I'm looking for a set of drop bars for my nearly(?) new 2005 Mondonico ELOS. It came with 42 cm c-c, and I want 38 or 40. Plus I need 31.8 mm, 125 to 130 mm drop with reach about 8 cm, and ergonomic (wide and comfy) cross bar. I use Campy Gen2 Record Ergopower, so I want cable routing grooves.

FSA K-wings look snazzy and comfortable, as do 3T Aeronova. Both are out of my price range, and I've heard aspersions cast at FSA bars (no idea what specific product has been "accused").

What looks to be in my sweet spot are the 3T Ergonova Pro, which hits all my marks and room for a computer on the top.

Any great experience, lessons learned, or wisdom to share? Last time I went shopping for handlebars it was for Nitto Noodles or Randonneurs - quite a while ago!

[h=1]Easton EC90 Aero Road Bars[/h]

Why do you want such narrow bars? My understanding is they should be about as wide as your shoulders.

Going to opposite direction from narrower, but I love the Salsa Cowbell bars, they have a 12 degree flare out of the drops to offer a more ergonomic wrist position in the drops.

3T Ergonova

Ritchey Streem: Ergo drops, flat tops & cable crevices to keep them out of the way.
They sell them in a $50 'comp' model too.

My shoulders are 40 cm and that's what's worked for me in the past.

I'm not in love with the shape - do they work well for you?

So far these are my favorites.

I have the FSA K-force. Great bar in terms of vibration dampening. If you want 40cm at the hoods, get the 42cm, as they flare out at the drops. I also have the FSA Wing Pro (alu) and I actually prefer those because it doesn't flare out.

I love my Cinelli 42 CM Giro, but next bike maybe 44 CM Cinelli Giro.

I'm not crazy about the hook bend of the Streem II, but I like the EvoCurve. But it doesn't have a flat cross bar.

No proponents of FSA? I'm not against them.

Sorry, Jazzy, I just saw your post - I know I looked at those two before, but I'll have to check them out again.

I used to use Cinelli 64's! Liked them.

Thanks, all!

Soma Highway 1

3T Ergosum Team Stealth.

Yes, I have 4 pairs.

The only wisdom about handlebars I have to share is, choose the bar that best suits your purpose. For example, the bars on my rando bike are very comfy for long days in the saddle, and offer many distinct hand positions. On my race bike I use FSA Energy Ts, a traditional bar that isn't particularly comfortable for 'regular' riding at lower outputs, but provides precisely the right support for the positions I want for difficult moments in a race.

I guess that's kind of obvious, but I found myself for a long time focusing on comfort during mellow test rides.