I originally posted this in the 'Fitting Your Bike' sub-forum but recognise that probably wasn't quite the right place.

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 Zero1that 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?

What did Deda say on that? I would have to imagine they are the same bars with different generations if the measurements are all the exact same?

If you have both bars, why not just put them next to each other and answer the question for yourself? Maybe they are actually different in drop? Maybe the shape of the curve? Just look at them. I'd be interested in what you find out.

No experience with the Zero1 bars, but I do know the other two. RHM is the compact shape in Deda speak. RHM bars of the same size will all have the same shape and dimensions.
The difference between the 01 and the 02 is that the 02 has a crimped channel for brake and shifter cables. It lends to a slightly cleaner build.

I've tried this. There is nothing visibly different. The RHM01 and the RHM02 I think are identical, and as pointed about by Oldguyonoldbike, the only difference is that the RHM02 has a cable channel under the tops (which had been slightly flattened), whereas the RHM02 has the more traditional 'round' profile with the cable channels at the front/rear of the bars.

The Zero1 looks the same when held to the other two, but it definitely feels different when riding. It just doesn't feel as deep, or as if the curve is tighter. And yet the measurements are the same.

Maybe it's how you wrapped them and with what you wrapped them and you are feeling a difference in the grip diameter. Perhaps one is just a silly millimeter longer in depth due to manufacturing tolerances and your body notices. Maybe a slightly different angle and one bar is rotated further in the stem. Maybe it's your mind playing tricks on you because of the contrast from black to white. Maybe it's a puzzle you shouldn't dwell on too much longer before it has you thinking the world is out to get you! <grin>

If they measure the same and are in fact the same when compared directly to each other, then, dare I say it, it might just be in your head. Not that there's anything wrong with that. You should use the bars that you like the best.

This is probably true; a recurring thing with cycling - thinking about it too much!!

That would make too much sense...