I have been “hybridizing” a Focus Mares CX, pictures at the end of the Hybrid pictures thread. I recently put a carbon riser bar on the bike. I also bought end bars to put on the carbon bar. The handlebars look & feel too long, although they are only 720mm. I am 5’7-8” tall with a 32-33 sleeve length. I am thinking about cutting the bars shorter but thought I would post here first.

I know drop bars are typically smaller widths than MTN bike bars, but not sure about a riser bar with end bars on a hybrid? I have been searching YouTube but not finding answers. I am thinking about taking 10mm off each side. I would prefer not to have to remove everything from the bar multiple times, put it all back, position it, tighten it all back up, especially on a carbon bar.....Should I just take more off to start?

I wanted to use grip shifters, which I am hoping will help me with multiple shifts for steep hills on tight corners.....Grip shifters are difficult to get on drop bars.

DowneasTTer,

Thanks for the favor of a reply. I believe the bar I have was made in Taiwan. The company is here in the US, so many parts are made in other countries now. I bought a “reasonably” priced bar to test whether or not I liked carbon. I bought a size I thought I might be able to cut down to something useable. Certainly the trend in MTN bike handlebars is much wider at the moment. I may have gone too long to start. I may cut the one I have down to 680-690, which will give me a better idea of what will work for me. As you mention cutting too much off may change the bar too much, although longer bars are often made with the understanding that they may be reduced.

I am trying to make this bike for gravel and paved MTN roads, which are everywere in the area I am moving to. Again thanks for the reply, you have given me the courage to go a little shorter. I am thinking of the current bar as an experiment to dial in what works for me and my physical challenges.

I cut the current bar down to 680. My push up measurement works out to about that. If I still feel like the bar is just to wide I will probably order a better, shorter bar. I will hopefully know an exact size to order by that time. I was able to get the grip shifter on the riser bar with the end bars. It all still fit.

I had a good ride, in the rain, on the bike yesterday evening. I think 660 or shorter might work for me too. 680 felt a little wide, especially when I used the end bars. I will ride it a while as is before I decide.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help, now I have a width range in mind to work within.

Still at 680, trying “inner bars”. Just ordered Ergon GP2 grip shifter, grips & bar tape to wrap the Profile Design metal inner bars with.