Touring - nitto noodles

I'm seriously considering purchasing the nitto noodle handlebar. I have a question about measurements.
When they say XYcm, where are they measuring? Center-to-center at the drop (open end)? Edge-to-edge at the top---after the top bend but before the drop?

I am currently riding a handlebar that is 42 edge-to-edge after the top bend. I need something that is 42 center-to-center at the after the top bend. For the noodle, do I go with the 42 or 44?

Thanks!

I am pretty sure they measure from center-to-center at the ends of the bar. I just bought some nitto bars that the seller gave a 42cm measurement outside to outside (at the ends), and when I got them they were marked 400 (40cm) and indeed were too small for me. I have checked some other bars and found the same.
I also bought some 44cm noodles a while back and found out immediately I did not like them at all. I'm 5'9" with about 18" shoulders. Actually hurt my elbows (I don't know why) to ride them with my arms spread out like that and I didn't like the bends near as much as the bars I prefer. But then, I think most people try different bars and eventually find one or two they love.

Check with www.rivbike.com (http://www.rivbike.com) they have them and they are really great to deal with glenn in phx

Hey FlowerBlossom,

Bars are kind of complex, so I can't really get into it over the internet. Go to the Bike Stand or Olybikes and ask. They can hook you up with what you need.

Olympia is a great bike town.

Unfortunately I can't help with measurements but since you are considering new bars anyway have you looked at randoneuring bars- also from nitto. I recently purchased a set and like you struggled with how to measure. What I like about these (which are similar to the noodles but also have the drops flared out slightly ) are that for the first time in 35 years of riding the drops are comfortable to use because of the flare. I got mine from VeloOrange but Harris also has them I believe.