FSA K-wing handlebar question
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
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From: Charlotte, NC
Bikes: Orbea Onix 07
FSA K-wing handlebar question
I am considering purchasing these bars to replace a stock aluminum bar (42cm) on my Orbea Onix. The width of the aluminum bar is fine and feels comfy. I ride casually on weekends and put about 50-70 miles per week on the road. I am 5'10" and 150 in weight.
My issue is the width. I have read where the FSA k-wing runs a little narrow and that some folks actually suggest going to the 44cm. Also, I mostly ride upright on the hoods and only use the drops occasionally.
Thanks in advance.............
My issue is the width. I have read where the FSA k-wing runs a little narrow and that some folks actually suggest going to the 44cm. Also, I mostly ride upright on the hoods and only use the drops occasionally.
Thanks in advance.............
#2
I went from a 42 to a 44 when I upgraded from my OEM Cannondale bar to a FSA K-Wing Bar myself.
I immediately noticed the difference in my comfort. It all depends on your personal needs.
From what I've read, a good way to find your size is to have someone measure your shoulder blades.
Or, better yet, go to an LBS and see how a 44cm equipped bike feels when you hold it.
For me, wider was definitely better. BTW, the K-Wing itself was a great upgrade.
Made my rides much much nice. I love mine.
(RE: I'm 5'9" so we might have the same width needs.)



I immediately noticed the difference in my comfort. It all depends on your personal needs.
From what I've read, a good way to find your size is to have someone measure your shoulder blades.
Or, better yet, go to an LBS and see how a 44cm equipped bike feels when you hold it.
For me, wider was definitely better. BTW, the K-Wing itself was a great upgrade.
Made my rides much much nice. I love mine.

(RE: I'm 5'9" so we might have the same width needs.)



Last edited by 2ndGen; 03-28-11 at 10:25 AM.
#3
Lula Mae = 15 lbs.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 766
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From: I keep hitting <Escape>, but I'm still here!
Bikes: 2011 Trek Madone 6.5 w/SRAM Red 22
My K-Wing is the older, non Compact version, from 2009/2010.
I went from an Icon alumm 42 to a 42 in this model FSA K-Wing; the Compact version was too "narrow" from tops to drops for me.
I went from an Icon alumm 42 to a 42 in this model FSA K-Wing; the Compact version was too "narrow" from tops to drops for me.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
From: Southern CA
Bikes: '17 Trek Emonda, '16 Yeti ASR5, '14 Cdale F29 '08 Orbea Orca.
I'm currently riding two sets of K-Wings. Both measuring 42cm. They do seem to run a bit narrow but it's never been an issue for me. Maybe the width of the bar makes it seem narrow because it certainly does measure 42 c-c.


#6
A lot of pros ride with a 44cm bar from center to center. Last year I rode the FSA Compact Wing Al bar in size 42cm and it felt too narrow.
Since I wanted to try a carbon bar and love the shape of the Kwing...both in reach and hook size and shape, I ordered the Kwing compact in size 44cm which measure 44cm from center to center of hooks and 43cm from center to center of hoods where most riders spend their time. It feels perfect plus the slightly wider bars have more room up top. Also, you have the option of either taping the top or not with the Kwing because of internal cable routing if you choose. Initially I didn't tape the top and routed both the derailleur and brake cables through the bar. I re-thought this and decided to route the derailleur cables behind the handlebars and the brake cables through the bar. I did this for the best shift performance with Campy and decided I wanted the top of the bars wrapped. My advice if you are an average to larger male is go with the 44cm bar because it measures a bit less across the hoods.
Hope that helps.
Pics below of the Kwing wrapped up top:
Since I wanted to try a carbon bar and love the shape of the Kwing...both in reach and hook size and shape, I ordered the Kwing compact in size 44cm which measure 44cm from center to center of hooks and 43cm from center to center of hoods where most riders spend their time. It feels perfect plus the slightly wider bars have more room up top. Also, you have the option of either taping the top or not with the Kwing because of internal cable routing if you choose. Initially I didn't tape the top and routed both the derailleur and brake cables through the bar. I re-thought this and decided to route the derailleur cables behind the handlebars and the brake cables through the bar. I did this for the best shift performance with Campy and decided I wanted the top of the bars wrapped. My advice if you are an average to larger male is go with the 44cm bar because it measures a bit less across the hoods.
Hope that helps.
Pics below of the Kwing wrapped up top:
#7
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
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From: Charlotte, NC
Bikes: Orbea Onix 07
Thanks for the responses.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
#8
Thanks for the responses.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/205...p=195%20FSAKB0
#9
Look around. They are going for about $200. for black 44cm K-Wings.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/205...p=195%20FSAKB0

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/205...p=195%20FSAKB0

#10
Thanks for the responses.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
I measured my aluminum bars across, hood to hood. They show 41cm. From bottom bar end to bar end they are 42c-c. So I am not sure what I will do.
It sounds like the FSA in a 42 would be the equivalent to what I currently have. Plus, I can't find the 44cm in the black carbon, only white. And that bar is expensive. Really don't want to pay 300+ bucks for the 44cm. That one pic of the white bar, however, looks pretty sweet. My Orbea has white trim and I currently have white bar tape. Maybe I can be convinced...............
Thanks again, great pics everyone.
So go with what you like.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,711
Likes: 74
From: Conejo Valley, CA
Bikes: Domane SLR7 Disc
I've got the alloy version of the FSA bars, standard edition. For those who switched to the compact one, did it make a difference for you? ( I don't mean carbon vs alloy, just the reach/drop)
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#13
Made a huge difference for me (both carbon and compact).
My ride is much better now and I love it.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
From: Southern CA
Bikes: '17 Trek Emonda, '16 Yeti ASR5, '14 Cdale F29 '08 Orbea Orca.
Thanks! I didn't know there were white ones available until I accidentally saw an ad. Then I knew I had to have it.
Good luck Mark with your new bars. I think the black ones look a bit sharper but my intent was to match it with the white on my Orca.
Good luck Mark with your new bars. I think the black ones look a bit sharper but my intent was to match it with the white on my Orca.
#16
I have no spacers. But that's a matter of personal preference.
One man's normal could be another's "high" or "low".
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