Originally, my summer bike had Deda Zero1 bars on it. Like these:



As a result, when I built my winter bike, I purchased an identical pair.

Although I like these bars, I always feel like the drop could be a bit deeper. For a while I was riding a bike which had Deda RHM02 bars, which I found had a more comfortable, seemingly deeper, drop.

So, in October, I purchased a pair of RHM02 (which also gave me an opportunity to get a white pair), and have put them on the summer bike (identical to the ones below).


However, the measurements of the RHM02 are exactly the same as the measurements of the Zero1, and yet they feel deeper.

MEASUREMENTS RHM02:
Reach: 75mm
Drop: 130mm
Width: 440mm

MEASUREMENTS Zero1:
Reach: 75mm
Drop: 130mm
Width: 440mm

What is the difference? Why do the RHM02s feel deeper? I have researched and researched and researched and cannot find any answers.


I also have a pair off RHM01s, which I have never used, and they ALSO have the same measurements. So, if anyone can explain the difference between RHM01, RHM02 and Zero1 that would be much appreciated! I notice that DEDA actually no longer manufacture anything called 'DEDA RHMXX' - it's just ZeroX with RHM.

If anybody out there has had experience using two of (or all three) of these bars, what do you think?

Given no replies for days I'll offer a couple of ideas, even tho' i have no experience with your Deda bars. Let's assume the handlebars you ride are identical. But have you measured each?

What is the stem on each bike? Length and angle - same?
What is the stack and reach on each bike? Similar?
Do you have the same saddle-to-bar drop on each?

How you are positioned on the bike will affect the angle of your forearms and the distance your hands must move as you transition hoods to drop. If your Summer bike (more aero?) and Winter bike (more upright?) differ much this may affect what you perceive as a difference in handlebar dimensions.

Other than that, perception always wins the battle over truth.

edit: The bars in your pics do not look the same (to me). Are they from the same year? Maybe something changed? The black bars appear (to me) to have a shorter length on the dropped section of the bar. Other dimensions hard to compare with different camera angles.