Originally Posted by
TassR700
If you like the Deda Newtons, check out the Deda Newton Shallow bars. They are shorter reach, shorter drop. I am running them and really like them compared to the FSAs I used to have on my Cannondale.
depends on where you like to grab the bars.
shallow bars, are really only usable in the drops, and they're really good if you like staying there for >80% of the time. The tops are somewhat usable, and the hoods are not usable at all, depending on the lever.
compact bars are a different beast entirely. They're supposed to be used on the hoods, but the drops can be used too, with a small difference in height.
as for the original question, do a search or look up the manufacturer websites and look for the cross section images. The differences are quite obvious.
The only makers that actually make 'compact' drop bars are FSA and 3T.
Deda aluminum bars only come in 3 bends, deep, shallow and ergo.
one thing to consider, is that handlebar shape is 100% user preference.