handlebars,knowing what to buy

[jackthelad]

Building my first bike from stratch just got the frame at the moment. A Genesis Equlibrium 20.I like a relaxed posiition but dont know what bars to buy or what the differences are like compact etc.If anyone can educate me or put me in the correct direction to purchase,it would be highly appreciated.I am quite broad across the shoulders so recon I am a 44cm bars

 

[accountantpete]

Ergo bars have a relatively deep drop so that there is a noticeable transition from being on "the drops" to having your hands on "the hoods" or on "the flats" (the middle of the bar).

So they produced Shallow drop bars which cut down this difference but may be a bit uncomy to some.

Some shallow drop bars are also known as Compact bars.

Bars are measured either C to C or edge to edge - you should check.

As with most things in cycling you can only tell if the bars suit you through use and everyone will have their own idea on the perfect bar.

If you are going down the Retro route with the bike nothing less thn Cinelli bars will suffice.

 

[jackthelad]

Pete thanks for getting back to me and I think you read my mind
quite like the look of these bars, and they seem to be quite comfortable with routing for cables as well,what do you think a wise choice

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...Road-Cinelli-Vai-Palm-XL-318-Bars/CINEHBAS260

jackthelad

 

[Rob3rt]

I use those bars on my fixed ^^

They dont get great reviews on the net, but they are the nicest bars I have ever used. The reach is relativelly short, but they have a good amount of drop, and the drop area is all curved and has a considerable flat section to get a hold of, ergo bars are horrible when right on the ends of the drops, these are lovely.

The palm area is also quite comfy to rest your hands on, not great for grabbing hold of, but generally on the tops, you are just resting there.


Mine are 42cm. But the width that suits you would be dependent on your shoulder width and preference. You may need to get the tape measure out or go toa bike shop and hold some bars against your shoulders for width sizing.



Also be aware that these bars are oversize, i.e. 31.8mm clamping area, so make sure your stem is compatible.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I have just realised that I have soooooo much to relearn if I ever fancy tweaking my road bike

 

[007fair]

Building my first bike from stratch just got the frame at the moment. A Genesis Equlibrium 20.I like a relaxed posiition but dont know what bars to buy or what the differences are like compact etc.If anyone can educate me or put me in the correct direction to purchase,it would be highly appreciated.I am quite broad across the shoulders so recon I am a 44cm bars

I can't give you technicalities But my experience is this (hope it gives you some useful info)

I bought my Giant SCR2 a few years back second hand. Found the reach a bit too stretched even on the hoods and so bought a shorter more upright stem. Better but not perfect - especially on the drops

Since then my brother bought a Spesh Sectuer and I noticed that the handle bars were better than mine in a number of ways

Drop was shallower - so racing was not sore on neck
The distance from the stem to the hood was less
The hoods were higher - Relaxed touring position
The flat bit of the bars were oval - more comfortable to ride in that position
The stem was adjustable and reversable Which meant that you could change the style to suit (ie racing style for events, more upright for longer tours / days out etc)

 

[jackthelad]

guys thanks for the info I am taking it all onboard,I prefer a more upright position,now getting a bit older.I have also found that I had to change the stems on most of my road bikes to 90mm with a slight rise for more comfort,dont know if this helps to determine which bars to buy.I am also more on the hood than on the drops,apart from head on winds