Handle bar positioning
 

So I'm using the stock dropout handlebars of the bianchi pista with front brakes and I'm a bit lost as to how adjust the handlebars.

I've seen a lot of fixed gear bike with the HBs curved in a lot which makes sense because you can reach the drops easier BUT it puts the front brakes at a forward and downward position (which is uncomfortable for normal street riding for someone like me who's used to riding on the hoods).

That being said is it a matter of me:
1) Keeping the bars inward and adjusting my hand positioning so I'm more at the flat part or the drops (and just use the front brakes from the drops when necessary)
2) Raising the bar so the hoods are in a more upright and similar to a road bike set up (which makes riding in and braking from the drops awkward).

Advise would be greatly appreciated.

ANyone?

um I'm confused.
which is the most comfortable for you?
do that.

jeff

I'm not really sure what you are asking. But my advise would be:
1) Tip the bars however they are comfortable
2) If the front brake is not in a location that is comfortable to use when bars are at desired angle, move brake hood to a comfortable position, get bmx/cross lever etc.

i set my bikes with a compromise between having: 1) the flat bottom part of the bar level (more or less parallel with non-sloping top tube); 2) brake levers vertical to the ground; and 3) brake hoods flat with top part of bar


to me it strikes a nice balance between aesthetics and utility. i use the flats often and they are most comfy when level. vertical levers allows me to grab them from the hoods or the drops. and flat hood<->bar interface makes riding the hoods easier (big fan of new campy hoods)

of course i only have a cyclo-x lever now so this is now inapplicable

i think the examples with the canted deep drop bars are for merely for show. most of them have wraps only on the upper part of the bar... i dont think anyone with normal vertebrae column can ride the drops with such setup

i like the ends of my drops tipped upward slightly. it creates a subtle craddle for my hands when in the drops. on two of my bikes with quilled stems and drop bars, i make the drops parallel to the slope of the stem...

Yesterday, I saw a guy with his drops facing backwards. Kind of like ghetto moustache bars. I think he had cross levers on the flats.

The bars that you see curved in a lot are different from your bars. If you want that traditional track look into the Nitto b123 chrome plated bars.

As you can plainly see I wouldn't know the difference (as I had thought that the bars of the pista were track specific alread).

I'm really going for function and practicality with the set up I already have and I just thought that the more curved in bars served some sort of specific funtion (especialy for street riding). I see that without brakes it effectively shortens the reach to the handle bars and makes one's position more aero but since I like to use the hoods of my brakes then it may not be for me

aesthetics > comfort
Do what looks coolest not whats most comfortable

I really think most people do that just because it looks tuff.

I'm the complete opposite of you.
comfort/function > asthetics, IMO.
Do what works for you.

Try flipping the stem so that insead of level it goes up a few degrees.
It looks OK and lets the rider have a slightly more upright position with conventional placement of drop bars.

i would set the bars where you like em, then install the levers where you like the hoods. here's a pic i snapped of my pretty much stock set up with a tiagra brake and cheapo shimano exage levers. works great though.

i'm totally sure he was being serious...
just as i am right now...
internet>sarcasm

The reason I started this thread was I was feeling really awkward and uncomfortable on my bike. The fit seemed right but my hands hurt so much even though I kept moving my saddle forward. I have now realzied that it was due to the weird angle of my hoods (in my attempt to put the bars more inward).

I now have the bars and hoods in it's proper place and know that I wasn't losing anything but looker points anyways then I believe I have everything set properly (and comfortably).

Thanks to everyne for their input.

Sadly, its not that way for everyone. Form trumps function/comfort, in many people's minds.

According to the ISO standard for brake lever position, you do it like this:

place straight piece of wood or similar under the bottom end of the bars so that it protrudes forward; the brake lever should be positioned so that the end of it just touches the straight edge. This came from instructions for fitting Modolo brakes. If the brake hoods are still not in a position you like, tilt the bars.
Hope this helps.