I recently moved to Illinois from Northern Idaho. This bike I purchased in Minnesota this week. I'm thinking about crash bars now. The ice on my driveway was bothering me while trying to turn around after unloading from my trailer and I did feel some weight on a tipping (on a dry spot in driveway!). I have short legs so tipping Is a fear I have on heavier bikes. Crash bars are not my style but it looks like there are many parts that would be damaged on a fall without them and I would hate to mar this beautiful bike. I have written on my profile page. Thank you all for being here...