Originally Posted by
Maelochs
In That case ... you will need to buy me about half-a-dozen bars in different lengths, bends, and rises ... i will test them all for you.
Do you feel a desire for a wider bar while riding? I wider bar increases leverage, which can lead to quicker steering or can turn the wheel when it doesn't want to turn. With a short enough stem, this can lead to twitchy, imprecise steering.
Also ... my understanding was that people bought really long bars with the intention of cutting them down to the right size. Every rider has different strength and different arm-length and shoulder width.
If you already have a comfortable set-up ...
I know it is contrary to industry design and probably will get me banned from this site ... but really, let's admit it ... most "upgrades" provide very little change in overall performance, unless there was a serious lack to begin with.
If you aren't thinking "Wow, I wish I had more leverage right there" or "These bars feel cramped" then probably you don't need a change.
And often times people think their set up is great until they try something else.
You can probably try wider bars for relatively cheap (specially when you consider you can sell the bar if you don't like it) Then you know what works or doesn't work for you.
As for the 31.8vs25.4 clamp size, the oversized clamp offers the potential for lighter AND stiffer handlebars. But mostly, by using the same standard for road and mtb it allows retailers to keep less stem sizes.