crash66

As some of you might know, I'm dealing with some RSI (repetitive stress injury) issues in my forearms since my double elbow/wrist break two summers ago. Basically, the arms were compromised and introduced me to the world of computer-related carpal tunnel type problems, but farther up the arm toward the elbow.

To assist my recovery at work, I purchased an "ergo" keyboard that is modestly crested in the middle, and which has the keys aligned in such a way that your pinky and ring finger are farther from your body than your thumb and index finger. This is a much more natural position (try it for yourself by holding your arms out front of you), and has helped in my (admittedly slow, but ongoing) recovery. I've also purchased a "vertical" mouse with the buttons on the right side that keeps my hand in a more natural handshake position. This too has helped.

My question is this--would these ergo ideas have any place in the world of bicycle handle bars? For example, instead of a completely horizontal bar, could the bar be angled slightly down and forward from the bar/stem contact point? The drops/hoods could also be made to follow the more natural and neutral position of your outstretched arms. This might keep your hands and arms fresher on long rides, and might prevent or alleviate the numbness people often get when compressing the medial nerve in the palm.

I seem to recall pictures from early racers (maybe 1930's era) where this concept seemed to be in play, but I can't be sure.

Any thoughts from you all as to whether this might be applicable today?

MichaelW

Nitto and 3TTT make drop bars designed for touring comfort rather than aerodynamic efficiency.
The tops slope up and back from the stem, not forward and down. With a down slope you have to grip the bars to prevent slipping. These comfort drop bars are shaped to minimise gripping.

GiantRoadie

Check out the Specialized Sequoia Bars. They sweep slightly back and down from your stem. Bar tops are large, flat and "semi-aero". Brake reach changes with handlebar sizing and the drops are slightly flared. Also it utilizes a type of dampening material called zertz which does actually help eliminate road buzz. At 310g its not exactly light, but definately not heavy either. I've been hugely happy with mine.

gpelpel

I like the FSA K-Wing. You might also benefit from a more upright position to release stress on your arms and wrists.

patentcad

Major +1 on that. Have the K-Wings on both my road bikes now. I don't know if that would help you with your issues, but they are OUTSTANDING. By FAR the best/most comfortable handlebars I've had over 20+ years of regular road cycling.

peterm5365

I like the Ritchey Biomax. Up and forward something like 6 degrees. I find them quite comfortable.

badger_biker 

I agree with GiantRoadie. I have the older Sequoia bars w/out the zertz and love them. I thought I had the best in my Nitto's with flared drops on my touring bike, but these have those beat and I'm looking for another set. Due to stem clamp size I was looking for the non-zertz again but I know the zertz on my stays and fork really does work for the road buzz.

crash66

Awesome information everyone. I checked the Ritchey and Specialized bars and they look very promising.

Thanks again.

56/12 and 22/28

For the love of gawd.

ITM K-Sword Wing.

With the matching stem, of course.

Lectron

ITM K-wing and Ritchey Biomax. Tried out the FSA K-wing. Didn't like it.
Something very wrong with the shape of that one.