Will Apes help??
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Atlanta
Will Apes help??
So been riding my bike more since weather has gotten better. Have been able to ride three and four hours at a time now. Here is my issue, I have changed my riser from stock to four and half inch pull back to be able to raise my hands as I was getting lower back pain after about an hour. Now I can go about a hour and a half before any real
pain. My question is thinking about installing 12 inch mini apes. Any of you guys switched to those find them more comfortable than stock bars? I can’t go much above 12 inches due to rotator cuff issues. Yes getting old is a bitch. Oh yes, I plan to stay with HD bats if I can. Thanks
pain. My question is thinking about installing 12 inch mini apes. Any of you guys switched to those find them more comfortable than stock bars? I can’t go much above 12 inches due to rotator cuff issues. Yes getting old is a bitch. Oh yes, I plan to stay with HD bats if I can. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
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From:
i got 14s and although they look cool as hell, my comfort level went down once i installed them. Ive noticed after an hour my arms start aching, going numb a little i have to shake them out at stoplights ever hour. Not a big deal, but that never happened before.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Atlanta
Thanks for the information. In my research that is an indication that the bars may be a bit too high. Supposedly if your arms are much above your heart level you will experience tingling and aching in hands and arms. Sounds like that is happening to you. Thanks again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
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From:
yep, i also have 2" risers so i guess that makes them 16" reach. Too late now, i had 12" bars on there before and they were just right (i just didnt know it at the time) and there aint no way im going to switch back now with the pain that it was to install these in the first place! Im hoping i just get use to it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: NorCal Rocklin
Have you considered wearing a kidney belt or a Back-a-line belt? Maybe that may alleviate your back pain due to poor posture. That would be a cheaper solution than putting on a different set of handlebars. Unless you like to spend your money
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Atlanta
Thanks for the info. My riser is 2 1/2 inches tall and two inch pull back. So a 12 inch is about 14 1/2 inches give or take 1/2 inch or so. That works out to just below shoulder level for me.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
I can't speak for everybody but when I switched to apes, my apes are about shoulder high, I never experienced any tingling or aching. The main reason that I switched to apes was to try and eliminate the strain on my shoulders and neck that I was getting with the stock bars. When I switched, I was much more comfortable and I could ride all day without any issues. As I got older, I also had a little issue with my lower back on longer rides, so I added a back rest and that made my back feel much better. Now I just lean back and enjoy the ride. Just for the record, I turned 67 a couple of months ago and with the setup that I just told you about, I can ride my Springer all day and feel great. Hope this helps ya out.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
Around 10 years ago, I went to apes on all my bikes and that's eliminated the lower back pain as I sit straighter, more relaxed, and don't have that nagging back pain. However, this is an individual issue and everyone rides differently. When I travel and rent a bike, I need the mini apes on a Heritage as the Road King and Street Glide bars are just a big pain in the back.
