i had my LHT built up with some 48 cm handle bars a while ago. I love them, since i've got some rather broad shoulders. But they're breaking... and i need new ones. the widest i've been able to find is 46 cm. i got some off of Nashbar, hoping they'd work out, but i don't know if i'll like them so much.
any recomendations as to where i can get some good 48 cm drop bars for less than forty dollars? I know about those nittos, and they're a fair bit.
thanks.

Hi 2mtr!

You're right about the Nittos being high buck, but consider the value of the part... If your bars break while you're riding then you're AMF! I coughed up the $$$ and bought the Nittos. I figure they're probably good for the life of the bike or until wrecked, whichever happens first. Unfortunately, I don't know of anybody other than Nitto that makes a 48 cm bar (doesn't mean they don't exist - I just don't know of them). Happy hunting!

Rivendell carries the Nitto "Noodle" bars in 48cm. I have them on all three of my bike and they are great. If Rivendell is out of stock, give them a call, they will give you a good idea of how soon they will get a new shipment.

I also have trouble finding bars wide enough for my shoulders. I decided to build my LHT with Salsa Moto-Ace Bell Lap bars. They are 46cm c-c at the hoods and about 52cm c-c at the ends of the drops. They have been working well for me.

Have the Nashbar bars arrived so you can try them at least? You may actually end up liking them.
48 cm? Wow...you must just like really wide bars, or you do have VERY wide shoulders.
I didn't know they let gorillas just ride bikes around wherever they wanted!
(kidding...!)

i like the Bell Laps myself - i've got the 48 cm model on my 'cross bike. using a 48 cm Winwood Road Scholar on my Bianchi - and wish i'd tried the Bell Lap first! sure, the carbon is bling-y. and the flat upper portion of the bar is super-comfy. but the flared drops on the Bell Lap are the best - remind me of my old Sakae Randnner bars, really.

i got the nashbars. they're pretty nice. except i feel myself bending my elbows a bit in the hoods. at the ends of the drops, i feel just fine.

I couldn't agree more. I have Nitto 46 cm and couldn't be happier with them. In this case, you get what you pay for.