ID64

I have decided to give it to try compact FSA. Lately, I found myself going more to the drops and found it more efficient (of course) and more natural position for me. Thanks to loosing a bit this gut But I think that I drop that I have right now is too much for me and riding on the top is too high.
I am going with Omega most likely or carbon K-wing (if LBS will give me some kind of magical deal on it). Specs for both look identical, K-Wing is of course looks much better


The question is - since it has a shorter reach should I be planning upgrading my stem as well? I currently have 100mm. Should I start looking for a longer stems as well? What length would you recommend?

Thanks

AndyK 

I think, get a stem longer by the amount the new bars are shorter - if you like your current reach. I love my Omega Compact bars, getting in the drops is actually fun now!

Psimet2001 

I didn't change stems when going to compact on any rig I had. Everything fit perfectly.

pkone

I didn't change my stem either.

ID64

Thanks for your replies. I guess, I just have to try and see how it feels while picking it up from LBS and install a longer one if need it.

Psimet2001 

......tttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's what she said.

zatopek

I've switched from ergo to compact bars on a number of my bikes and have not needed to change stems on any of them.

BarryJo

The FSA compact bars were a savior for me, bars that I could actually get into the drops (for extended periods of time) and not feel stretched out with a 100mm stem.
There is an excellent video review on these bars on Competitive Cyclist and Andy pretty much sums up my feelings, including the "halleluja chorus" I felt the first time I rode them.
I bought 2 sets of the K-Wings and a set of the Omegas.
And unless you want the bling factor, I'd go with the alloy bars and save yourself a couple of Benjamins.

Psimet2001 

I will agree that they were kind of life changing for me as well. For the first time I found myself more comfortable in the drops than anywhere else - including the tops or hoods.

It was enough of a OMG moment that I switched every single set of bars I had within a few weeks. I absolutely love them. I use Omegas for cross and wing compacts for road.

I also found myself staying in them for entire crits without ever coming out of them. a first for me.

AngryScientist 

another testimonial here. its funny how almost all new bikes come with ergo bend bars now, and how much better the compact drop was for me in particular. i have switched three bikes over to them now.

no stem change for me either.

Campag4life

Love the FSA Compact Wing in Aluminum. Have tried tons of bars and they are ergonomically as perfect in all positions as I have tried. I prefer the winged top versus the round version also available that Andy at CC prefers. Keep in mind they tend to run a bit narrow in sizing. I prefer narrow bars however. The thing that makes the bars so great other than the nice flat land for the palms on the tops when cruising is all three positions....hoods, tops and hooks aren't that much different in reach. A limited drop is great for the amateur cyclist and also allows setting the bar up a bit lower if you prefer. I believe a 10mm longer stem length is advised as the reach to the hoods is a fair amount shorter.