Ideal handlebar width / length
 

Looking for guidelines on cutting my handlebar down to size. It`s a Bontrager with a slight rearwards taper/bend to it and is currently found on my 26" Trek Top Fuel full susp. The bar feels really wide and so i am contemplating cutting it down to size. It measures 63 cm or 24.8 inches. I don`t use the bike for any type of aggressive riding just for normal commuting riding etc.

Here`s a link to something similar to what i have.

Manillar Specialized Aluminio Mini Rise - Kbike

I am using bar ends that are similar to these. Riding a too wide bar these have a nasty habit of hooking up to lots of unwanted obstacles :(

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/co...bar-ends-black

So how much is just about enough for my use? I suspect this bar is classed as a long handlebar. Cut off 2.5 inches on each side biting off too much?

I like to have my bars the width of my shoulders. I's suggest that you cut off an inch or less at a time and try it out; it is easier to make an additional cut than to put some back if you cut off too much.

Drop bars are classically chosen to be shoulder width, Straight bars , Wider..

There is some limit to how narrow a straight bar can be, before the controls and grips won't fit, any more..

there is your answer, unless you have a package of "Bar Grow Back" ©

+1 There is far too much variability in preference and fit to make any useable recommendation. Also keep in mind that what you are perceiving as too wide may be a different factor - reach or height.

630mm bars are already very narrow for a modern mountain bike. I would not recommend cutting them at all.
Most full suspension bikes are coming with bars that are ~750mm, and relatively short stems (<90mm).

With a mountain bike, the wider bars provide better control, and give better leverage. Your fit should be with relatively wide hands and elbow bent outward. If you feel that the bars are putting you too far forward, you may want to try a shorter stem.

My mountain bike handlebar width is ~10 cm wider than the drop bar bike's handlebars. This doesn't include the bar ends.

Brad

Decided to take off 3 cm on each side so a little over 2 inches shorter bar now. Looks and feels a lot better. Pretty happy with it now :)

BEFORE CUTTING YOUR HANDLEBAR, take the time to slide your shifters, brake levers, grips, bar ends and whatever else you have on your bar as far inward as possible. That'll tell you how much is possible to cut off. You might even want to take a short test ride so that you will know for sure how the new arrangement is going to feel.

There was plenty enough space available for what i had to move further in. What really bugged me was my arms outward angle when holding on to the bar ends (these can not be slid inwards as one end is shut) and any movement not deliberate all the way out at the end will result in too much movement of the wheel making my ride less steady. I am used to the narrow cyclocross handlebar so quite the leap getting used to 63 cm.