Large diameter bars?
#1
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From: ABQ
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Large diameter bars?
Hi all!
I was wondering if anyone has ever seen large diameter bars? Even something say, 31.8 throughout the entire bar whether they're drop, bull horn, or flat.
I have a couple sets of bull horns, drop and flat bars but they are all relatively small even with tape on them.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I was wondering if anyone has ever seen large diameter bars? Even something say, 31.8 throughout the entire bar whether they're drop, bull horn, or flat.
I have a couple sets of bull horns, drop and flat bars but they are all relatively small even with tape on them.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
#2
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From: Orange County, CA
#3
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From: Bristol, R. I.
Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot
I'm pretty much a tinkerer and as a skier I've learned to tinker with the fit of my ski boots. https://www.tognar.comboot_heater_war...snowboard.html I use strips of the self adhesive boot fitting foam from Tognar under the bar tape to increase the diameter as necessary. I've also used strips of the fitting foam to shim under the foot bed of bike shoes. It is handy stuff.
#4
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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31.8 through out the whole bar would have to be straight and for the brakeless Fixie set, since all the levers and controls are either 7/8" and 15/16" not 1.25"
Note how that Italian Road bar is so much smaller where you have to fit the Brake Levers
Grab-On foam grips will also fatten up a standard diameter bar I used 2 of the set of 4 on my Mid 80's Touring Bike ..
Note how that Italian Road bar is so much smaller where you have to fit the Brake Levers
Grab-On foam grips will also fatten up a standard diameter bar I used 2 of the set of 4 on my Mid 80's Touring Bike ..
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-24-15 at 05:03 PM.
#5
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From: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
the problem is that things, things that people think are essential, clamp to the bar. and those clamps have precious little adjust-ability WRT the diameter of what they clamp to.
you can always double or even triple wrap the bar in places where there are no clamps though.
you can always double or even triple wrap the bar in places where there are no clamps though.
#6
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 136
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From: Groves, Texas
Bikes: Schwinn Sport Tourer, Dawes Lightning Tourer
I'm pretty much a tinkerer and as a skier I've learned to tinker with the fit of my ski boots. https://www.tognar.comboot_heater_war...snowboard.html I use strips of the self adhesive boot fitting foam from Tognar under the bar tape to increase the diameter as necessary. I've also used strips of the fitting foam to shim under the foot bed of bike shoes. It is handy stuff.
Edit: got it, malformed link: https://www.tognar.com/boot_heater_warmer_fitting_dryer_canting_dryers_ski_snowboard.html
Last edited by cradom; 03-25-15 at 05:45 AM.
#7
I can sympathize, since I have large hands. I usually need XXL gloves, and sometimes they fit tightly.
My two main solutions were mentioned above. Double wrapping or the foam. I don't care for the foam too much, but it is personal taste. The "cool kids" don't like it, but that doesn't bother me, it is just a feel issue. I do find that wearing padded gloves keeps the narrow bars from bugging me quite so much.
In addition, some tape is thicker than others, so seek out the thickest tape. It really does help. I don't know how we used to ride in the old days with that thin plastic wrap.
There are also gel pad systems that can be used to provide padding and thickness under the tape of a drop bar. I don't recall specific brands, and I haven't used them, but they exist and could be helpful.
My two main solutions were mentioned above. Double wrapping or the foam. I don't care for the foam too much, but it is personal taste. The "cool kids" don't like it, but that doesn't bother me, it is just a feel issue. I do find that wearing padded gloves keeps the narrow bars from bugging me quite so much.
In addition, some tape is thicker than others, so seek out the thickest tape. It really does help. I don't know how we used to ride in the old days with that thin plastic wrap.

There are also gel pad systems that can be used to provide padding and thickness under the tape of a drop bar. I don't recall specific brands, and I haven't used them, but they exist and could be helpful.
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#9
Here's the mfg's website: superleggera 35
#10
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From: Erie, Co
Bikes: Fezzari Empire; State 6061 Allroad gravel; Scott Spark; Specialized Status 140
I use PRO VIBE7's which are 31.8 straight across the tops and then taper to the standard 22.2 at the transition to the drops. When wrapped with Fizik micro tape....I LOVE them. I just have "normal" hands though, the Deda's might be a bit big for me.
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Droping the hamer since '86
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#11
Here's the mfg's website: superleggera 35
They look great for riding on the tops, but no difference for the hoods or drops where many riders spend most of their time.
Keeping the extra diameter out to the bend is nice, but I would possibly prefer a similar bar in 31.8 so I wouldn't be limited to using their stem.
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Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
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