question re: K-Wing Compact handlebars
 

i'm in the process of trying to set up my k-wings properly.
i haven't added handlebar tape yet because i'm still adjusting these things. it's taking me a while because the shape/drop are all different from what i'm used to.

so, the bars are glossy, except for a rough section where the shifters are supposed to attach.
i first set the bars up so the flat section on the top of the bar was level with the ground.
with the hoods in the middle of the rough section, they pointed too far down.
with the hoods at the *extreme top* of the rough section, the hoods were good but the hood-bar transition was not level.

in this pic, i tilted the bars up a bit and moved the shifters down a bit.
the flat section of the bar is now tilted up/back a bit.
the hoods are in a better position, and the transition is closer to level.

i'm thinking of tilting the bars up further, but i'm worried about the flat section being angled too far up/back.

if anyone could give me some tips on whether this looks closer to right or not, i'd appreciate it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/...44e86911_b.jpg

I have K-force bars on both my bikes and like the drops parallel to the ground. Wanted the hoods higher on my Roubaix, so I mounted the shifters above the non-slip section. They're still fairly horizontal.http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/a...7/DSCF3324.jpg

OP that is one extremely hot bike

Thank you sir

My drops are parallel to the ground too but my shifters resemble yours in terms of position. No issues with the top flat section.

http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/w...t/DSCN1519.jpg

What I would do is get a comfortable angle on the drops and the tops, once I have that dialed in tighten it down. Then position your shifters/hoods accordingly.

OP- how is that Merek saddle working for you?

I've heard those flat top bars are a ***** to set up right.

Moreso if you use an extreme angle stem.

Poor pic for thread, but I had mine done @ LBS and they feel perfect.
They are level. For me, that is where I like them.
My mechanic builds his brother's race bike which is nearly identical to mine.

You have Red shifters so I can't tell what angle/positions they should be at,
but my Dura-Ace 7800's look high compared to where your's are positioned now.
I like mine as they are. Great to grab on to.

I'm not sure if mine are set-up correctly
(whatever correct is for a bar/shifter set-up),
but again, I find them comfortable for the kind of riding I do.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1292550544

+1000

We were sponsored by FSA in 2007. I rode those bars and the set-up nearly killed me.

You don't want the flat top parallel with the ground. You want them angled backwards and slightly down. The idea is that when you are doing seated climbing, with your hands on the tops, your arms will fall at a natural angle and your wrists will be straight. This will be the most comfortable.

Once you do this, the transition from bar to shifter becomes better and you end up clamping in the area that has the textured finish.

BTW, hot ride.

It reminds me of TRON (pretty timely).