How to pick handle bars
08-19-14, 09:02 PM
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How to pick handle bars
The bars that came with my bike were too narrow. I couldn't fit my hands on the flats without turning my elbows out. The bike shop swapped out for a handlebar they on hand that was wider, but I don't think the shape is right. I didn't even know handlebars came in different shapes. The brakes/shifters seem really far from where my hand is comfortable on the hood area. I have to move my hand to brake- is that ok? And I can't reach the brakes from the drops very well at all. And the curve of the drop doesn't seem to go far enough down under the bar for my liking- maybe I like less of a drop? Anyways, how do I go about finding the right bar? It isn't like it is easy to switch out like a saddle as the brakes and wrap get in the way. So I have no idea how to find the right bar.
08-19-14, 09:42 PM
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Shimano should have shims that will move the levers farther in. Ask your bike shop...they can order a pair.
08-19-14, 10:36 PM
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Handle bars come in a variety of shapes. There's the traditional shape.
Here's a good comparison on the various bar shapes: Road Drop Bar Geometry : La Rueda Tropical
Reach refers to the distance to where the brake hoods would mount. Drop is the vertical distance between tops/hoods and the drops.
Short reach bars will have hoods closer in to top position than a traditional bar. Basically the down curve starts almost immediately, rather than extending forward before curving down.
Shallow bars have shorter distance to the drops.
Compact bars are usually both short reach and shallow drop. Effectively, this put the main riding positions (tops/hoods/drops) closer together making it easier to switch between. If you're a smaller female rider, you probably want compact bars.
Before you go spending a bunch of money buying handlebars, stems, etc. You might want to consider looking into a good fitting. If you bring these concerns up to a good fitter most likely they'll be able to make a better recommendation than the internet.
Here's a good comparison on the various bar shapes: Road Drop Bar Geometry : La Rueda Tropical
Reach refers to the distance to where the brake hoods would mount. Drop is the vertical distance between tops/hoods and the drops.
Short reach bars will have hoods closer in to top position than a traditional bar. Basically the down curve starts almost immediately, rather than extending forward before curving down.
Shallow bars have shorter distance to the drops.
Compact bars are usually both short reach and shallow drop. Effectively, this put the main riding positions (tops/hoods/drops) closer together making it easier to switch between. If you're a smaller female rider, you probably want compact bars.
Before you go spending a bunch of money buying handlebars, stems, etc. You might want to consider looking into a good fitting. If you bring these concerns up to a good fitter most likely they'll be able to make a better recommendation than the internet.
Last edited by gsa103; 08-19-14 at 10:42 PM.
