Bicycle Mechanics - How much to cut off?

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Deallean
05-26-05, 03:02 PM
I am thinking of shortening my handle bars for greater control, just wondering how much I should cut off? I dont want to make them short that road biking becomes a pain, but short enough that I have a bit more control, I was thinking like 1' off each side?

ofofhy
05-26-05, 03:25 PM
I am thinking of shortening my handle bars for greater control, just wondering how much I should cut off? I dont want to make them short that road biking becomes a pain, but short enough that I have a bit more control, I was thinking like 1' off each side?

You would actually have more control with wider bars. They allow you to apply a greater moment in turning front wheel and in resisting the wheel turning due to terrain.
AndrewP
05-26-05, 03:28 PM
Mountain bike bars are long to help you keep the steering steady while riding through rocks. If you dont need this, go with what is comfy. The rule for road bikers with drop bars is to match the width across your shoulders. I cut an inch or so off the ends of the bars on my hybrid. I think cutting 1 ft off each side would be a bit too much.

sydney
05-26-05, 03:39 PM
It you don't cut enough,you can always cut more.Doesn't work so good the other way.
roadfix
05-26-05, 03:55 PM
Shorter bars give you less control, but quicker response...
rmfnla
05-26-05, 05:10 PM
I am thinking of shortening my handle bars for greater control, just wondering how much I should cut off? I dont want to make them short that road biking becomes a pain, but short enough that I have a bit more control, I was thinking like 1' off each side?

If they are risers make sure you leave enough room for brake levers, shifters and grips.
Deallean
05-26-05, 05:35 PM
Woops sorry yea meant inches not feet. What I am going for is faster response with still good control, didnt explain very well.
jsharr
05-27-05, 02:34 PM
move everything in as far as you can and ride it a bit with bare bar sticking out of end of grips. Be careful about those open ends if you have a wreck. Play with several different positions and then make your decision. If in doubt, cut em long. Like Sydney said, hard to make em longer again.
John E
05-27-05, 02:49 PM
I have noticed that the bars on newer mountain bikes tend to be a few cm longer than the ones which came on mine (1988 vintage). In traffic and on some narrow trails, this is NOT a good thing. I concur with the other posts -- move your shifters and brake levers inboard a bit and experiment about 1/4 inch at a time until you find a comfortable width for all conditions. Test twice, cut once; otherwise you'll need to buy a handlebar stretcher from Sydney. :)