Handlebar advice please

wilwil

I don't have small hands but I don't feel that I can reach the levers properly when in the drops, which is making me reticent to use the drops, especially down hills. At the moment I'm using ITM Visia bars with Centaur 08 levers, are there anything bars I should look at to improve things? Or do I just need to get used to the fact that I should only be using the tips of my fingers for braking?

daniel_b

Could it not be something else such as stem length, or handlebar width?

I noticed a big difference when I changed 46cm bars for 42's, much more comfy.

Alternatively, I believe you can get women specific handlebars (Don't worry they are not pink!) which are designed with slightly smaller dimensions in mind, and I noticed quite a few cheapy bargains on ebay, including carbon, as most blokes ignore them.

Either that or it might be the style of the drop, I like the ones that aren't a continous curve, but have a diagonally angled section, where you can really fit our hand into it, before the flat section - if that makes sense - sorry, tricky to explain....

Dan

redddraggon

Look for compact bars.

FSA, Pro (Ribble and CRC have these), and 3T (ergonova or ergosum - can't remember) all do pretty good compact bars.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Triathlon/10/ ... 360036373/

Hit google and have a search.

gkerr4

redddraggon wrote:

Look for compact bars.

FSA, Pro (Ribble and CRC have these), and 3T (ergonova or ergosum - can't remember) all do pretty good compact bars.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Triathlon/10/ ... 360036373/

Hit google and have a search.

as above - I also (strangely) have the ITM visia bars with centaur 08 shifters - they are too long a 'reach' on the bars - I think they are 93mm - compact bars are closer to 75mm(ish) and will make a difference to how you use the levers - also the hoods will be closer to you.

I'm also looking for some new bars and can't quite decide on which ones (although I am being awkward and also looking for carbon bling!)

Gav888

So, are you not supposed to use your fingertips for braking? I always have, i can just about get 3 finger tips on the top part of the level whilst on the hoods for braking.... ive been wondered if that was correct or not for a while but never asked. :?