Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
I use the same bars actually. I don't know what that bottom dimension is called either.
AFAIK the only way to have more of the bottom (drop) portion directly under you is to rotate the bars forward. Current popular practice is to rotate the bars backward so the ramp to the brake hoods is as level as possible. I have mine rotated a bit more forward so there is more 'drop'. I don't know of any bar that allows you to have it both ways.
I can see that. I spend most of my time on the top of the brake hoods. It seems most comfortable when I have the bars rotated "up". However, that causes the compromise that when I am in the drops, there isn't much bar to grab onto and reaching for the shifters is a long reach.
Other questions: 1) When the width of the bars is listed (e.g. 44cm), is this usually outside - outside or center - center? 2) When they list drop & reach, how is this measured?
Do people have preferred brands or models? I think that I would like to stick with carbon fiber.
Our current bars are very ovalized just outboard of the stem clamp. I assume this is to spread out the load on one's hands. However, I spend very little time in this position so this feature isn't important to me.