Originally Posted by
Eric S.
If handlebar makers are going to put markings near the stem, as in the attached photo, they could put them on the bends for quick lever placement. I have no clue what use those clamp area markings are good for, by the way.
They help you center the bars in the stem clamp and give you an index to set the angle of the drops and hooks. There are bars with index marks on the bends to assist brake lever/brifter placement
Originally Posted by
Eric S.
I ride with traditional bend drop bars and usually start from scratch - mount the levers, snug 'em up a bit, put the bars on the floor and get the lever tips to touch the floor. Then I mark the clamp band positions with a Sharpie and ride around for awhile with reference points if I need to make adjustments. No need to carry a broom handle.
Uhhh, you don't carry the broom handle, it stays in the shop.
Frankly, the broom handle/yardstick method of equalizing lever placement is a lot more convenient than standing the bike on it's head to use the floor for the same purpose.