. It might at least give you some ideas.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

... But the odds aren't looking good.

Plan A was to ease into the Creo 2's drop bars to get the rest of its unique package, but that looks very unlikely now. Alas, nothing quite like the Creo 2 in a flat-bar bike, and conversion would put the Creo far out of budget.

Before you draw that conclusion I'd find a good sports medicine or physical therapist that can do a competent bike fit for you. Might be a good idea to talk to your doctor and get a referral from them.

 

[jabberwocky]

I run this mirror on my drop bar gravel-ebike. It works ok. Its an awkward position to monitor constantly but its fine for the occasional "see whats behind me" check. My wife has a mirror on her non electric road bike that basically has a cap that velcros over the brifter grip and puts the mirror in a better position. The downside is it makes the grip a lot bulkier. I can't find it on Amazon, so maybe not made anymore.

For lights, I commuted for several years on a road bike. Generally theres plenty of bar near the stem to mount lights.

Bell, I run spurcycles (or clones) on all my bikes. Generally I mount them just to the outside of the bar tape.

Plan A was to ease into the Creo 2's drop bars to get the rest of its unique package, but that looks very unlikely now. Alas, nothing quite like the Creo 2 in a flat-bar bike, and conversion would put the Creo far out of budget.

I would see if they have a bike with flared gravel drops you can test out, and have them change the stem and add spacers to get the bars ~1" above the saddle at riding position. That bike you tried has the stem flipped but you can easily see the bars are an inch or two below the saddle, which is still a pretty racy aero position. Road bikes do have low front ends. The Creo 2 is definitely designed to be a bit more upright than that.

Flared drops pull the drop part of the bar much closer to the flats (they flare outward so your wrists don't hit the flat when in the drops). Makes them a lot more useful for people who don't want to really hunch over but want the option of a more aero riding position.

 

[Roamers]

Thinking about a drop-bar gravel ebike for recreational riding

Is this your first drop bar bike?

My 1st 30 or so years of adult bike riding was on drop bars. I estimate less than 10% of time was on the dropped section. Usually over brake lever hoods or flat in center.

The only time I would drop is in headwinds or challenged by a biking buddy.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I run this mirror on my drop bar gravel-ebike. It works ok. Its an awkward position to monitor constantly but its fine for the occasional "see whats behind me" check. My wife has a mirror on her non electric road bike that basically has a cap that velcros over the brifter grip and puts the mirror in a better position. The downside is it makes the grip a lot bulkier. I can't find it on Amazon, so maybe not made anymore.

For lights, I commuted for several years on a road bike. Generally theres plenty of bar near the stem to mount lights.

Bell, I run spurcycles (or clones) on all my bikes. Generally I mount them just to the outside of the bar tape.
I would see if they have a bike with flared gravel drops you can test out, and have them change the stem and add spacers to get the bars ~1" above the saddle at riding position. That bike you tried has the stem flipped but you can easily see the bars are an inch or two below the saddle, which is still a pretty racy aero position. Road bikes do have low front ends. The Creo 2 is definitely designed to be a bit more upright than that.

Flared drops pull the drop part of the bar much closer to the flats (they flare outward so your wrists don't hit the flat when in the drops). Makes them a lot more useful for people who don't want to really hunch over but want the option of a more aero riding position.

My height is mostly in my legs, and my knees let me know when they're not getting enough extension. So as you suggested, the stem has to come up and probably get shorter as well. The LBS manager plans to do that for the demo.

Unfortunately, today's test has to be postponed. Started coughing yesterday afternoon and developed fever and chills overnight. Can't expose the LBS folks to whatever I've got.