JamesInSJ

I picked up a 2012 Madone 5.9 frameset with the intention of just moving almost all my '13 Madone 2.1 components over (mostly 105, upgraded wheels), and then decided that a new build would net about the same cost after I sell my 2.1 complete instead of as just a frame, so I'm going that route. Unfortunately, that leaves me short on a couple components I don't normally think about, and for this question - the handlebars.

Budget target: ~$50
Limit: $100 (need compelling reason to spend this much, like carbon)

I've been looking for used components on eBay, Craigslist, and handful of stores for new, and a few have jumped out so far. All of these have the relative compact design I have on my current bike and want (44cm c-t-c wide, ~85mm reach, ~130mm drop):
- Ritchey Logic II Pro - my local Performance Bike has a return for $60...been sitting there for a couple months so might even be able to talk that price down a little more.
- Deda Elementi Newton - $35 local Craigslist
- Pro Vibe 7s (Shimano?) - about $50 on ebay or Craigslist
- Bontrager (typically take-offs) - looks like some VR-CF (Race Lite) can be had around $50, including some brand new Domane 6.x take-offs. So far this is what I'm leaning towards.

I've read a few threads of aluminum vs. carbon when it comes to handlebars and nothing really stood out that carbon bars or stems were worth the big bucks, but I'm open and ready to take in opinions from everyone here. I'm building this bike up right, within my budget (new ultegra derailleurs, already have ultegra cassette & cranks, working on finding used r700/ultegra shifters) so I'm willing to spend a little extra up front on certain things that will improve handling/comfort. Not too particular on weight, but if one is 300g, and another is 250g, and the same price and relative "performance", I might as well get the 250g.

RPK79

When it comes to bars it is all (mostly) about the shape that gives you the most comfort. I recently bought these for $35.

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[TD="class: Cate-Bikes-Frames-Header-Text, align: left"][h=1] FSA Energy New Ergo Road Handlebar[/h][/TD]
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JamesInSJ

Thanks! Those are definitely a great deal and relatively lightweight, though only available in 42cm. My current bars are 44cm, and measuring shoulders also puts me at 44cm...I'm not sure I'd want anything more "closed" than that but maybe others who have gone from 44cm to 42cm can chime in on that as well. Seems a lot easier to find new and used deals (more available) on 42cm than 44cm.

Worth noting that the bars I listed above all have fairly similar shapes. Definitely want to stay with something where the curve to the shifters stays flat with the center bar (no downward angle) as I generally ride long duration/distance.

dtrain

Stick with 44's if you like 'em. I've been pretty happy with Ritchey (WCS), but $60 doesn't scream deal to me. Maybe a Performance manager would mark it out a bit more? Depending on your budget, I might have some mint Ultegra 6600 shifters available.

Fiery

FSA New Ergo is much deeper than the other bars you mentioned - around 150mm of drop.

JamesInSJ

No...$60 isn't a super deal given it's $89 MSRP...I was figuring offering $40 since it's been there 2+ months already.

Speaking of shifters... I'm running Ultegra 6700 RD/FD. Was planning for R700 shifters (Ultegra level) but found they don't have full internal cable routing like my current 5700 105s. 6700s seem to still run about $300...not much on eBay that is really compelling. Are the 6600s 2x10 compatible and full internal routing? Almost seems like the 5700s might be the one weak point where I don't spring for the extra $100 to go to 6700s.
Edit: Looks like best "value" might actually be to grab a 6703 set, and tune the FD to run as a double (I'm doing that now with my 105s working perfectly). About $200-220 possible, though have to drop another $20 in bar clamps - not sure why there are a bunch of used shifters without bar clamps.

achoo

I can't tell one bit of difference between the shifters on my two race bikes. One has 6700, the other 5700.

Given the difference in price....

Shimano STI Levers 105 Black 5700/5703 with cables, GEARSHIFT STI / ERGO

As far as bars go:

https://www.amazon.com/Alloy-Handleba...4+cm+handlebar

rpenmanparker 

OP, make sure you compare bars on comparable width basis, c-c or outside-outside. The difference is about 2 cm or one size. Most bars are measured c-c, but you occasionally find one that is outside-outside. Keep that in mind when making comparisons.

soma5

Pro Vibe 7s Compact II. Very comfortable tops, good shape on the drops, easy to reach the brake levers in the hooks.

MagicHour

I put one of these Performance Forte Team Alloy handlebars in a size 42 on my bike, if this didn't work out I was going to then try one of the Pro Vibe 7S.
I have about 300mi on the $29.99 Forte bar and I'm liking it and have no plans to replace it now. Weighs 275gms, is very comfortable in all positions for my 8.5" mitts and plenty stiff for me - but I'm not racing. I'm pretty sure these are made by Kalloy for Performance.

dtrain

Shimano r700's are basically 5600's with a shorter reach, (along with 6600) they have 'external' shift cables. Sounds like you want the 5700 or 6700 line for sure.

JamesInSJ

THANK YOU! I had scanned through PBK and Wiggle and the prices weren't great. Probably could have got a recent 15% discount applied to PBK, making the 105s about $155, but even better, Ribble had a 10% discount code right there, and with their lower price I picked up the 105 Double for only $148 shipped.

JamesInSJ

Thanks everyone for helping me hijack my own thread with shifter discussion. I realized I didn't post all the information to drive that question... I just bought new Ultegra 6700 brakes for this build too, so it requires 5700/6700 shifters due to the brake "throw" required. Compliments to Achoo for sending me Ribble's way (I'm a regular PBK/Wiggle customer but don't usually look at Ribble) and I just ordered new 5700's. So my "new" Madone 5.9 won't be entirely Ultegra...everything but the shifters now.

JamesInSJ

Giving this post a bump (for my 50th post!). Any other thoughts out there before I pull the trigger on something? I know...I know...this isn't like I'm spending a $1000...so it's not a big loss if I get the decision wrong and go hunting for something else later.