Bike Forums - Difference Between these 2 Handlebars

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_P (Post 23316084)

As a general rule, you should be as relaxed as possible everywhere in your body that isn't actively doing something. If your bike fit is good there's no need to grip the bars tightly, just rest your hands there.
A longer bar might make things worse since your wrists are already bent outward. I'd look at how your arms and elbows are positioned (maybe move them outward), you want your wrists as straight as possible.

I don't think I'm over-tightly gripping. I'm going to intentionally try to be aware of it to see what I think.
I've had the thought that maybe I'm leaning on to the handlebars with too much force/weight, but I'm able to release holding the handlebar (for several seconds at least) without falling forward. I have to lean up/back just a little, but that's telling me I'm not putting too much weight forward. (but I'm not a "bike fitter" :D)

Your statement "you want your wrists as straight as possible" brings me back to this link: Painful hands – SQlab (sqlab-usa.com), specifically the too straight bar part. (I like those grips they show on that page)

I'm going to order a bar with more back sweep and maybe I will discontinue using the bar ends and see how that goes. I may even (later if needed) replace the stem so I can raise the height up some, taking pressure off my hands of course.

Thanks for all the replies. :thumb:

The problem is where the pressure accumulates. If it's in the middle over the carpal tunnel, then you WILL get numbness. This happens with straight bars.
The place for your weight is the outside corner of your palm and lesser on the thumb.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davester (Post 23312616)

Generally, adjustments are made by changing the stem for height or reach adjustments, or by changing the bars themselves to adjust the sweep angle.

Swept "flat bars" can often be rotated in the stem for pretty substantial adjustment of hand position.

To the OP, the second bar will allow you to rotate the handlebar to change your hand position without substantially changing your hand locations. The first bar's grips will change location if the bar is rotated.