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08-06-03, 11:46 PM
Hi all, I had the earlier post about bar width and decided to go for a 580mm (23 inch) 3 degree Easton EA50 aluminum flat bar. The bar it replaced was the bike's original Fisher Bulge Bar which came in at 24 inches with a 6-7 degree sweep. I shaved a 1/2 pound off the bike just by switching the bar out. The 23 inch Easton allows me to stretch out better in the cockpit due to less sweep. The aluminum feels more responsive/alive than the Fisher steel (1/8 inch wall! Hey, it was 1991 after all). My grip has moved in due to the narrower bar and I like it. I also moved my brake levers and shifters inwards a 1/2 inch--way better now. I left the stem alone and it still feels good. One subtle thing I did was to rotate the bar up so the sweep comes up a little towards the seat, i.e. the reach angle of my arms--I used to run the Fisher level. Perhaps my notes here will help someone fine tune there ride to be more comfy. Thanks to all for the great info given me.