handlebar alignment?
06-05-07, 11:30 AM
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handlebar alignment?
Is there a proper way to have the top of the drop on a touring/commuter bike? I usually see it angles alot more before the hoods then my bike does.
My Fuji Touring
Trek 520
Looking online the only place I can find mentions the angle says it is just for comfort only. My books say the bottom should be like the Trek 520 pictured.
It seems ok but rather upright it just keeps bugging me that every drop bar bike I notice bars are totally different. Not to mention everyone elses isn't on a 1" quill stem
My Fuji Touring
Trek 520
Looking online the only place I can find mentions the angle says it is just for comfort only. My books say the bottom should be like the Trek 520 pictured.
It seems ok but rather upright it just keeps bugging me that every drop bar bike I notice bars are totally different. Not to mention everyone elses isn't on a 1" quill stem
06-05-07, 11:42 AM
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Whatever works for you is the right way.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-05-07, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
Whatever works for you is the right way.
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06-05-07, 01:20 PM
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I've had this problem before too. Different books/sites gives different answers mostly. And I've seen different riders have their bars set up differently too. Like Chip said, its all about you really. But the difference between the angles I believe has to do with how agressive you want your posture to be on the bike. A more level top allows you sit up straighter and an angled top makes you more aero on the hoods.
06-05-07, 02:11 PM
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The one book I've seen that makes any reference to this says that the "experienced" riders (their term) often prefer the ends of the bars pointed at the rear hub, which would be even more angle than in your picture of the Fuji.
IMHO it's a matter of personal preference. I rode with the ends of my drops horizontal for quite a long time, and recently I've been riding with them angled down. When they're angled down it puts me a bit more upright on the hoods, and a little more stretched out in the drops. I don't know if I'll leave them there, but either way seems reasonably comfortable and functional for me.
IMHO it's a matter of personal preference. I rode with the ends of my drops horizontal for quite a long time, and recently I've been riding with them angled down. When they're angled down it puts me a bit more upright on the hoods, and a little more stretched out in the drops. I don't know if I'll leave them there, but either way seems reasonably comfortable and functional for me.
06-05-07, 02:57 PM
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I saw one guy the other day who had his drops totally flipped over, so they were on top and pointing forward (didn't see how he had his brakes set up). So, like everyone else has been saying, it's totally up to you. I personally prefer them like the Trek picture...
06-05-07, 09:13 PM
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Do it the way it feels the most comfortable.
My bars are almost tilted like those of the Fuji above, but my brake levers are much lower : the hood is completely horizontal. I like the wrist position I get and I find the brake levers most accessible that way.
My bars are almost tilted like those of the Fuji above, but my brake levers are much lower : the hood is completely horizontal. I like the wrist position I get and I find the brake levers most accessible that way.
