Bicycle Mechanics - Does a drop bar like this exist?

I currently have an ITM Team bar on my Colnago. I'm feeling pretty stretched out on it and went to see a fitter. He confirmed. The top tube is about 2cm too long. I've already got a very short stem on it, not likely I'll find a quill stem much shorter than what's there now. So I've started looking for other options. One occurred to me today.

Is there a drop bar that starts the bend to the drops quickly? On my current bar, from the start of the bend out to the farthest extent in the middle of the bend it's 90mm (this is the distance forward from the start of the bend to the furthest extent). I'm wondering if there is a bar that starts the bend to the drops sooner. Maybe like a 70 mm or 50 mm distance instead. I also need them 440mm wide and 26mm for the stem clamp (quill type, ITM Eclypse).

What do ya'll think? And no, getting a new frame right now is way outside my budget.

... I've already got a very short stem on it, not likely I'll find a quill stem much shorter than what's there now.....

Just curious - what is the size of your current stem? I've got some 60mm ones laying around.

Also, try moving your seat forward 2cm. I know that this is not something your supposed to do, but try it and see if it makes a difference. You've got nothing to lose, and can always put it back the way it was if it causes fit issues.

Is there a drop bar that starts the bend to the drops quickly? On my current bar, from the start of the bend out to the farthest extent in the middle of the bend it's 90mm (this is the distance forward from the start of the bend to the furthest extent). I'm wondering if there is a bar that starts the bend to the drops sooner. Maybe like a 70 mm or 50 mm distance instead. I also need them 440mm wide and 26mm for the stem clamp (quill type, ITM Eclypse).

What do ya'll think? And no, getting a new frame right now is way outside my budget.

Bars definitely come in different reach. Just for reference, so you can compare to your own bars, this is how it is measured: http://www.eastonbike.com/images/P-bars/Reach-Drop%20Illust/reach-drop_75-130.gif

There are many bars in a 75-85 mm reach, and you can maybe find some as low as 70.

If your current bars are indeed 90mm of reach (measured like the link above) you can shed up to 15mm of that. It does indeed impact stem length. I know because I changed from a 86 mm bar to a 75 reach and can now comfortably use a 1 cm longer stem.

Many/most short reach bars are available in 26 (25.8) mm clamp size.

Ixnay on moving the seat forward if he's got proper KOPS position in the existing configuration.

I have been to a fitter and my seat is properly positioned. The trick now is to get the bars back some. My stem is 80mm. So if you've got a couple of 60's lying around that might help, I'll send you a PM. But I really would like to replace the bar, I need to buy a new one anyway (for another bike), so I can move the current one over.

"Reach" that's the term I need. I'll see what I can turn up with a 70mm reach.

Thanks folks!

I currently have an ITM Team bar on my Colnago. I'm feeling pretty stretched out on it and went to see a fitter. He confirmed. The top tube is about 2cm too long. I've already got a very short stem on it, not likely I'll find a quill stem much shorter than what's there now. So I've started looking for other options. One occurred to me today.

Is there a drop bar that starts the bend to the drops quickly? On my current bar, from the start of the bend out to the farthest extent in the middle of the bend it's 90mm (this is the distance forward from the start of the bend to the furthest extent). I'm wondering if there is a bar that starts the bend to the drops sooner. Maybe like a 70 mm or 50 mm distance instead. I also need them 440mm wide and 26mm for the stem clamp (quill type, ITM Eclypse).

What do ya'll think? And no, getting a new frame right now is way outside my budget.


Yes. FSA makes some really short reach bars but I think they're all 31.8. Salsa has the poco which is fairly short reach, ritchey biomax is fairly short reach, but I don't think they go much shorter than... around 75mm.

The Ritchey Biomax looks like a good solution. Especially with one of Bigbossman's short stems. Then I should be set.

Ixnay on moving the seat forward if he's got proper KOPS position in the existing configuration.

Doesn't cost anything and it is totally reversible if it doesn't feel right, so why not? I know plenty of folks that get the correct fit for themselves by going outside the "accepted" guidelines.

Check out this link on Sheldon Brown's website: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/kops.html

KOPS ain't the Bible, ya know..... more like a starting point :D

bigbossman, I sent you an e-mail through the system here. If you don't see it, would you bring one of those 60mm stems to the ride on the 27th?

The Biomax now comes in 31.8 only, as far as I can tell. The Salsa Poco bars are similar, and would be a good choice in 26.0.

I just bought a new biomax in 26.

There are many bars in a 75-85 mm reach, and you can maybe find some as low as 70.

Salsa Poco. 70mm reach, 140mm drop.

bigbossman, I sent you an e-mail through the system here. If you don't see it, would you bring one of those 60mm stems to the ride on the 27th?

No Problem. Remind me when it gets close. :)

How about these Modolos (http://www.velo-orange.com/mogrfoha.html) from Velo-Orange? Sounds like what you're looking for.

:O

those crazy bars on his pretty colnago?

just might work.

How about these Modolos (http://www.velo-orange.com/mogrfoha.html) from Velo-Orange? Sounds like what you're looking for.

Those are crazy. But it doesn't look like they have any shorter a reach or drop than what I have now. I'm really leaning toward the Ritchey bars.


No Problem. Remind me when it gets close. :)

Thanks! I appreciate it.