Thanks for that - I've found that my current handle bars are 44cm, ctc. My handlebar size is fine at the moment. When I refer to compact size, I mean having a bar where the hoods are placed closer to the rider so that you're not too stretched out. I know my frame is slightly too big for me. I am 5' 8.5" (174cm ) and my effective toptube is 56.2cm. I've tried shortening the stem, but found that this took a lot of control away. I think if I can pull my hoods about 2cm closer to me, my comfort level will improve tremendously. And I am also finding that my palms jut too far forward in the drops, hence the inclination to shallow drops. I'm thinking of a compact style winged handlebar with shallow drops size 44cm which I am hoping will be able to move the hoods a little closer to me .