Hello there,
I am looking for new pair of mostly basic aluminum handlebars. I am currently using a pair of cinelli criterium bars with aero levers that are a aren't all that comfortable in the bends on the top. I've been thinking of going for either the classic Nitto 115s or a pair of the Noodle bars. I also plan on switching to a pair of 8-speed STI shifters. Are the Noodle bars way more comfortable than the standard drops? Would an ergonomic bar offer more comfort with the STI levers? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
If your Cinelli bars are traditional, they have 26.4 mm clamp diameter. The stems that best fit this clamp are the traditional Cinelli stems. Its a very tight fit in nearly any 26.0 mm stem, like a Nitto, and some would argue that it won't be safe if you do force it in. So if you have a Cinelli stem, you are pretty much stuck with a Cinelli replacement bar, either the 66 or 64. The 66 has a very deep drop, but it is a Maes bend. The 64 is what's now called a Giro d'Italia or traditional Italian bend, with less drop. I haven't tried either one with Ergos, which are my preferred shifter.
I do like Noodles with Ergolevers, but those have 26.0 mm clamp diameters. I use Nitto stems with those. I've tried it with my Cinelli stems, but its not a good fit. I've had comfortable rides with B115 bars as well, but the Noodles are better.
Road Fan