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Bars solution - track or ergo?

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Old 04-29-11, 12:11 PM
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Bars solution - track or ergo?

Ok, I did search. Didn't find what I'm looking for.

I'm still relatively new to the SS world. I'm finding that as I'm getting into better shape I'm spending more time in the drops. I have basic road drops on my bike.

What I'm finding is that when in the drops leaning pretty far forward, my bars don't allow me to get my forearms where I want them. My forearms make contact with the first bend in the bar. In other words, the bars are somewhat in the way because of their shape.

My question is, what might be better than my stock road bars as far as riding in the drops? I'm thinking that track bars might not get in the way. It seems most don't like track bars, saying that they are uncomfortable for long rides. I usually ride 10 to 20 miles at a time. Or maybe ergo bars would solve the trick? Most say the ergo bars are best for comfort and amount of hand positions.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks...
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Old 04-29-11, 12:20 PM
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why not go for both?
https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...ducts_id=10217

they're a little pricey but very pretty and look fairly comfy
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Old 04-29-11, 12:25 PM
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Before buying new bars, you may want to try bending your elbows more so that your forearms are more parallel to the ground.
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Old 04-29-11, 01:44 PM
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I really really really hate track drops.

My favorite bars are EC90 Aero. Short reach, short drop, ergo bend, and finger grooves. But the short reach and short drop sounds the exact OPPOSITE of what you want. Try some out is the best way... The shape of your body creates more factors than a "Buy this bar"

Second favorite are WCS Logic II's.
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Old 04-29-11, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by caloso
try bending your elbows more so that your forearms are more parallel to the ground.
Ok, I get it. I guess this getting into biking shape will be an ongoing process...

I just tried your suggestion and it makes sense to me. Possibly the next step in the process is to get a bit more tone in the triceps to support an even lower position.

Btw, the EC90 bars look sweet, but I'll pass on the $300 price tag..

Thanks for the replies.
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Old 04-29-11, 02:03 PM
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Ebay man... $120 shipped... Still pricey but I love the bars. Godspeed
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Old 04-29-11, 02:17 PM
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How are you gripping your drops? Are you gripping the second bend or are you gripping the flat part (the part parallel to the ground)? If the former, i'd go with ergo bars. If the latter, you might additionally consider randonneur bars, which have more flare at the drops--might help with the forearm issues. I'd recommend both over track drops since you can keep your hoods with both ergo and rando bars.
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Old 04-29-11, 02:33 PM
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Track drops on the street is pretty dumb. Nitto Noodle or Rando ftw.
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Old 04-29-11, 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by ScottRock
Are you gripping the second bend or are you gripping the flat part (the part parallel to the ground)?
I'm not trying to convince anybody that I know how to set my bars correctly. Having said that, the flat part of my bars is NOT parallel to the ground. I've got the flat part up in a position to where the flat part, after the first bend from the end of the bar of an ergo bar, would be. I can't fathom having my hands being prompted to bend to a curve (the longer radius bend) going away from my palm. Again, I'm still learning about proper fit.

Originally Posted by ScottRock
go with ergo bars..... additionally consider randonneur bars
I agree with this solution, at least for my immediate situation. Yeah, I guess the track bars would suck. Thanks...
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