P4D 

I have been riding a bike that has bars 46cm c-c, and I find them comfortable. I know they are appropriate for my size and was fitted for a 46cm. I have a set of 44cm bars that I was considering using on another build but I'm not sure if that loss of 1cm on each side is really going to matter.

I know I could trade the bars out for a 46cm with someone, but the levers are already mounted and the convenience of just attaching these is really compelling.

Will the 44cm bars work, or should I go to 46cm?

Seattle Forrest

I don't think it will be a very big deal ... I'd mount the ones you have now, and ride them for a while, to see. You can always change them later if you need to. But I don't think bar width is as important as other fit issues, like saddle height and set-back; if you ride in the drops or hoods, and switch to the tops from time to time, you're already using a narrower position.

CraigB

While I choose 46s for my own bikes, the difference between the two is only a hair over 3/4", which means each hand/arm will move inboard all of 3/8". It's possible you might not even notice it, assuming drop and reach are the same.

seenoweevil

I have each on different bikes and don't detect any real difference. I have put the original 39's back on my Miyata as I was thinking about selling it. Oh my! Definitely a difference there! Ha! Now I'm searching for some mustache bars,since I can't seem to part with it!

jbman100

That 2 cm made a world of difference to me. I went from a 44 to a 46 and my wrist pain went completely away. I'd go with the 46's

Homeyba

It depends on how much you ride and the type of riding you do. It'd be huge for me. If you have the bars already, put them on and give them a try. If you don't like them go buy the right size. Best case, the 44's work ok and you saved yourself some money. Worst case, you have to change the bars and buy new ones.

timmythology

So what part of the bars do you measure?

And is there a calculator or chart for shoulder width to bar conversion somewhere?

I simply ask because I sit on top of my road bike like a pitbull and would like to have more of a spread for my arms.

CraigB

If I'm not mistaken, the measurement is center-to-center, down at the open ends of the bars.

Kylerk

I think 2 cm is a big difference. I have very wide shoulders and for me it's not a matter of wrist/arm/shoulder comfort - it's all about breathing efficiency. When I have the proper width I find a noticeable improvement in my climbing and sprinting because I can breathe better.

LongT

https://www.ehow.com/how_4760992_bicycle-fit-guide.html

Look at #5. Basically they say your shoulders and the bars should be about the same width. I saw this several places from a Google search.

Bill

timmythology

Thanks for the link LongT.

Looks like handlebars just got moved up on the priority list.
While I am not clear on my shoulder wideth, I do know that my chest is 51-52. I measured my bars last night at 17 inches, or 43.2cm.
Now I know why my road is so uncomfortable on longer rides

IAmCosmo

I have 44's on one bike and 46's on another. I can't tell a difference. It's only 1cm on either side - not enough to matter to me.. My shoulders are wider than either set of bars.

Agave

Bar width matter? Who knew.........

wrenchy54110

I have been riding a lot lately on a bike with 44 bars and recently built another bike with another set of bars labeled as a 44 from the manufacturer. I immediately noticed a difference so I measured C-C and they were actually 45. That being said I think you should notice going from a true 44 to a true 46. Some bars are measured differently, like outside to outside instead of center to center. I thought the 44 I used was good, but actually liked the 45 better after riding with them for a little bit. I am thinking of trying a 46 also just to see how it feels.