handlebar width
09-20-08, 06:46 PM
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handlebar width
My 52cm Scott CR1 Pro currently sports a 44cm Zipp ZSL handlebar. When I got fitted, my coach suggested it couldn't hurt to switch to a narrower handlebar (I am 5'6"). Would I notice any difference at all from a 2cm change (by switching to a 42cm handlebar)? What about 4cm (by switching to a 40cm handlebar)?
I am not uncomfortable when I ride up to 4 or 5 hours, and I don't get numbness in my hands or arms (or anywhere else, for that matter), so me thinks "if it ain't broken, then don't fix it!"...
I am not uncomfortable when I ride up to 4 or 5 hours, and I don't get numbness in my hands or arms (or anywhere else, for that matter), so me thinks "if it ain't broken, then don't fix it!"...
Last edited by hrt4me; 09-20-08 at 07:39 PM.
09-20-08, 06:49 PM
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Are you as narrow as a 42cm bar?
Measure your shoulders.
Using wider bars is alright, but going narrower can create problems by squishing your chest.
Measure your shoulders.
Using wider bars is alright, but going narrower can create problems by squishing your chest.
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09-20-08, 06:53 PM
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44cm for a 5'6 seems a bit wide... unless your upper body is wide
heck, I'm 5'7 and use 38cm and 40cm c-t-c, but those match my shoulder width properly.
heck, I'm 5'7 and use 38cm and 40cm c-t-c, but those match my shoulder width properly.
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09-20-08, 07:01 PM
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At which point do I measure my shoulders? And how does that measurement correlate to handlebar width?
Thanks!
Thanks!
09-20-08, 07:04 PM
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Humerus to Humerus, Outer to Outer.
The bars should be the same width as your shoulders.
The bars should be the same width as your shoulders.
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09-20-08, 07:05 PM
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The narrower bar will reduce your cross section a bit and make you more aero. If you get too narrow, you might constrict your breathing a bit, though. Measure your shoulder width (point to point), and get bars that you'd fit just inside.
As an example, my shoulder width is about 40.5 cm, so a good fit for me is 42 if measured c-c, 44 if measured from the outside edges. LIke seat tube measurements, handlebars are spec'd out both ways.
As an example, my shoulder width is about 40.5 cm, so a good fit for me is 42 if measured c-c, 44 if measured from the outside edges. LIke seat tube measurements, handlebars are spec'd out both ways.
09-20-08, 07:14 PM
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The narrower bar will reduce your cross section a bit and make you more aero. If you get too narrow, you might constrict your breathing a bit, though. Measure your shoulder width (point to point), and get bars that you'd fit just inside.
As an example, my shoulder width is about 40.5 cm, so a good fit for me is 42 if measured c-c, 44 if measured from the outside edges. LIke seat tube measurements, handlebars are spec'd out both ways.
As an example, my shoulder width is about 40.5 cm, so a good fit for me is 42 if measured c-c, 44 if measured from the outside edges. LIke seat tube measurements, handlebars are spec'd out both ways.
Bar width makes a big difference for comfort. I likely would ride even narrower than the 44 cm deda bar I ride except I like the leverage for climbing which is a big deal to me.
09-20-08, 07:46 PM
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I suspect there's a reasonable range that works. 44 cm and I get a gradual pain between my shoulder blades. 42 cm and I feel good, but my pedaling isn't quite as smooth as with 40 cm, just the tiniest bit of imbalance that really builds up over the miles. 40 and I have to balance rather than muscle the front end but I'm good for any number of miles. 38 and I feel sleek but something really doesn't work with my hands and shoulders after a few miles. Only took me about 20 years to figure that stuff out!
So there may be more sensitivity to fit than one would think. I'm not convinced rules of thumb are the best thing, but they're not a bad place to start.
So there may be more sensitivity to fit than one would think. I'm not convinced rules of thumb are the best thing, but they're not a bad place to start.
09-20-08, 08:14 PM
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Should:
The bars should be the same width as your shoulders, not have to be the same width as your shoulders.
Originally Posted by A freaking online dictionary
should
Pronunciation:
\shəd, ˈshu̇d\
Function:
verbal auxiliary
Etymology:
Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
Date:
before 12th century
past of shall
1—used in auxiliary function to express condition <if he should leave his father, his father would die — Genesis 44:22(Revised Standard Version)>2—used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency <'tis commanded I should do so — Shakespeare><this is as it should be — H. L. Savage><you should brush your teeth after each meal>3—used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past <realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise — Ellen Glasgow>4—used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected <with an early start, they should be here by noon>5—used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement <I should suggest that a guide…is the first essential — L. D. Reddick>
Pronunciation:
\shəd, ˈshu̇d\
Function:
verbal auxiliary
Etymology:
Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
Date:
before 12th century
past of shall
1—used in auxiliary function to express condition <if he should leave his father, his father would die — Genesis 44:22(Revised Standard Version)>2—used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency <'tis commanded I should do so — Shakespeare><this is as it should be — H. L. Savage><you should brush your teeth after each meal>3—used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past <realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise — Ellen Glasgow>4—used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected <with an early start, they should be here by noon>5—used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement <I should suggest that a guide…is the first essential — L. D. Reddick>
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09-20-08, 09:37 PM
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Finally, someone else who doesn't buy into this BS myth. The diaphragm inflates the lungs by moving downward. If you're physically lifting your shoulders and puffing out your chest while breathing, you're using only 1/2 your lung capacity to begin with. Proper deep, full-lung breathing is the first thing any Yoga or martial arts practitioner learns, and it does not involve the chest and rib cage.
09-20-08, 09:55 PM
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however when your arms are raised and wide open, like the 'Y' of YMCA part, it's much easier to breath than just yoga breathing
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
09-20-08, 10:06 PM
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Actually, breathing in with that position is indeed easier, but you will have trouble emptying your lungs entirely, as you need to force the diaphragm upward.
Finding a way to always use your maximum lung capacity is quite difficult. I think the best we can do is find a way to use the most we can without thinking about it. Position on a bike will affect this of course, and it's a fine balance between this and aerodynamics at times.
Last edited by krusty; 09-20-08 at 10:11 PM.
