garethzbarker

I'm in the process of changing around a hardtail I want to tour with this summer. I used to have a straight bar but I just changed it to a big riser bar. The bar is significantly longer than my original bar, when I was at a bike shop the shop keeper wanted to cut it but I wasn't sure. I know the rule is usually that the bar should be the same length as your shoulders but is that true for really long rides and touring as well? What do you guys suggest for maximum comfort on a flat bar? I'd hate to cut it down and realize it was a mistake. I can't really tell by riding it. it feels fine when I put my hand in different locations. I did move the grips in a little for bar ends and it felt better but in this weather I find it hard to go ride for a long time. I was thinking that on long rides the extra bar length might come in handy. I have to admit though that it's so long it looks kind of weird.

degan

Having your arms in line with your shoulders makes for the most stable ride from what I have noticed. Having them wider puts stress on your arms unnecessarily, though it may be good to have as sort of a change-up position to use every once and a while for short periods of time.

imi

This is home grown, so don't shoot me down too hard: You need someone to measure for you

Sit on the edge of a chair and lean slightly forward. Hold your arms out with your hands as if holding a handlebar. RELAX. Move your arms until all your arm, shoulder, chest and back muscles are relaxed, not straining in any direction. Get to the point where you could hold your arms like that forever. At the correct width any movement will instantly be felt as a straining of one or more muscles...... Measure...

garethzbarker

I realized that I can just change the position of everything on the bar without cutting it (duh). I think I'll just do that and ride it around until I'm sure before I cut. It may look bad but who cares? After measuring though I found the new bar 5 inches longer than my old bar So I'm fairly sure it's getting cut. The thing is so heavy as well, cutting it will at least drop a few grams.