Originally Posted by
garethzbarker
Hi, I'm trying to get used to my new LHT. I got a real relaxed fit and went a size down. Now I'm working on the drop bar position. I've only had one other bike with drop bars and it was more aggressive. I'm having trouble figuring out where to put the LHT bars for a few reasons.
Firstly, they are shaped differently than my other bars and I think they might even be a bit less wide. My other bars had a place to rest your hands in the drops that was kind of straight. I used this as a guide. THe LHT bar is just curved. Also the hoods are smaller than my brifters are.
Secondly, I now have barends and I'm wondering where the best location is so I can shift easily from any position.
Thirdly, I'm trying to ride in a comfy position with my whole body and don't exactly know how straight my back should be ect.
Can I get some general advice and maybe even pictures that will help me out? I'm looking for maximum comfort on all 3 major positions.
Thanks
GZB
P.S. I'm overweight with a big belly
Drop bar bikes now usually come with the "ergonomic" handlbars, as you note they don't have the longer straight drop section. I don't really like the ergo-type bars & favor the classic bars--Nitto Noodle is a classic-type model that's still available. OTOH the drop distance is fairly considerable...maybe you could install a stem that angles higher. RE width I find that a bar about the same width as shoulders works nice. Re the back I see both racing pros & regular riders with both a slightly curved back or else a straight spine. Anyway enjoy your touring in South Korea, it sounds interesting. In the DC USA area there are many Koreans...they are a bit prickly & vast majority wouldn't be caught dead on a bicycle...I guess for them a bike is a symbol of poverty. OTOH we have excellent Korean grocery stores that stock a bewildering variety of produce, meat, fish, grains & legumes. Many nice Korean restaurants too. Pretty rare, must I say, to see a fat Korean. At the grocery store they usually buy a ton of veggies which are usually 1/2 the price of the standard grocery store chains.