My Chopper suffered from a steering failure due, no doubts whatsoever, to frequent jumps: the bars were no longer connected to the front wheel by anything more substantial than hopes & prayers - makes your cycling proficiency test an instant fail when bars suggest right & wheel says 'nah, I like it over to the left'...
My dad found a set of Vindec High Riser handlebars that were even better than the originals as they were adjustable for reach. So, instead of ape hangers, I ran with the bars swept back, which kept my gentleman's area away from the instant vasectomy disguised as a gear lever. I kept that bike for many years until the often brazed frame just cried enough.
It was the cause of missing time for me also - I tried to climb the big hill in the village but kept at it longer than sensible before bailing, resulting in a tarmac:head meeting that I have zero recollection about, and for quite some time afterwards. At least I was blissfully unconscious, unlike my poor mum who had her son delivered by a neighbour, looking a little bit dead. Got a few nights in the local hospital as a treat though.
