Stem length and bar width

[Seevio]

I can't quite put my finger on it but it seems to me that on my road bike I am reaching too far forward with the bars too narrow. This of course may be psychological as I also ride a hybrid with wide bars.

So the question is, how much difference in stem length and bar width would I have to change to notice a difference? A quick net search suggests that as little as 10mm would make a noticeable difference for stem length but I would be interested to hear anecdotal evidence from CC members.

 

[Kajjal]

On my previous bike the bars had quite a long reach. My new bike has shorter reach and drop bars with similar frame geometry. I can now ride in the drops for as long as i want and overall the riding position suits me better. Stem on new bike is similar length and rise.

 

[outlash]

I had to change the bars on my Fratello as it's bars were too narrow. They made the handling a little skittish at speed and didn't feel comfortable at all.

 

[Ian H]

Rule-of-thumb for drop-bar width is that, on the drops or hoods, your arms should be parallel. A starting point for the distance of the bars from your saddle is perhaps an inch longer than from your elbow to fingertips.
Generally: longer and narrower for racing, shorter and wider for comfort/touring. But none of this is cast in stone.

 

[lpretro1]

If u come from a wider bar background then you'll prob find a slightly wider drop bar more comfortable - according to 'rules' I should ride a 40cm bar but I feel more comfortable on a 42cm cos I'm used to mtb bars

 

[MiK1138]

When i first got my bike it felt a bit cramped increased stem from 110mm to 130mm and it made all the difference