Fair points all...
Thanks for clarifying....
Let me followup with this then...
Do you run your bars at a different height between your racing/non-racing bikes ?
My other quest in my "great handlebar search" is to be more comfortable in, and spend more time in the drops. Here are the issues involved:
Part A - Not really happy with the shape of my current ergo drops...
Solution, get different bar with more grip options in the drops.
Part B - Perhaps raise overall bar height so being in the drops for extended periods of time won't seem so uncomfortable. The tops of my current bars are 2 1/2" below my seat.....I'd like to keep this differential unless absolutely necessary......will have to force myself to spend time in the drops with the new bar before moving this. Trouble is most of the time I ride solo so I naturally gravitate towards riding the hoods.
Originally Posted by
Mr. Fly
For me, the one distinct and significant feature that the Soba/Noodle bar has over other bars is the flatness of the hoods when used with Ergopower or STI. Yes, the finish and reliability are top-notch but I really love how there is so much space on that bar offering slip-free hand positioning.
When racing, comfort on the hoods is irrelevant because I spend so much time in the drops. Noodle/Soba bars, in the drops, aren't terribly different than most classic bend bars. Also, when racing, an easy 100+g advantage (difference between my "light" Soba and my Easton carbon handlebar) sometimes cannot be ignored.
Note: please take that last sentence in context, which is the advantage is only part of the larger weight difference of the entire package. Of course, I understand that 100g is not going to win races but 4lbs might.