Difference Between these 2 Handlebars - Adjustability
#26
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 7
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.
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'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"
)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.
Last edited by dregsfan; 08-08-24 at 01:17 PM.
#27
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 506
From: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster
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.
The place for your weight is the outside corner of your palm and lesser on the thumb.
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 49
Bikes: 29er commuter/tourer, 26er commuter/tourer, folding mixed-mode commuter
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.




