Pharmr

I'm trying to decide on handlebars for my upcoming build....and would appreciate your thoughts.....traditional or winged?

patentcad

They will pry my Kwing bars (two sets) from my cold, dead bike weenie hands.

dws5b

I finally took the plunge and am really glad I did. They are really comfortable. I got the EA 70's as I did not want to spend the money on carbon.

JeffS

I usually stay in the drops, but I still love the k-wings. I wouldn't have spent the money on my own, but a used bike I bought had them on it.

The last used bike I bought has k-swords on it. I'm not as big of a fan. I figure I can sell the ITM bars and stem, replace them with FSA stuff and have money left over.

If I were to build a bike that I intended to ride in the hoods on, I wouldn't consider anything else.

CastIron

Coming to my ride this winter:



Yeah, wing bars are nice.

j.w

Just got some FSA ones off ebay. Already love them.

Btw, bar tape? All the way to the stem or flat section exposed?

CrimsonKarter21

What make is that?

Brycycle

i just received my Bontrager XXX Lites in the mail; have wings currently, but have to say i personally prefer a traditional bar.

CastIron

Winwood. $195.

kill.cactus

wait, traditional bars have a smooth circular curve that you see on old bikes like 1980s Schwins and Bianchis, while wing bars are the ones that have that bump or irregularity in the curve to give you a flatter portion to put your hands on while in the dropped position, right?

dur4ce

I just made the switch from Syntace Racelite Carbons (super mildly ovalized) to hardcore wing-ed Ritchey WCS Carbon Streems. I really like them so far... but I still have to tape them! I think they'll be worth the heavier weight, 230g for the Ritchey's and an astounding 180g for the Syntace bars.

As an aside, pm me an offer for the Syntace bars if your interested!

-Steve

-Steve

ninjaman

got a pic?

shakeNbake

I got the FSA Pro Wing bar. They are ok, but I can't really dial in my position on it. I'll probably gonna get a regular bar. Click my signature for pictures.

DesFlurane

Incorrect.
You are thinking of ergo.
Wing bars have a flat top.
I have the FSA K wings and love them to bits, but, if you race or a stronger rider forget it. Very flexy.
I personaly love mine even though they are noodly, the angle of the tops is key to the comfort thing. It's just a very natural position for your hands.

mandovoodoo

I'm riding the FSA EA70. I don't care about the wing except at the bend to the drops. Just happens to fit my hand extremely well - very comfortable. I look better, too, which is very very important.

I need to get some carbon weave contact paper so I can look even faster.

VT to CA

Eh, not for me. I like a short reach bar, and while some short reach bars are slightly winged (FSA K-Force Compact, SLK Shallow), most of those aggressively winged bars you see have pretty long reaches...

NealH

I've been thinking about trying the E3 Performance bars. They are on sale right now for $130 (plus 15% off) and, appear to be a decent entre into the foray of shaped bars. Of course that's still a little high for handlebars.

LtSPD2000

+1

I had the EC 70's on my old bike and they were a little too wide for me. On the new bike I have gone to EA 70 wing. They have less drop than most and are very comfortable. Tho EC 70's are for sale.

waterrockets 

You all are crazy. Last bars I bought were $15 from PricePoint, for my SS. I wouldn't ever pay more than $40-$50 for a set of bars.

WheresWaldo

I have tried both and still have both types of bars. Here is my take on them.

FSA K-Wing

What I like:

• A very good hand position on the top of the bar
• The ergo bend is just about at the correct angle and position
• The flat area just before the transition to the brifters makes for very comfortable riding
• The drop is deeper than any Ritchey bar

What I dislike:

• The bars are way too flexible (It could be the carbon)
• The drop is not nearly deep enough
• The angle of the top forces the bar into a small range of mounting positions
• No way to mount anything on the top of the bars

Zipp SLC2

What I like:

• A very stiff bar
• Lightweight
• The perfect deep drop
• No need for an ergo shape
• The angle of the bars allow a wider range of positions for mounting

What I dislike:

• Way too expensive, you can approach the same weight with a good AL bar.
• The reach is just a little long
• No grooves for routing cables

gabdy

That I would like to see.

Whats the difference between wing and standard bars. I always thought wings were bull horns.

waterrockets 

Wings have flat tops and an extra digit in the price.

pino pomo

I have the regular cheapo FSA Wing bars. I'm pretty happy with them so far.

I put tape where I expect to put my hands. My tape goes almost to where the flat rounds out for the clamp. Happens to be right about where the cable groove runs out.

gabdy

Are they more comfortable? I do get aching and numb hands sometimes, I just put it down to poor core strength, becasue my fit is fine.

gabdy

But if you bought carbon, you would only need to wrap the drops, exposing as much carbon as possible for everyone to see. Thus making you faster and stronger.