Review: Amoeba JY-192 Downhill Bars

These Amoeba JY-192’s are my singlespeed bars. I’ve been using them for perhaps two years now.

Name: Amoeba JY-192 MTB Downhill Bar

Material: AL6061 T6

Thickness: 5.0mm

Width: 670mm

Weight: 490g

Raise: 40mm

LBS Marked Price: $42.95AUD

“Light-weight, 6061 T6 aluminium (Ed: not frickin’ aluminum!) provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio while maintaining durability and stiffness. Constructed with 40mm raise at 490g, it’s made for those looking for high performance handlebars for some serious downhilling action. What’s more, it’s totally rust-resistant.”

Light-weight? 490g? HAHAHAHA! It might be aluminium, but the tubing is very thick (5mm) compared to most other bars. Care factor 0 – I’m not a weight weenie. These are still going strong but honestly don’t get much of a punishing so who knows what they’d be like in the hands of a downhiller.

I bought wide bars because everyone says you need wide bars on an SS for leverage. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden an SS with skinny bars (other than a track bike) so I don’t know how much truth is in that. What I can tell you is: it’s easier to pick gaps on my roadie than on the GT with these monstrous bars fitted! Great for peeling mirrors of cars though (see previous blog entry).

Position – well, that’s all personal, but I like the riser bar feel and I like the extra height of these bars on the GT – makes for a more upright, cruisier ride.

hippy says: Super cool bar, especially given the price!! Weight weenies look elsewhere (try the fridge you skinny bastards!)