Racks
T-Bar: A History
The T-Bar rack is the original idea of Tom Robinson of Hesson Labs based out of the UK. For one reason or another Tom was no longer able to sell his racks in North America, so he offered me the opportunity to take over production and sales for North America under my own brand. If you're reading this Tom, thank you. I've since modified the design to better accomodate bags that are popular here in the US and it has gone on to be reviewed and acclaimed all over the internet. It received Bikepacking.com's 'Gear of the Year' award and the Path Less Pedaled' 'Suppler Gear of the Year' award. The T-Bar has come to be what is keeping Swood Cycles alive and I'm constantly working on modifications and new ideas for it.
Twisted T-Bar: What is it?
Before we get into the details, I'll let Russ give you the jist....
The T-Bar rack is the original idea of Tom Robinson of Hesson Labs based out of the UK. For one reason or another Tom was no longer able to sell his racks in North America, so he offered me the opportunity to take over production and sales for North America under my own brand. If you're reading this Tom, thank you. I've since modified the design to better accomodate bags that are popular here in the US and it has gone on to be reviewed and acclaimed all over the internet. It received Bikepacking.com's 'Gear of the Year' award and the Path Less Pedaled' 'Suppler Gear of the Year' award. The T-Bar has come to be what is keeping Swood Cycles alive and I'm constantly working on modifications and new ideas for it.
Twisted T-Bar: What is it?
Before we get into the details, I'll let Russ give you the jist....
Most handlebar mounted bags come with some form of webbing on the back and a short length of p-cord that is intended to draw the bag up against your headtube. This does an OK job at keeping your bag from bouncing as you ride along, but if you often find yourself in the chunky stuff, then you know that it doesnt last long and soon your bag is flopping up and down with every root. Meanwhile, every turn of the handlebar is dragging your bag across that shiny head badge on the front of your bike and placing some strange pressure on your cables.
The Twisted T-Bar is a bag standoff/support. Sometimes referred to as a decaleur, it supports handlebar mounted bags, limiting bouncing and removing stress from your cables all while protecting your headtube from abrasion.
It replaces 12.5mm of spacer underneath of the stem on any 1 1/8 steerered fork. The horizontal bar loops into the webbing on the back of the bag. With the offset bend, it works with bags with only a center webbing as well as bags with dual webbing.
The twisted T-Bar is rated for 10-12 pound loads, but many have carried much more. The weak point seems to be the horizontal extension from the spacer, this portion can bend under extreme load, especially on the larger sized T-Bars.
Fortunately, steel is real, if this happens just bend it back!
Each T-Bar is handmade in Richmond, Va. They are constructed from 3/8"x.049" stainless steel tubing tig welded to a CNC machined clamp from Paragon Machine Works. Lightweight and corrosion resistant, they are available in black and clear powder coated finish.
Twisted T-Bar: Fitment
T-Bar sizing is primarily based on stem length with the idea that the bag should fall in the vertical plane directly under the center of the handlebar. The stock models come in three sizes:
Small - 30-50mm stems
Medium - 60-80mm stems
Large - 90-110 stems
Stem angle also plays a role in what I call the 'bar to bar' measurement. The stock T-Bars are intended for stems with +/- 6 degrees of rise. This creates a 'bar to bar' measurement of 5-6 inches. The more rise your stem has the larger the 'bar to bar' measurement and visa versa.
The 'bar to bar' measurment is determined by measuing the back of your bag from where it attaches to the handlebar to the desired webbing loop. Below is my personal bike, a 60mm +6 degree stem, mated with a medium T-Bar and Swift Zeitgeist produces a 6" bar-to-bar..
Foam spacers can be used to adjust you bag's 'bar-to-bar' measurment. For example:
Medium - 60-80mm stems
Large - 90-110 stems
Stem angle also plays a role in what I call the 'bar to bar' measurement. The stock T-Bars are intended for stems with +/- 6 degrees of rise. This creates a 'bar to bar' measurement of 5-6 inches. The more rise your stem has the larger the 'bar to bar' measurement and visa versa.
The 'bar to bar' measurment is determined by measuing the back of your bag from where it attaches to the handlebar to the desired webbing loop. Below is my personal bike, a 60mm +6 degree stem, mated with a medium T-Bar and Swift Zeitgeist produces a 6" bar-to-bar..
Foam spacers can be used to adjust you bag's 'bar-to-bar' measurment. For example:
1. You run a stem with a large degree of rise and your bag won't reach the bar.
2. You run a smaller sized handlebar bag that won't reach the bar.
Adding 3-4 foam spacers inbetween the bar and the bag will allow the bag to rotate downwards and reach the bar.
The foam spacers also free up handle bar space for extra hand positions or handle bar mounted accessories.
Twisted T-Bar: Installation
Install the T-bar the same way you would any threadless stem.
1. Keep the bolts greased to prevent corrosion (I've already greased them during packaging)
2. Remove about 1/2" (12.5mm) of spacers from your existing stack
3. Slide the T-Bar onto the steerer underneath the stem and align it
4. Use top cap bolt to pre-load headset before tightening the T-Bar and Stem bolts
Twisted T-Bar: Shipping and Lead Times
2. You run a smaller sized handlebar bag that won't reach the bar.
Adding 3-4 foam spacers inbetween the bar and the bag will allow the bag to rotate downwards and reach the bar.
The foam spacers also free up handle bar space for extra hand positions or handle bar mounted accessories.
Twisted T-Bar: Installation
Install the T-bar the same way you would any threadless stem.
1. Keep the bolts greased to prevent corrosion (I've already greased them during packaging)
2. Remove about 1/2" (12.5mm) of spacers from your existing stack
3. Slide the T-Bar onto the steerer underneath the stem and align it
4. Use top cap bolt to pre-load headset before tightening the T-Bar and Stem bolts
Twisted T-Bar: Shipping and Lead Times
All T-Bars on the webstore are in stock and ready to ship. I ship USPS ground advantage, which normally takes 2-4 days anywhere in the US.
You will receive tracking information once I purchase your shipping label. I try to make it to the post office at least twice a week, so it is normal for a couple of days to pass before your tracking updates.
You will receive tracking information once I purchase your shipping label. I try to make it to the post office at least twice a week, so it is normal for a couple of days to pass before your tracking updates.
Full Custom Racks
Custom front and/or rear racks are also available. Please email for inquiries...
