Handlebar Sizing - Help

[DanPrice]

Recently bought a new road bike, Focus Culebro 2008 after quitting BMX racing to hopefully give road a go.

The only problem is the handlebars, i know coming from a BMX there going to be a hell of a lot smaller, but the ones that came on my Focus seem far too small, almost uncomfortable i feel as if i need to be more open if that makes any sense.

Ive got the sizes off of Wiggle and it says on a 56cm frame the bars are 420. Im guessing this is mm (42cm), can anyone shed any light?

If i went for 46cm bars, would these be absolute massive? As im guessing 46cm means width.

Also are there any makes to look out for/stay away from as im going to be giving my bike a real battering over the next few months. (dont want to spend real big bucks, as ill probably end up upgrading everything in the new year/end of winter)

For some reason 46cm sticks out in my mind as the same size i had on my training bike from BC. Cant remember fully though.


Again as all of my posts all help and opinions greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Steve Austin]

Handlebars should roughly be shoulder width, but i reckon they should be the width you want them to be. Wider works well for me, and if your used to 'wrestling' bmx's will be right for you

 

[DanPrice]

Thanks for the quick reply.

What would you recommend the biggest i go for, 46cm? (dont actually think ive seen any bigger haha)

Ive just stumbled across these 2 on Ebay (like i said dont want to spend loads until i know what parts and sizes i need and upgrade, so for now)

Theres these, ITM alu/carbon Anatomic 46cm - for £23.90
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=390001018661

Or, ITM Millenium Oversize 46cm - for £20.45
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=390001018659

(I think with the Focus stem i need oversize bars, without going and looking im not to sure, but would anyone actually buy either of these or shall i stay clear?)

Again thanks

 

[Steve Austin]

46 is the biggest they come. but a few companies measure them differently. edge of bar, centre of bar, inside of bar could be where they measure from/to. I like bontrager and itm as they seem to make wide bars.

Is there any chance you can try a few? Even holding them in the shop will help

 

[DanPrice]

Right ive had a look around my LBS's today and found nothing.

Ive just measured my bars that came on my Focus and they are 42cm (centre to centre), which is 46cm (outside to outside).

Ive found some Bontrager bars but the store is now closed (mail order) so i cant call to ask were the 46cm is measured to and from before i order them.

Does anyone know were Bontrager usually measure from or can it vary from bar to bar? (id imagine it stay the same on each pair they make)

Sorry to be a pain.

Any help would be great