Dylan, those Titec Flat Trackers have a hell of a lot of sweep and rise, more than any other 'flat' bar and too much for my taste. Try b4 u buy I'd say.

I run X-lite Xpert - like the width and shape but find them a bit flexy - too ignorant to know if this is cos they're made out of 6000 series alloy, but some say all X-lite stuff is flimsy.

I wouldn't touch x-lite XC bars..after bad experiences. the only x-lite bits I trust are the excellent DHR-80 DH bars which are super thick (3.4mm wall) and weigh about 600 grams!

I feel safer with Easton or Race Face for light weight handlebars.

I swear by X-Lite XC riser bars.. Have them on both bikes, and have never had any probs with them.. (I'm 16 stone BTW)

I do use stubbie barends with them (oh the shame of it....) and don't give a flying f*ck what the fashion police think..

Looks like I'm going for riser bars (all be it fairly small rise) with barends. Heck my bikes unconventional enough already ( ooo I do love custom bikes :-) ) so bar ends will just top it off nice <g>....

On the BB front I'm going for a truvativ ISIS splined setup. I'm happy with tapered but not with shimano bb's - I hate em. So this seems to be the best VFM alternative and doesn't weigh a ton.

Dom.